I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont. I was able to hang my hammock right next to the river to enjoy my naps and morning coffee 🥰 also close to the bathrooms and entrance/exit to the campground. Close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and many of the main attractions in the park.

No cell service in the campground or nearby.

We stayed in late august and i was a bit worried that it might be too crowded but it wasnt at all. We had a few neighbors but everyone was friendly and kept to themselves. I was also worried because other reviews said that the camp spots were close together, and some of them were. It all just depends what camp spot you choose. Also there are no showers, just restrooms. Overall the campground was absolutely beautiful and listening to the river at night was very relaxing.

Elkmont is right here n the National Park. Close to great hiking and occasional wildlife. Bears have been extra active this year, and rangers advise taking extra precautions. All National Park campgrounds are primitive, so no water, or electric. Put toilets and no showers. There is a dump station near the Sugarland Visitor Center. There are several camping loops, Most sites can accommodate a 20-30 ft motor home or travel trailer. A few sites can use a generator if you need it, but Some loops are reserved for no generator camping.

The campground is in a good location to many areas. The sites are a little close to each other but that understandable for that large of a campground. The thing that was a drag was no one was ever in the office and no ice or wood was available.

Perfect campground by the river. Spacious sites decently separated, super friendly host, several hiking trails starting right around the corner. We had two wonderful nights here and would recommend the campground to anyone looking for a quiet stay in Smoky Mountain NP.

No showers and portable toilets for camper use. Not a big deal for me, but I know some might prefer another campground as a result. Active barred owls in the campground. Quite a treat watching them.

I stumbled upon Elkmont about 15 years ago and I completely fell in love. I’ve spent many nights under the Elkmont stars and imaging what it must’ve been like living in that small, mountain railroad town. All the history there and seeing what once were peoples homes has a strange yet intriguing vibe to it. There are great trails not far from the campground. It’s quiet and peaceful. And it’s nice not having cellular service as it’s an unnecessary distraction. Go back in time in Elkmont. It’s unlike any campground I’ve ever been.

We had an absolute blast reserving two spots G03-G04 which were right on the river, and right across from the bathrooms and water fountains. The bathrooms were being worked on, so they were using a Royal Room Trailer that was clean, cool, and smell free. The water fountain was awesome and clean as well. Our sites were great, and the fire pits have a cooking grate, where we used our cast iron skillets and aluminum foil-wrapped potatoes. There are plenty of trees for tarping over your sites, should it rain, but the sites are a little close to all your neighbors. No worries though, as the rushing river water drowns out most noises. We will definitely be back!

I love Elkmont because of the River...and we were finally able to get a reservation on the River (B09) and I’m shocked to say I won’t stay on the River again. River spots are closer together and talking over the roaring is difficult at times. Gorgeous but loud. Waste water system was being worked on so Port-o-Potties were setup where each bathroom was. Inconvenient, but they were cleaned and pumped out each day which made it tolerable. Concessions stand doesn’t open until May. This campground remains a favorite of mine, but our trip was not what I had expected it to be this time. Will 100% go back and I think everyone should stay there at least once.

Walked, hiked and toured the Elkmont area and campground in the Smoky Mountains. Campground not yet open but have spots picked out next to heavy flowing streams. Great history as old time cabins have been preserved. Read about the history of this little now abandon town. Some stuff it’s haunted. Awesome day here.

Walking distance to light hiking. Very clean campgrounds. They even have a small house with running water to clean your kitchen pots and pans etc. There is a water refill station and plenty of bear approved garbage bins. Fishing is open year-round. Rhododendrum‘s bloom In June. We had a great experience!

Best Campground in The Great Smokies National Park! Sites are private, most are very wooded, they have tables, fire rings and usually paved tent pads. The showers are nice and clean and the river runs right through the campground so many sites are next to it and the sound is WONDERFUL!!!!

My wife and I went for our 5th anniversary. The campground is great and within a mile or 2 of a lot of trail heads in the Smokies. It was beautiful in October, but if you go in peak season I would recommend staying in the national park due to the insane amounts of traffic getting into Gatlinburg.

Quiet campsite run by NPS. Beautiful in the fall. Great fire pit and gravel elevated platform for tents and activities

Awesome spot. Sites our spread out, awesome nearby hiking and a short drive to town. If you camp here, take advantage of the hiking. Tons of cool things to see!

This place is awesome!!! We stayed 3 nights so we could hike the surrounding trails! Loved learning about the history of the area while checking out the old cabins. The park ranger were helpful and even told me about the Avent cabin that is a little off trail. Hiked around 30 miles and got to see my first bear in the wild!

Camping at Elkmont was amazing! Our site was perfect! Spacing from other campsites was good. Due to last minute booking we were not able to grab a river spot but we were happy with our spot anyways. Trees are great for hammocking as well!

I LOVE everything about Elkmont. We stayed at campsite A16 it was perfect with a wee little stream behind our site. When we arrive I noticed a Owl chillin in the trees, I watched a while hin for a while, while I un packed our things. Then later that evening our camp neighbors came over and said there were a family of owls who flew around and watched over ever one. From our site we walked to the main part of the river, but preferred our site to the main river. I definatly cant wait to go back. Oh and the dish washing area is super cute & very clean too!

We wanted to see the Elkmont Historic Cabins and were not disappointed!  Most the the cabins are open so you an walk through them!

However, the campground left lots to be desired!  We were in the 'G' area and the facilities were disgusting, there was no privacy between sites and there was a dog being allowed to bark nonstop.  No wifi at all.  Gatlinburg was a nightmare of tourista crap and crowds of people without masks.  Few places to eat outside of that downtown area where we did not want to venture. Wanted to go see Pigeon Forge, but were put off by what was happening in Gatlinburg.

This was my first National Park campground experience - it was packed but I still felt like we had privacy and space from other campers. Firewood and other basics were available at the camp store at the entrance. Every bathroom has a dish washing sink- no showers, no electric. A majestic owl landed above our site- great experience!

We camped overnight here in order to visit the Elkmont Historic area. Very interesting story of cabins that were bought out in order to create Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We were in a campervan and were in section G - heavily wooded but pretty quiet. Restrooms were absolutely gross - and I checked 3 of them. Flush toilets, no showers, no way to dry hands. Yuck. Most people brought their own facilities..... Gatlenberg is nearby but is a super-crowded, over-the-top tourist area with tons of souvenir stores, ziplines, etc. - not our thing at all (and no one wearing masks)

Camped here with a large group spread over two campsites. We pitched tents right by the water which was awesome. It was quiet, but there wasn't much separation between campsites and often found other campers just people-watching the entire trip.

With Gatlinburg nearby, and the overall size of the campgrounds, it felt very touristy and not like a typical camping trip. While we had fun, we probably would not return for these two reasons.

Elkmont is a 40 minute drive from Clingman's Dome, which was, as one of my friends put it "the greatest experience i've had camping, ever". Great trails to be found all over the place, too.

No cell service available, which was also great, if you care about that.

Great in winter which is normally closed but Cades cove is closed so I got to stay in campground and it was quite compared to summer. Summer time you have shuttle that runs to Gatlinburg so you don’t have to drive. Hiking great too.

When visiting Gatlinburg and camping this is a great spot! Close to town and you can take the trolley in if you like. Cool down in the river or go for a scenic drive.

Great large sectioned campsites with beautiful tree coverage. The campsite are spaced far enough away from each other that you nearly feel alone they have great pads for putting up the tent. Bathrooms are clean and easily accessible around the campground. The sound of running water from the river can be heard throughout the campground. This campground is centrally located to great hikes Laurel Falls, Charlie’s Bunion. It is a easy drive into Gatlinburg and the visitors center.

Spent 4 nights here; Really beautiful misty campground! It's located right near Gatlinburg so it's a short drive to town to grab whatever you need. Walmarts and supermarkets are located outside of Gatlinburg. Campground is pretty open and dog friendly! Has an outdoor sink and bathrooms but no showers. There's a lovely and very cold creek to go walking or swimming in. Elkmont has an open layout so you can see your neighbors there's trees all around, during sunset and sunrise hours you can see the sun peaking out of the branches and misty air low on the ground it's breathtaking!! Laurel falls is a fun hike nearby that leads to a nice waterfall you can waddle around in. Definitely a family friendly environment as well! Each campsite has a fire pit, bench, water hook-up to bring your own supply, and a paved out center to put your tent on. Try NOT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT no street lights of course in the mountains and roads are very loopey so be careful.

Elkmont is awesome! We loved camping on the river and listening to it roar at night helped to put us to sleep. I loved the location in the mountains as it is both close to trails and close to Gatlinburg! (I wish the national parks could have showers)

Elkmont is set in an absolutely stunning setting. The tent site were large and very clean with the sound of rapids coming from the nearby river. There were multiple bathrooms available which were clean and well maintained. It is centrally located for multiple stunning hikes i.e. Laurel Falls, Charlie’s Bunion and Clingmans Dome. It is also a short drive from Gatlinburg.

Even with out loops bathroom under renovation it was a great experience. You are in the middle of everything.

My old college roommate and I took a camping trip here and brought his golden retriever. It was a great little campground. All of the staff were very helpful and friendly.