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.
✅ BOOK IF: You want the most central, river-side base near Gatlinburg. ❌ SKIP IF: You want solitude, hookups, or showers.
Tent, RV (no hookups)
Little River runs through the campground; riverside sites are the most sought-after.
Late spring through October; early June for the synchronous firefly event (lottery access).
Large and social with a beautiful riverside setting — central and convenient, not a quiet retreat.
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.
Tent, RV (no hookups)
Little River and Jakes Creek trailheads, the Elkmont Historic District, river wading, ranger programs
Recreation.gov (Booking: 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET)
Pets Allowed - Leashed pets (6 ft max) allowed in the campground and on roads, not on most trails.
" 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."
It's the park's most popular campground. Book at the 6-month release, especially for riverside sites and summer/fall weekends.
The early-June firefly viewing at Elkmont is managed by a separate lottery — a campground reservation alone does not guarantee access.
No. Flush toilets and cold running water only; no showers and no hookups anywhere in the park.
Yes, there are RV-suitable sites but no hookups. Check site lengths on Recreation.gov before booking a larger rig.
Yes. Store all food in your vehicle and keep your site clean; bears are active throughout the park.
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