Elkmont Campground

Elkmont Campground along the Little River, Great Smoky Mountains

Elkmont is the biggest and busiest campground in the Smokies — around 220 sites spread along the Little River just minutes from Gatlinburg. Riverside sites are the prize here: fall asleep to moving water and wake up in a green tunnel of hardwoods. It's the most central frontcountry base in the park and the famous spot for June's synchronous firefly show, when access is by lottery. Amenities are simple (flush toilets, cold water, a small camp store), but the location and the river make it the default first pick for many Smokies trips.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
Reservation Tips: Search 'Elkmont Campground' on Recreation.gov and book at the 6-month release (10 AM ET); riverside loops go first.
Season Dates: Open spring through late fall (seasonal; verify current dates on Recreation.gov)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
Reservation Tips: Search 'Elkmont Campground' on Recreation.gov and book at the 6-month release (10 AM ET); riverside loops go first.
Season Dates: Open spring through late fall (seasonal; verify current dates on Recreation.gov)
Fills Up Speed: The park's most in-demand campground — riverside sites and summer/fall weekends book fast
Per Night Cost: Approximately $25/night (verify current rate on Recreation.gov)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: Approximately 220
Site Types: Tent, RV (no hookups)
Hookups: None — dry camping only

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets
Showers Available: No showers — none anywhere in the park
Potable Water: Cold running water / spigots available
Camp Store: Small camp store on-site (seasonal)
Nearby Facilities: Gatlinburg, TN (~8 miles) for gas, groceries, dining, and paid showers.

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Active bear country. Store all food and scented items in your vehicle; never leave food unattended.
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leashed pets (6 ft max) allowed in the campground and on roads, not on most trails.
Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 6 AM (typical)

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Little River and Jakes Creek trailheads, the Elkmont Historic District, river wading, ranger programs
Trailheads Nearby: Little River Trail and Jakes Creek Trail start at the campground
Scenic Views: Little River runs through the campground; riverside sites are the most sought-after.
Best Time To Visit: Late spring through October; early June for the synchronous firefly event (lottery access).
Vibe Check: Large and social with a beautiful riverside setting — central and convenient, not a quiet retreat.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want the most central, river-side base near Gatlinburg. ❌ SKIP IF: You want solitude, hookups, or showers.
Tips Advice: Aim for a riverside site — worth booking exactly 6 months out.
June's synchronous fireflies use a separate lottery; plan ahead.
No showers in the park; Gatlinburg is closest.
Bear country — all food in the car.

More details

Park Area: Elkmont / Gatlinburg side (Tennessee)
Family Friendly Notes: Synchronous firefly event in June (lottery access); ranger programs available; river wading and trails; Elkmont Historic District; proximity to Gatlinburg attractions
Review Summary: Reviewers rank Elkmont among the park's favorites for its riverside sites and central location near Gatlinburg, and it is the hardest campground to book. The trade-offs campers mention are its size and busyness and, of course, no showers.