Campgrounds
Elkmont Campground
434 Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located eight miles from Gatlinburg at an elevation of 2,150 feet. The facility provides 200 tent and RV campsites with paved driveways and gravel tent pads, plus 20 walk-in tent sites for backpackers. Nine ADA-accessible sites feature wheelchair-accessible infrastructure including wide concrete driveways, raised fire rings, and accessible picnic tables. The campground sits adjacent to Little River and Jakes Creek, providing immediate access to fishing, water recreation, and multiple hiking trail systems.
Elkmont serves as a gateway to the park's interior with nearby trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail accessible from the campground. The popular Laurel Falls Trail provides access to an 80-foot waterfall. Reservations operate on a 6-month rolling window through Recreation.gov, with high demand especially during spring firefly season.
Common Questions
How many campsites does Elkmont have?
The campground provides 200 tent and RV campsites with paved driveways and gravel tent pads, plus 20 walk-in tent sites, with 9 ADA-accessible locations.
What water recreation is available?
Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering fishing opportunities, swimming holes, and water recreation access for campers.
What hiking trails are nearby?
Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, Elkmont Nature Trail, and the popular Laurel Falls Trail with an 80-foot waterfall are accessible from the campground.
How do I reserve a site?
Reservations are made through Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling window. Elkmont is especially popular during spring firefly season, requiring advance booking.