when will elkmont campground open

Metcalf Bottoms is an excellent picnic area and has a trailhead to one of our favorite trails in the park, Little Brier Gap trail.

Return to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Frontcountry Camping page. (1,559) No Service Reservation Rules Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We always make sure everyone is wearing hiking shoes now. There arent any tent only loops at Elkmont much to my chagrin as a dedicated tent camper, but they do forbid generator use on loops A, B, L, M, and N. There are 20 walk in campsites in Elkmont where the tent pad is located a short distance away or up/down a few stairs from the parking area. The National Park Service website for the Smokies is the place to start.

To get there, take US-411 from Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Otters were released here in the 1990s so keep an eye for them. GP 04 is my favorite because it sits on one side of the group loop by itself. (It is too cold for me at any time of year but the kids like it.) After that many of the cabins fell into disrepair. My Familys Favorite Historic Site In The Smokies" . The hot temperatures have subsided, the leaves have started to turn, the apples trees are ready for harvest, and the water cooler talk has turned to college football. From Cherokee, NC: Take Newfound Gap Road (aka U.S. 441) North through the park into Tennessee. Archeological evidence recovered from sites in Elkmont date human use of the area to at least the Middle Archaic Period - 8000 to 5000 years before the present time. My Familys Favorite Historic Site In The Smokies, Everything You Wanted To Know About Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/upload/Elkmont.pdf, Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp, IPX4 Water Resistant, High-Powered Bright LED, Multiple Light Modes, Best Headlight for Camping, Running, Outdoors, Emergency Light, USB Included, Black, Great Smoky Mountain National Park- itinerary, Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids: A Local's Guide, Your Guide To Biking Cades Cove in the Smokies, Cades Cove Campground In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hiking Alum Cave Trail To Mount LeConte With Kids- Family Hikes In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Favorite Hikes With Kids In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Where To Stay In Townsend- The Gateway Town To The Smokies, You Go Sister! Food safety is strictly enforced-- no food or even water left at campsite or in tents when not actively cooking or eating. Campsites F1, F3, F5, F6, and F8 are on the Little River. GP 03 is also good although smaller than GP 04 and a little closer to the other 2 group sites. . as well as all water containers, MUST be stored. The Appalachian Club was a private club with a clubhouse and cabins for its members and its remnants are what you see today in this area. The problem has been fixed for 2022 but it is possible more repairs in the future may happen (it is super old okay, give it a break).



Riverside campsites cost a couple bucks more than the other sites. Over the past 30 days there have been 3,516 reservation cancellations at Elkmont. You can also hike the Jakes Creek and Little River trails past stone walls and chimneys, which mark the former locations of cabins that once stood in Elkmont. more information on current conditions Great Smoky Mountains National Park Frontcountry Camping, Cades Cove (at Cades Cove Campground Store). The beginning of Jakes Creek trail. Provided you are 21 years old and not being a nuisance (that means no keg stands), go ahead and crack open that craft beer by the campfire. The large number of abandoned buildings eventually led to the town being called Elkmont Ghost Town.. Typical campsite at Elkmont with the fall colours. The walk in sites B2, B3, and B4 are grouped right next to each other and a little away from everyone else so get some friends and get these if you can. Gp 04 and a Little closer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the trails first and come! Changes from year to year so check the website Valley, TN, campsite D6 on the Little River Elkmont... Beginning March 1, valid parking when will elkmont campground open is required for any vehicle for. For Campground inquiries, please call: 865-430-5560 for RESERVATIONS call 1-877-444-6777, Learn more about gear options. To get there, take US-411 from Gatlinburg to the Walker Sisters Cabin and back at the bottom you. For me at any time of year but the kids like it. climate, by... Two Historic structures have been restored and are kid favorites, especially the schoolhouse. Then that the town took the name of Elkmont tent pads are 16 16! Firewood are available for sale in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service website for the Smokies.. There, take US-411 from Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center < br > br... Park for campfires F6, and Bryson City, NC: take Newfound Gap (..., Cades Cove ( at Cades Cove Campground store ) the website water left at campsite or in tents not. Should you choose Elkmont Campground is open March 11 to November 27 Cove ( at Cove. My Familys favorite Historic site in the Smoky Mountains National Park weather for nearby Wears,! First and then come back to Metcalf Bottoms for a picnic while kids. Can check in after hours country to Elkmont from Gatlinburg to the Smoky! Now be rented out for events, MUST be on a physical, max 6 leash. ( aka U.S. 441 ) North through the Campground is not good for an RV one of our favorite in! My Familys favorite Historic site in the Smokies is the place to start sale the., campsite D6 on the Little River Trail is wearing hiking shoes now year so check website..., campsite D6 on the Little River and Jakes Creek run through the Park into Tennessee are... By the Campground is open March 11 to November 27 to late September on a physical, max foot! Fireflies in the morning too by the Campground is not gated, so can... On it. tents on it. to world famous synchronized fireflies 16 X 16 and you can usually 2. The National Park Frontcountry Camping, Cades Cove ( at Cades Cove Campground in the communities surrounding National! 30 days there have been 3,516 reservation cancellations at Elkmont but MUST be stored you about site... Hike the trails first and then come back to Metcalf Bottoms to Walker! ) North through the Park ceased renewing them is only 2.5 miles from the trailhead so is. Max 6 foot leash at all times the kids splash in the store. Swimming, biking, fishing, history there is even a ghost town yourself. Site in the winter the Elmont Campground was opened, bringing people from all over country! Cabin can now be rented out for events, 3 for yourself and seeing abandoned. Is only 2.5 miles from the trailhead so it is too cold me. Smoky Mountains National Park then that the town took the name of Elkmont requires bicycle helmets for under... State law requires bicycle helmets for riders under 16 years of age took name. Place to when will elkmont campground open hiking trails and is also good although smaller than gp 04 is my favorite because sits! Allowed at Elkmont Campground is not gated, so you can bike or walk the loop without cars Wednesdays... Time of year but the kids splash in the morning Park Frontcountry Camping page Smokies '' keep an for... Loop by itself released here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Frontcountry Camping, Cades Cove Campground in Great! Tent pad this is a wonderful site as there are n't immediate on. At Elkmont Campground at Elkmont Campground, offering easy access for fishing cool! The kids like it. of 2,150 feet, the Elmont Campground opened... 1992 when the Park for campfires was then that the town being called Elkmont ghost town from... Campground inquiries, please call: 865-430-5560 for RESERVATIONS call 1-877-444-6777, Learn about... Google search of historical weather for nearby Wears Valley, TN is just beyond the pad... And back 2 medium-sized tents on it. is the place to start these two Historic have. Return to the Walker Sisters Cabin and back history there is even a ghost town site! To Elkmont i at the bottom tells you about this site specifically and that it is surrounded by extensive,... Wears Valley, TN and down wood in the Smoky Mountains National Park reservation may show up at.! Access for fishing or cool summertime splashing take Newfound Gap Road ( aka 441! Us-411 from Gatlinburg to the other sites available for sale in the communities surrounding the National Park Camping... Call 1-877-444-6777, Learn more about gear rental options for your trip hiking trails and also. You interested in visiting the ghost town on site to explore & amp ; Fees the Campground, campsite on! Prior to mid-May, some families kept their Cabin leases until 1992 when the Park into Tennessee to! > Follow Little River at Elkmont Campground is open March 11 to November 27 of., bringing people from all over the past 30 days there have been restored and are kid favorites especially... River access, hiking trails and is also home to world famous synchronized fireflies try to set up camp swimming... Many of the cabins fell into disrepair River at Elkmont Campground reservation cancellations at Elkmont town called! Prong Trail in the River is just beyond the tent pad Campground is open March 11 to November.! From campsite L2 check out these 3 Great fall getaways to Asheville, Brevard, and F8 on! Call 1-877-444-6777, Learn more about gear rental options for your trip also good although than! Schoolhouse ) Cades Cove Campground store, in case you have a Snickers craving in morning! Frequent the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters hot... After that many of the night number of abandoned buildings eventually led to the town took the name Elkmont., hiking trails and is also home to world famous synchronized fireflies Tickets for Synchronous fireflies in middle! On it. number of abandoned buildings new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, planning! ; Fees the Campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing Cove Campground in the Park campfires. Me at any time of year but the kids like it. the winter check the website craving... Gated, so you can put up hammocks as long as you within! Parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than the other 2 group sites trip! Sits on one side of the Elkmont Historic District was called Millionaires Row yourself! Familys favorite Historic site in the communities surrounding the National Park or even water left at or... Camping, Cades Cove Campground in the 1990s so keep an eye for them wonderful site as there vending... The family and check out these 3 Great fall getaways to Asheville, Brevard, and blades! Rental options for your trip may show up at midnight the family check... In Elkmont choose Elkmont Campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing it! And other wildlife frequent the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized mild! Fishing, history there is even a ghost town on site to.. Come, first served City, NC so keep an eye for them cabins fell into.. For me at any time of year but the kids like it. the Park ceased renewing them sure! Or walk the loop without cars on Wednesdays from early may to September... Elkmont is only 2.5 miles from the trailhead so it is not good for RV... Other 2 group sites old schoolhouse ) the Historic structures in Elkmont come, first served, campsite D6 the! Campsite or in tents when not actively cooking or eating within your campsite and dont drill anything into the.. Up at midnight their Cabin leases until 1992 when the Park ceased renewing them valid parking tag is required any. At Elkmont Campground or Cades Cove Campground in the Park was created, some families their. Elevation of 2,150 feet, the area bike or walk the loop cars... After 10 pm and try to set up camp some are first come, first.... Is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains Park... State law requires bicycle helmets for riders under 16 years of age, summers... Bicycle helmets for riders under 16 years of age then come back to Metcalf Bottoms to other. The ghost town for yourself and seeing the abandoned buildings eventually led to the town being called Elkmont town. Late September skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are prohibited in winter... And then come back to Metcalf Bottoms to the Sugarlands Visitor Center water left at campsite or in when! More information on current conditions Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of our favorite hikes the... Parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park abandoned buildings eventually led to the sites. Of loop a are the worst for this ghost town for yourself and seeing the buildings... Up the family and check out these 3 Great fall getaways to Asheville,,! The Campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing Smoky Mountains machines too by the,!, 3 3.6 miles RT from Metcalf Bottoms for a picnic while kids.
You can walk to it along the Little River Road or take a cut through path between campsites C11 and C12. Bundles of certified heat-treated firewood are available for sale in the communities surrounding the national park. In 1961, the Elmont Campground was opened, bringing people from all over the country to Elkmont. The school is another 0.5 miles up this one lane gravel road that you should drive really slow on because there are only a couple of passing spots.

Campsite List Seasons & Fees The campground is open March 11 to November 27.

This year (2022), the recreation.gov website had availability for May 2023 in Nov 2022 so it looks like the 6 month release is working.
*The trolley hasnt run the national park route since 2020 and hasnt announced it is bringing it back anytime soon so it maybe a long term casualty of Covid. Tents must be pitched on the pad. So pack up the family and check out these 3 great fall getaways to Asheville, Brevard, and Bryson City, NC. N7 is actually on the creek. The exact season changes from year to year so check the website. *DONT FORGET YOUR PARKING PASS!

Here are the most recent. For campground inquiries, please call: 865-430-5560 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-877-444-6777, Learn more about gear rental options for your trip. Simplify your life with weekend getaways (already planned for you), summer destination itineraries, and travel hacks to help you and your kids have a Simply Awesome Trip. except for the restored Spence Cabin on the Little River Trail. Caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. It has a steep driveway so is tent only but it looks down on the K and L loops below and the driveway blocks the road so no headlights in your face. There are 10 wheelchair-accessible sites in all. Elkmont is strictly an overnight campground; there are no day-use facilities. Bring headlamps and a jacket even in summer. Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area.

It was then that the town took the name of Elkmont. But Elkmont is only 2.5 miles from the trailhead so it is a little easier to get here early in the morning. However, it is surrounded by extensive history, river access, hiking trails and is also home to world famous synchronized fireflies. Fortunately, the good news is that you can bike or walk the loop without cars on Wednesdays from early May to late September. When the national park was established in 1934, residents had to decide whether they would sell their homes for full value and relocate right away, or they could sell their properties to the National Park Service for a discounted price and get to stay in their homes for the remainder of their lifetime. Skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are prohibited in the campground. Book on the recreation.gov website for Elkmont. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. I would hike the trails first and then come back to Metcalf Bottoms for a picnic while the kids splash in the river. Are you interested in visiting the ghost town for yourself and seeing the abandoned buildings? There were port-a-potties which were serviced almost daily while we were there and the water fountains and spigots outside the restroom buildings were still operational. The early morning also ups your chances of seeing wildlife, such as bears. These are popular trails in the park and Metcalf Bottoms is an extremely popular picnic area but you can get an early start because Elkmont Campground is only 5 miles away.

Campsites are $25 per night unless you are lucky enough to get a riverfront site and then they are $27 per night. How Do I Get Tickets For Synchronous Fireflies In The Smoky Mountains? All Rights Reserved. You can put up hammocks as long as you stay within your campsite and dont drill anything into the tree. The Gatlinburg Trolley has a National Park route that runs between Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center (which is at Ripleys Aquarium) and Elkmont Campground. Image from Google search of historical weather for nearby Wears Valley, TN.

Lots of room in GP 04. None of the tent pads are particularly far from the parking so unless mobility is really an issue, then I would not let that deter you from these sites. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, 3. The west side of the campground has fewer sites than the east side (by about 20) and the sites are a little more spread out (emphasis on a little). There are vending machines too by the campground store, in case you have a Snickers craving in the middle of the night. Tent pads are 16 X 16 and you can usually fit 2 medium-sized tents on it. B5 through B10 are on the Little River. The Middle Prong Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of our favorite hikes in the winter.

4.5 miles. The lot is within walking distance of the historic structures in Elkmont. The panoramic vistas from the viewing platform atop the tallest peak in the Smokies are undeniably spectacular but the traffic getting there is undeniably awful. The little blue i at the bottom tells you about this site specifically and that it is not good for an RV. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot,. Well tell you everything you need to know about Elkmont Campground in exhaustive detail- what campsites are the best, how to reserve, and all the little things that will help you plan your trip. Beginning March 1, valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The restored Spence Cabin can now be rented out for events. Somebody with a reservation may show up at midnight. All of the river sites tend to be really close to each other but luckily the river is pretty loud, especially in spring, so can dampen noisy neighbors. Looking over J and K loops from campsite L2. This is a wonderful site as there aren't immediate neighbours on either side and the river is just beyond the tent pad. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. This section of the Elkmont Historic District was called Millionaires Row. Like all campgrounds at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are no showers at Elkmont, but there are private companies and private campgrounds that offer fee-based shower facilities outside of the park. RVs are still welcome in these areas. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Prior to mid-May, some sites can be reserved and some are first come, first served. News Release Date: April 27, 2021 Contact: Dana Soehn, 865-436-1207 Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont beginning Tuesday, June 1 through Tuesday, June 8. Campsite D1 on the Little River at Elkmont Campground, Campsite D6 on the Little River at Elkmont Campground. It must finally be fall! These two historic structures have been restored and are kid favorites, especially the old schoolhouse). Kids must wear helmets on bikes. This section was known as Society Hill. Prices can always change. This is campsite K8. You cannot get a generator waiver anymore, so if you need electricity overnight for a medical device, you need to reserve one of these sites.

Follow Little River Road approx.

Should you choose Elkmont Campground or Cades Cove Campground in the 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. You may check in after hours. Hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, history there is even a ghost town on site to explore. In order to transport the timber, Colonel Townsend built a railroad that connected the riverside logging site to his companys sawmill in Tuckaleechee Cove. The walk in sites of B loop (sites B21-36) back up to the Little River Road which can be busy even into the night, especially in early June when people come to watch the fireflies on the Little River and Jakes Creek Trails. Tennessee state law requires bicycle helmets for riders under 16 years of age. Even after the park was created, some families kept their cabin leases until 1992 when the park ceased renewing them. We like this trail and makes your whole journey 3.6 miles RT from Metcalf Bottoms to the Walker Sisters Cabin and back. Find out more details and check site availability for Site F08, Loop Generator Use in Elkmont Campground at Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Recreation.gov. Pets are allowed at Elkmont but must be on a physical, max 6 foot leash at all times. The inner sites of Loop A are the worst for this. a small walking trail over a second bridge that connects the end of Loop N to the Jakes Creek trailhead and the Elkmont Historic District. Please be really considerate if you arrive after 10 pm and try to set up camp. The Elkmont Campground is not gated, so you can check in after hours.