Elkmont Campground
Inside the park · 8 mi from Gatlinburg
220 sites along the Little River in the park's most popular corner. The classic Tennessee-side base and the only synchronous-firefly viewing site.
Price
$30–$36
per night
Booking
Books early
Type
Campground
You'll book on Recreation.gov. We don't handle reservations.
Score breakdown
Weighted from seven categories.
Why it scores this way
Elkmont scores well on family and value because it's easy to reach, has the Little River at its door, and stays reasonably comfortable. Booking is tough for the June firefly weeks.
See methodology →Best for
- First-time Smokies families
- Little River tubers
- Firefly-lottery winners
- Sugarland Mountain trail hikers
Good to know before booking
- Firefly lottery opens late April on Recreation.gov
- No hookups; RVs up to 40 ft in most loops
- Cold water tubing on the Little River
- Reservations open 6 months out
Best time to camp here
- Best months
- April – October
- Higher demand
- June – July, October leaf season
- Weather note
- Firefly weeks in late May/early June are a lottery.
Amenities
Essentials
- Toilets
Site features
- Firepits
- Picnic tables
Access & activities
- Trailhead access
- Ranger programs
Tags
Approximate location
Nearby alternatives
Three campgrounds close by, each with a different trade-off.
Data note. Scores are editorial estimates from published park data, amenity lists and seasonal booking patterns — not live availability. Booking availability shown on partner sites is authoritative.
Disclosure. CampingPoints may earn a commission when you book through some partner links. This never affects a campground's score or ranking.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Get alerts when top-rated spots open
We'll email you when high-score campsites become available.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.