Elkmont Campground
35.6588, -83.5827 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Elkmont Campground is the closest family campground to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the North District of the park. At 2,150 feet (655 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
- Every day
- All Day
Elkmont Campground closes seasonally. See exceptions for exact dates of operation.
- Closed · Nov 29, 2026 – Apr 3, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Camping Fee is per site, per night.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Campsite reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Firewood for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Ice for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 35 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 32 ft
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible. Accessible paths to restrooms and parking areas.
Ten accessible campsites. Restrooms are accessible.
Fires are permitted only in established fire rings provided at each campsite.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
This campground is in the mountains and weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. Be prepared with layers and rain gear in all seasons.
All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be sealed in a vehicle or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or as otherwise directed, at all times when not in use. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings. You may collect dead and downed wood in the park for campfires. Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park. Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am. Generator use is prohibited 8 pm-8 am. Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. You may have up to six people per campsite. No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces. All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.
Elkmont Campground is a heavily forested area with a variety of tree species, both evergreen and deciduous. Depending on the time of year, you may find yourself surrounded by complete greenery or various stages of fall colors. Many sites sit along the river and others fall along the forest edge.
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Drive to Elkmont Campground
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