Elkmont Campground sits in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and its combination of a riverside setting, large sites, and a central location keeps campers coming back. The campground holds an average rating of 4.6 across 560 reviews, and much of the visitor feedback centers on the Little River, the trails nearby, and the quiet that comes with a no-hookup stay.
Elkmont Campground at a Glance
Elkmont Campground is listed as a campground at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its kiosk on Elkmont Campground Rd A in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 37738. The campground is associated with the America/New_York timezone, and its contact phone number is +1 865-430-5560. Reservations and details are managed through the Recreation.gov listing at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487, and a Google Maps location is available for the place. The source data describes the setting as being within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is consistent with visitor descriptions of a river flowing alongside the campground. A general amenities note lists public restrooms.
What Do Visitors Like About Elkmont Campground?
Visitors generally describe Elkmont Campground in positive terms, highlighting the riverside setting and the sound of the water as a standout feature. Several reviewers mention clean bathrooms, large sites, and helpful staff. At the same time, visitors frequently note the absence of showers and electricity, and one reviewer reported flooding at their site. The overall tone is enthusiastic, with many reviewers calling it their favorite campground despite the lack of hookups and cell service.
1. Riverside sites and the sound of the water
A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the appeal of sites along the Little River. Kee Vang described the river sites as incredible and said the sound of the river was the highlight of their stay, while Mark Mayer called sleeping with the stream in the background wonderful. David & Rachel M noted that riverfront sites are great. Rhonda S described the campground as located on a rushing rocky river, and Jody Gilliam noted that even without a river site, the camp is quiet enough that the sound can be heard from a distance.
2. No hookups, no showers, and limited services
Multiple reviewers point out that the campground has no electrical hookups, no water at sites, no septic, and no showers. Margarita Kalashnikova noted there are plenty of restroom buildings but no showers or electricity, and mentioned vending machines with water and snacks, ice for about $5, and firewood for $10. Ron Boudreau similarly described no power, no septic, no water at sites, and no showers, but noted toilets and sinks in the bathrooms. June S expressed a wish for showers available. D B noted the bathrooms are old with no soap.
3. Generator-free loops and quiet considerations
Kee Vang shared detailed generator guidance: loops A, B, L, M, and N are generator-free year-round, and they recommended targeting river sites within those loops. They described switching to a river site that turned out to be in a generator-permitted loop, where a neighbor's generator temporarily drowned out the river sound. Jody Gilliam noted that there is no electricity but generator hours run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Cleanliness, staff, and campground upkeep
Several reviewers praised the cleanliness and maintenance. F Marie described friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful rangers and clean bathrooms. Rhonda S said bathrooms and grounds were cleaned daily, and that hosts were kind and helpful. David Sutter compared Elkmont favorably to Smokemont, noting more room between sites and nicer bathrooms, while David & Rachel M said bathrooms were clean and dishwashing stations were convenient.
5. Location and access to the park and nearby towns
Reviewers often mention the campground's location inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kee Vang described it as a great starting point to access popular attractions before the day gets busy and after crowds head back toward Gatlinburg. Ron Boudreau listed Cades Cove 17 miles away, Gatlinburg 9 miles away, and Pigeon Forge 18 miles away, and noted that gates do not close, so late nights in Gatlinburg are possible. Mark Mayer mentioned waiting for the Laurel Falls trail to reopen.
6. Family use, wildlife, and quiet nights
Mountain Girl called it the best place to take kids. Mark Mayer and Jody Gilliam both mentioned seeing wild turkeys on site. Rhonda S described pitch-dark nights with amazing starry skies and no cell service, calling it a nice break, while Jody Gilliam noted no Verizon service and said service was available less than 10 miles away toward Sugarland. Laura Dunn shared a long history of camping there since infancy and described it as a summer home, though they also noted frustrations with ranger enforcement regarding children's activities.
Visitor Highlights
Paraphrased summary of what visitors mention most — not direct quotes.
Elkmont Campground is listed as a campground within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its kiosk address on Elkmont Campground Rd A in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 37738. The campground can be reached by phone at +1 865-430-5560, and its Recreation.gov page at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487 is the booking and information source. A general amenities note lists public restrooms, and visitor reviews expand on this: reviewers describe multiple restroom buildings with toilets and sinks, cleaned daily according to some accounts, and no showers or electricity. Some visitors mention vending machines with water and snacks, a camp store offering camping basics, dishwashing stations, and firewood and ice available for purchase, with prices varying by reviewer. Visitors report that there is no water or septic at individual sites and no cell service in the campground. Generator hours are described as 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and certain loops are described as generator-free year-round. The campground is in the America/New_York timezone.
Is Elkmont Campground Worth Visiting?
Elkmont Campground is worth considering for campers who prioritize a riverside setting, large sites, and access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park over full hookups. Visitor feedback suggests it suits tent campers, families, and those comfortable with primitive conditions, while those needing showers, electricity, or reliable cell service may find it less convenient. The 4.6 rating across 560 reviews reflects generally positive experiences, though reviewers also mention flooding and crowding at times.
What Are the Potential Limitations?
The source data does not establish current hours, seasonal closures, reservation availability, exact pricing, or real-time conditions such as water levels, road access, or wildlife activity. Visitor reviews reflect individual experiences at specific times and may not represent the campground year-round. Details such as firewood and ice prices vary across reviews and should be verified with the official source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elkmont Campground have showers or electrical hookups?
Based on visitor reviews, there are no showers and no electrical hookups at the sites. Reviewers describe restroom buildings with toilets and sinks, but no showers or electricity.
Are there generator-free loops at Elkmont Campground?
A reviewer stated that loops A, B, L, M, and N are generator-free year-round and recommended targeting river sites within those loops. Another reviewer noted generator hours run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Is there cell service at Elkmont Campground?
Reviewers report no cell service in the campground. One reviewer mentioned Verizon service is available less than 10 miles away toward Sugarland.
What is near Elkmont Campground?
Reviewers mention the Little River alongside the campground, nearby trails including the Little River trail, and distances to Cades Cove (17 miles), Gatlinburg (9 miles), and Pigeon Forge (18 miles), as described by one visitor.
How do I book a site at Elkmont Campground?
The campground is listed on Recreation.gov at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487, and the phone number is +1 865-430-5560. A reviewer suggested setting up availability alerts and being patient, as sites open up when people cancel.
Final Verdict
Elkmont Campground earns strong marks from many visitors for its riverside setting, large sites, and location inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 4.6 rating across 560 reviews reflects that enthusiasm, while reviewers also consistently note the absence of showers and electricity and occasional issues like flooding. It remains a well-regarded option for campers who value scenery and quiet over full amenities.
This review was compiled from information gathered from various public sources and visitor reviews, then organized into general informational content. Details may change and should be verified with the official source.
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60 de 60 afirmaciones (100%) están respaldadas directamente por los datos fuente, 0 son débiles y 0 no están verificadas.
