Group SiteElkmont Group Campground
Four tent-only group sites for 15-30 campers in the Smokies. Reserve early - there are only four of them.

Abrams Creek Campground is a remote, secluded mountain retreat beside a clear creek at 1,125 feet elevation. You get 16 well-spaced sites—4 tent-only on pads, 12 RV-compatible, though large rigs aren't recommended due to the narrow, windy approach. Flush toilets and water are seasonal (May through October only), and there are no hookups, showers, or cell service. This is true backcountry camping for folks who embrace rustic.
✅ BOOK IF: Tent campers seeking genuine solitude and willing to rough it. Hikers eyeing Abrams Falls or multi-day treks. Small RV/compact camper owners comfortable with no hookups. Anyone happy to disconnect from cell service. ❌ SKIP IF: Large RV/trailer owners (approach road won't cooperate), those needing showers or laundry, hookup expectations, cell phone dependency, or discomfort with seasonal amenities.
Tent, RV
Abrams Creek and surrounding forest. Mountain ridges visible from valley. Intimate creek-valley beauty.
Abrams Falls trailhead (on-site), Cades Cove Loop Road (scenic 11-mile drive with historic homesteads), Cable Mill Historic Area, Townsend park entrance
Good for families who enjoy nature. Remote creek setting provides scenic backdrop. No playground facilities. Abrams Falls trail nearby is family-accessible. Teach kids bear awareness; don't let them wander from camp alone.
May and September-early October: mild weather, fewer bugs, manageable crowds. Avoid peak July-August.
Approach road is unpaved, narrow, and windy—not ideal for large RVs. Once you arrive, parking is on level, compacted ground. Tent sites have provided pads; RV sites accommodate compact campers. Bring your own firewood or gather dead wood. Plan for creek rinse or minimal hygiene facilities.
This is forest camping, not a parking lot. Sites are tucked into deciduous and evergreen trees with solid privacy between neighbors. You'll hear creek sounds and bird calls—no highway noise. Very intimate, very quiet. True solitude.
Zero showers and zero laundry on-site. Creek bathing is possible in warm months, but water is cold year-round. Waterless hygiene is realistic, or plan a resupply run to Tallassee or Gatlinburg.
Campers praise the remote, creek-side setting and solitude. Seasonal amenities require planning but add to rustic charm. Popular with tent campers and small RV owners seeking a genuine backcountry experience.
Tent, RV
Hiking to Abrams Falls (trailhead at camp), creek exploring, ranger-led programs (seasonal), bird watching, wildflower viewing in spring
Recreation.gov (Booking: Up to 6 months in advance)
No Pets Allowed
" Campers praise the remote, creek-side setting and solitude. Seasonal amenities require planning but add to rustic charm. Popular with tent campers and small RV owners seeking a genuine backcountry experience."
Trailers up to 12 feet fit fine. Large RVs are not recommended due to the narrow, windy approach road. Compact campers and Class B RVs manage well on-site.
Yes, reservations are required and must be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. The 16 sites fill quickly during peak season, especially May-June and September-October.
Yes, black bears are active year-round at Abrams Creek. Store all food, scented items, and trash sealed in your vehicle. Maintain 100 yards distance if you encounter a bear.
Neither. No shower facilities or laundry room on-site. Plan for waterless hygiene or a trip to Tallassee/Gatlinburg. Creek bathing is cold but possible in warm months.
No cell service and no WiFi. Download offline maps before arrival and inform someone of your trip plans. The remoteness is part of the appeal.
May 9 through October 24. Gates are closed and toilets shut down November through May. Seasonal water and toilet facilities operate during open months only.
Yes, in good weather. All vehicles manage it fine, but drive carefully—the road is narrow and windy. Heavy rain or snow may impact access. Not high-clearance required.
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