My favorite campground at Smoky Mountain National Park
Positioned closest to Gatlinburg, Elkmont Campground is one of the easiest campgrounds to navigate in when it comes to wider roads and more widespread campsites. I had seen someone else review this site and loved what they said so much I had to myself go and make it one of my overnights, and oh was I happy I did!
The Smoky Mountains are to big to really navigate all from one camp area. Roads are narrow and windy and on busy days you hardly can accomplish even a couple things of interest on your list. You find yourself having to backtrack each night if you commit to a stay in a single location. So for my midway point this campground made it a great stop to be central to the big visitor center and numerous hiking stops.
My site had a nice tent pad next to my picnic table and grill area. It was not the biggest of the sites at the location but plenty large enough for me, and not far from the restroom, which is a personal preference ( I don't like to wander around in the dark for long distances because of animals).
This site didn't have any of the bells and whistles, so without those it takes a lot to make something my favorite. What pushed me over the top with it? The cleanliness and the staff. Despite being one of the busiest campgrounds it was also very well maintained. Everything was in great condition from my table to the site itself, no stray weeds or anything.
Cell service wasn't great for me here, but then again in all the Smoky Mountains I cruised around with pretty much 1 bar or less. That would normally raise a little concern because I like to for safety drop a pin so people know where I am, but with the presence of park rangers I felt safe. They patrol all evening.
TIPS:
Sites are booked in advance through recreation.gov so make sure you book, during nice weather this place is very busy, even during the week.
Remember to lock your food in your car, this is bear country and they do not encourage you to entice the bears into camp!!