ELKMONT CAMPGROUND
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Recreation The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
35.65876, -83.58274
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:16 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Gatlinburg, TN.
Today
83°F
Mostly Sunny
1% rain · wind 5 mph
Tonight
69°F
Partly Cloudy
2% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Friday
83°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
44% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Friday Night
69°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
38% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Saturday
79°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
89% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Saturday Night
68°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
89% rain · wind 0 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
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