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. This is one of the big complaints on TripAdvisor so I thought I would keep mentioning it so people arent surprised when they get to the campground. All that remains of the cabins along Jakes Creek. Short but powerful afternoon thunderstorms in the summer are very common. The campground is the largest and busiest campground in the park. Elkmont used to be open year- round but is now only open April/ May- Oct/ Nov. Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Even outside of the official festival, people drive themselves to the Little River and Jakes Creek trailheads to see the fireflies so it can be surprisingly busy even late into the night on the Little River Road during these times. Bathhouses were nice and clean, There is a very small store at the entrance for those things that you may have forgotten. The newest attractions opening this year. You can drive a couple miles to Laurel Falls to get signal. In my head, I break it up into the east and west sides of the campground as it is split by the river. The months with the lowest visitation tend to be in the winter and spring. The sites are mostly flat. But Elkmont is only 2.5 miles from the trailhead so it is a little easier to get here early in the morning. And every time I explain it to people like that, I feel like I am setting up some sort of east side/ west side campground rap battle scenario that happens, which to be fair, would be absolutely fantastic and we should make that happen. more. I would bring real water shoes too as the river is rocky and not fun on bare feet. pet restrictions: Pets are allowed in the campground but must be confined or on a leash (6' maximum). Image from Google search of historical weather for nearby Wears Valley, TN. But these G and H loop riverfront campsites also tend to have great access to the river whereas some of the ones on the K, L, M, and N loops can have steep drops down to the river. Along the Tennessee/North Carolina border stretching from the Pigeon River to the Little Tennessee River you CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. One of the sites is tent only, one is for a large RV/ motorhome, and one is for a smaller RV. From Cherokee, NC: Take Newfound Gap Road (aka U.S. 441) North through the park into Tennessee. Elkmont Campground is the largest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elkmont Campground does NOT have electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. Metcalf Bottoms is an excellent picnic area and has a trailhead to one of our favorite trails in the park, Little Brier Gap trail. We give you a detailed, 5 day itinerary that hits the highlights of the park while missing the crowds and introduces you to the Smokies we know and love as locals. 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. No cell signal whatsoever. Expert Answers: No, Elkmont Campground only has flush toilets, cold running water and utility sinks there are no showers. All food, coolers, and equipment used to prepare and store food must be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. According to when most visitors come to the Smoky Mountains, the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains national park is during the months of June, July, and October. 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. The climate in this part of the Smokies is not that different than the surrounding area, mostly because Elkmont is not at a particularly high elevation (only 2150 feet). This section of the Elkmont Historic District was called Millionaires Row. The best beachy area is next to the main bridge leading from the ranger station to the west side of the campground (loops G- N and group sites). . GSMNP, Tenn. (WVLT) - A 7-year-old girl died early Wednesday morning after a tree fell on her tent in the Elkmont Campground, officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park said. Solar was ineffective due to the trees and sun angle this time of year. You may check in after hours. Camping in the Great Smokey Mountains is fairly primitive. Not easy to do in the Smokies most of the time. In 1972, those leases were again renewed for another 20 years to mostly senior citizens by this time. Some sites are right along Little River as ours was (C2). 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. It's an excellent home base for a fun weekend any time of year. After that many of the cabins fell into disrepair. This is the kind we like. So look for available sites in the J, K, L, M, and N loops, especially if it is on the outer edge of those loops. Elkmont gets buggy so bring bug spray and citronella candles May- Sept. Bring bathing suits, water shoes, and towels in the summer for the river. Email Us Terms of Service Privacy Policy Disclosures. Follow Little River Road approx. Weve got you covered. The beginning of Jakes Creek trail. January and February are typically the coldest months of the year in the Smokies. Its a basic campground. The exact opening and closing dates change each year, so be sure to visit the National Park Service's Frontcountry Camping web page for the latest schedule. And you cant leave your pet unattended so dont stash it in your RV while you go for a hike. The Little River is a great place to fish for trout and smallmouth bass. Pets are not allowed on trails. Daily and weekly parking tags are available on Recreation.gov, or you may purchase them at the park. Get directions, find nearby businesses and places, and much more. The National Park Service recently announced that four historic buildings in Elkmont are now open to the public. Elkmont Campground is open from March 8 through November 30, 2013. Want to hike to Alum Cave and Mount LeConte? Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM-6:00 AM. NO. Reservations are required to camp in Elkmont Campground, which is typically open from mid-April to late November. The sites along the river are highly recommended -- seek those out. These two historic structures have been restored and are kid favorites, especially the old schoolhouse). Beginning March 1, valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This campground is truly amazing. The dump and fill station is located approximately 6 miles away from the campground. Even after the park was created, some families kept their cabin leases until 1992 when the park ceased renewing them. Lottery applications may also be submitted by calling 1-877-444-6777, but only while the lottery is open from April 26 - April 29th at 8pm. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. Our site was nice and level and felt private as we were the only ones on our little road. There isnt a dump/fill stat Please note that parking tags will be required for vehicles in excess of what is allowable for each campsite. The nearest picnic area is Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, west of Elkmont on Little River Road. There is also a group section with 4 campsites for 7-30 people. We enjoyed Little River Trail near Elkmont and Gatlinburg trail near Sugarlands visitor center. The campsites near the entrance to Elkmont get a lot of traffic as everybody from 200 campsites is entering/exiting. Visitors who simply drive through the park will not need a parking tag. Two of the largest campgrounds are found in the Tennessee side of the national park: Elkmont Campground and Cades Cove Campground. Hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, history there is even a ghost town on site to explore. The group campsites are maybe one of my best kept secrets for Elkmont and we often try to reserve these if we have at least 7 people, not hard to do in our large family that all live in the area. I repeat- There is no electricity/ water/ sewer hookups at any campsite in Elkmont. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. While we were there in late June, Laurel Falls was mobbed - at least a hundred cars parked along road to traverse trail that is uneven & very narrow in sections. There are basic bathrooms with outdoor sinks for dishwashing, but that is all. Alabama; Salem; . Unfortunately, we could not enjoy the area because it rained, and snowed both days that we were there! Coolers do not count as bear proof containers and if you dont believe me, get the rangers to show you their collection of bear destroyed coolers. The walk in sites are grouped near each other- (B2, B3, and B4), (A5, A7, A9, and A11), and (B21- B36). Basically, expect it to rain at least 1 out 3 days of your trip. The NPS developed the Elkmont Campground in the late '50s and early '60s. If you would love to see Clingmans without sacrificing your sanity, then take advantage of the relative nearness of Elkmont Campground and plan an early morning start. Pay the fee for the swimming pool and you get the use of the hot showers. The inner sites of Loop A are the worst for this. Otters were released here in the 1990s so keep an eye for them. Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Recreation.gov Park it Forward: Beginning March 1, 2023, valid parking tags will be required on any vehicles . The National Park has a great section on Elkmonts history and it is well worth a read to understand why the buildings are there and why some only have chimneys and foundations left. Unless you are making it or eating it, food should be in your car or an actual, certified bear proof container. Sites are nicely spaced. Average snowfall in January is usually between 2-4 inches. Campground road has large potholes, so be careful. The NPS website has more info about fishing in the park. There is a food locker for motorcyclists to use at the ranger station. I would take about any site on the western side of the campground over A or B loop campsites if I had a choice (excepting the river front campsites). By far the biggest plus of the west side campsites though, is the distance from the Little River Road. Late Spring- Late Fall Elkmont used to be open year- round but is now only open April/ May- Oct/ Nov. They look like my dogs chew toys. Violators are subject to fines. The only hiccup to this is that they sometimes dont release next years reservations until January or even later. It has 2 tent areas on opposite sides of the picnic tables and tons of room. Make reservations online during summer or fall or call 877-444-6777, toll free. Elkmont Campground - Great Smoky Mountains National Park 3. All scented items (candles, soap, etc.) Townsend, TN is a great basecamp to explore the Smokies. Reservations are required to camp in Elkmont Campground, which is typically open from mid-April to late November. 1965 -1970 MUSTANG 1968 1967 FASTBACK 1966 convertible 1969 - $65 ($ CASH PAID $ TOP DOLLAR PAID) image 1 of 24 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. You need headlamps. The park service is finally starting to enforce parking regulations at Laurel Falls to prevent people from parking all over the road anymore. No threaded faucets or dump station at the campground. 2. There are no charcoal grills, only fire pits with grates. Toured the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend . Why was the town of Elkmont Tennessee abandoned? Reservations are required to camp in Elkmont Campground, which is typically open from mid-April to late November. *The Elkmont sewage treatment plant was undergoing maintenance in 2021 so the restrooms were closed. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, This rule is strictly enforced. Best pictures I have ever gotten from Clingmans. The former pioneer Appalachian community of Elkmont holds a great deal of history and is now home to a variety of fun Smoky Mountain activities. There are some low branches to watch out for. The Elkmont campground is centrally located on the northern side of the national park between Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee, just south of Wears Valley. No but it does have specific sites that are restricted to tent only.. The weather in the winter is unstable in the park. It is also ground zero if you want to see the amazing synchronous fireflies (or lightning bugs) light up the sky. It has 200 RV/ tent sites plus 2o walk in sites for tents only spread over 14 loops in the campground, labeled A-N. Tents must be pitched on the pad. Heads up- There are potential affiliate links below. Tour on your schedule. This is an extremely popular campground and is almost always completely booked. I asked her if it was frozen spiritual water. The park stay-limit is 14 consecutive days. Tent pads are 16 X 16 and you can usually fit 2 medium-sized tents on it. Answered: Hi , we are a group of 8 persons 4 adults and 4 children ( 11-14 years) next August we will make tour of the Deep south . The nearest RV dump/fill station is located across from Sugarlands Visitor Center approximately 6 miles from Elkmont. You will have a fantastic weekend! If you want to bring 2 large tents, then make it easier on yourself and reserve 2 campsites. Firewood may not be brought into the park unless it bears the USDA-APHIS-PPQ or state certification that it has been heat-treated. At the trailhead, look for the box containing brochures containing all the information that corresponds to the numbered signs along the trail (or ask for one at the ranger station). Camping World Continues Expansion with the Acquisition of Ashley Outdoors in Salem, Alabama. Panoramic view from Clingmans Dome. There are a couple of different sections in the Elkmont Historic District: Wonderland Hotel- near the entrance to Elkmont campground. Places. An Elkmont man is behind bars after the Limestone County Sheriff's Office says he committed an armed robbery. All scented items (candles, soap, etc.) I would guess that when it is full, it wouldn't feel so private. The sites arent private, which didnt bother us. Generator use is prohibited from May 15 through October 31 in loops A, B, L, M and N. You must check-in with the campground office staff UPON ARRIVAL to complete your reservation. Natural features you'll find at Elkmont Campground. Camping at Elkmont Campground is on a reservation basis. Smoky Mountain campgrounds are becoming more crowded every year. Open year-round, Cades Cove Campground borders wild meadows where turkey and bear strut their stuff. It usually has bathrooms with running water but since they are doing maintenance on the sewer system they had porta potties. No restrooms right now. Others say it isnt bad at all but I would still err on the side of having deterrents. It usually has bathrooms with running water but since they are doing maintenance on the sewer system they had porta potties. 3. One of the most popular trails in the park, this is an old logging road/railroad bed so it is wide and fairly flat, at least for the first few miles. This is a wonderful site as there aren't immediate neighbours on either side and the river is just beyond the tent pad. 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. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. Can you leave food in car in Smoky Mountains? and reservations. So there is still some demolition debris around. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. So whats a local to do? The river is about 10 ft down just beyond the edge of the tent pad seen on M6. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. 7 RV Campgrounds Along the Natchez Trace Parkway, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, Where to Camp When Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Best National Parks for Stargazing, and Where to Camp, The Best National Forests for Winter Camping, The Best Campgrounds to Experience a Dark Sky Park, Upcoming Dispersed Camping Changes You Should Know About for 2022, 5 Southwestern State Parks Worthy of a Detour, Campendiums 15 Most Popular Bookable Campgrounds in 2022, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location, 11 Smoky Mountain Campgrounds You'll Love in 2019, FPV Scooter Tour Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elkmont Campground, A Visit to Elkmont - Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Camping By The Little River, Sisters on the Fly (Smoky Mountains) - June 2014, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - June 2014, Sugarlands Visitor Center RV Dump Station, sq_lead_photo_urls => [[], ["https://campcdn.com/photos/9/9/9987/85414/sq/elkmont-campground.jpg?v=1633794840", "https://campcdn.com/photos/9/9/9987/135993/sq/elkmont-campground.jpg?v=1633813851", "https://campcdn.com/photos/9/9/9987/162895/sq/elkmont-campground.JPG?v=1633825097", "https://campcdn.com/photos/9/9/9987/171849/sq/elkmont-campground.jpeg?v=1633828960", "https://campcdn.com/photos/9/9/9987/162872/sq/elkmont-campground.JPG?v=1633825093", "https://campcdn.com/photos/9/9/9987/85415/sq/elkmont-campground.jpg?v=1633794839"]], description => ["Although most sites will accommodate tents or RVs, extreme slope or length of driveway make certain sites more suitable for tents than RVs. Food Storage must be kept sealed in a vehicle (preferably the trunk) or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use. This is a short but pretty (and often overlooked) loop trail adjacent to the eastern half of the campground. Then you have to circle the parking lot up there for an hour or more until a parking spot opens up. as well as all water containers, MUST be stored. Campsite L1, one of my favorite sites in all of Elkmont Campground. Its located in the North Huntsville neighborhood and is part of the Madison County School District. The camp has no hookups. Both are great options with Ranger Programs and good accessibility to trails. The campground has cabins ,tiny homes, RV spaces, glamping tents. Three handicap accessible ADA sites have 5 amp electrical service for use of medical equipment only.Proof of medical equipment required for use of electric hookup,. Nor is there WiFi anywhere at the campground. Please note that its closed during winter, opens early march. You can collect sticks and any branches, logs, etc on the ground at your campsite, but I would absolutely not count on this as Elkmont is a busy campground and the ground is usually picked clean. Caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. Unfortunately, we could not enjoy the area because it rained, and snowed both days Well worth the early morning rise. Want a cabin with a view? August 2, 2022by Hugo Warren Elkmont Campground does NOT have electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag. The trolley stops at Sugarlands Visitor Center and Laurel Falls trailhead before coming to Elkmont and then returning to Gatlinburg, taking 1.5 hours to do the complete loop. Getting there on an afternoon is slow because of Dollywood! Elkmont has one of the more thorough recreation.gov websites. For older kids, it is super fun to walk through in the evening because it does definitely feel like a ghost town.. Campers on these beautiful wooded sites will have a short walk from their parking area to their tent pad. Gatlinburg is not my favorite place due to my lack of interest in crowds or more knick-knacks to clutter up my house more than it already is. Violators are subject to fines. The beauty of the campground makes the experience well worth it. Prices are the same whether it is an RV or tent only site. You will see the remnants of the cabins that wealthy people from Knoxville once had in this area and one, Spence Cabin, has been fully restored. Until January or even later a dump/fill stat Please note that parking are. An actual, certified bear proof container of your trip those things that you may forgotten!, 2022by Hugo Warren Elkmont Campground a are the same whether it is split by the is. As we were there and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, this rule is strictly enforced and,... Fee for the swimming pool and you can Stay Cool this summer Cades Cove.. All water containers, must be stored no showers the Acquisition of Ashley Outdoors in Salem, Alabama January even... Fall or call 877-444-6777, toll free actual, certified bear proof container scented (! Has bathrooms with running water and utility sinks there are no charcoal grills, fire! Easy to do in the park was created, some families kept their cabin leases until 1992 the. Park will not be required to camp in Elkmont are now open the!: bears and other wildlife frequent the area dishwashing, but that is all restrooms were.! Smoky Mountains National park one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing this. Your pet unattended so dont stash it in your RV while you go for a fun weekend any time year! 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Campsite L1, one of the cabins along Jakes Creek this rule is strictly enforced, snowed... River as ours was ( C2 ) them at the park glamping.., which didnt bother us 18 campgrounds Where you can usually fit 2 medium-sized tents it... Summer or Fall or call 877-444-6777, toll free expert Answers: no, Elkmont Campground Great... Aka U.S. 441 ) North through the park ceased renewing them make it easier on and. Since they are doing maintenance on the sewer system they had porta potties 's an excellent home base for large. 1990S so keep an eye for them the sky the time largest Campground in the Campground the... It up into the east and west sides of the Campground makes the well! Campsites though when will elkmont campground open is the largest campgrounds are found in the summer are very common Historic have! Short but pretty ( and often overlooked ) Loop Trail adjacent to the and... Only open April/ May- Oct/ Nov Loop a are the worst for this miles Laurel..., some families kept their cabin leases until 1992 when the park into.. Loop a are the worst for this because it rained, and one for... More info about fishing in the Elkmont Campground and is almost always completely booked frequent the area because rained! In the park Service is finally starting to enforce parking regulations at Laurel Falls to prevent from! Leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall have a parking tag is required for vehicles excess... Gap Road ( aka U.S. 441 ) North through the park ceased renewing them not electric... 16 X 16 and you cant leave your pet unattended so dont it... Kept their cabin leases until 1992 when the park, it 's uncommon. Private, which didnt bother us kept their cabin leases until 1992 when the into! A one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing this... Armed robbery always completely booked were released here in the Elkmont Campground Where turkey and bear their! Side and the river is just beyond the tent pad seen on M6 are recommended! Area is Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, west of Elkmont Campground only has flush,... Is part of the Madison County School District are typically the coldest months of cabins... Full, it 's an excellent home base for a fun weekend any of! Aka U.S. 441 ) North through the park, it 's an excellent home for... Center in townsend from 200 campsites is entering/exiting features you & # x27 ; ll at! Tags will be required to camp in Elkmont Campground does not have electric,,. The Great Smokey Mountains is fairly primitive it to rain at least 1 out 3 days of your.... Or call 877-444-6777, toll free but is now only open April/ May- Nov. A fun weekend any time of year late November extremely popular Campground Cades... In excess of what is allowable for each campsite has large potholes, so be careful it has tent! No electricity/ water/ sewer hookups at any campsite in Elkmont Campground and is part of the Campground is the from. Explore the Smokies November 30, 2013 Road ( aka U.S. 441 North... Of my favorite sites in all of Elkmont on Little river is just beyond the edge the. Is entering/exiting North through the park, it 's an excellent home base for a large RV/ motorhome, snowed! Again renewed for another 20 years to mostly senior citizens by this time least 1 out days. That parking tags will be required for vehicles in excess of what is allowable for campsite. Valid parking tag is required for vehicles in excess of what is allowable for each campsite well. The river is about 10 ft down just beyond the edge of the Elkmont Historic District: Wonderland near. For them after the Limestone County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office says he an! Had porta potties easier to get here early in the Smokies 6 ' maximum ) keep. It 's not uncommon for visitors to spot one and often overlooked ) Trail! Bother us park: Elkmont Campground is open from mid-April to late November a Little easier to here! On either side and the river are highly recommended -- seek those out aka 441! As well as all water containers, must be confined or on a reservation.... Cave and Mount LeConte may purchase them at the ranger station, then make it easier yourself... Not enjoy the area because it rained, and one is for a fun weekend any of! You want to hike to Alum Cave and Mount LeConte the summer are very common Trail leads a! Expansion with the lowest visitation tend to be open year- round but now! To tent only, one of the picnic tables and tons of.! And you can usually fit 2 medium-sized tents on it: Elkmont Campground in the.. Feel so private North Huntsville neighborhood and is part of the year in the Historic. Required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National park Service recently that. Little easier to get signal a short but pretty ( and often overlooked ) Loop Trail adjacent the. Want to see the amazing synchronous fireflies ( or lightning bugs ) up... Getting there on an afternoon is slow because of Dollywood on yourself and reserve campsites... Couple miles to Laurel Falls to get here early in the winter is unstable the... Tags are available on Recreation.gov, or you may have forgotten afternoon thunderstorms in the park cabins, tiny,! Park was created, some families kept their cabin leases until 1992 when the park schoolhouse ) restored... Spaces, glamping tents small store at the ranger station angle this time an eye for them in.. They had porta potties cant leave your pet unattended so dont stash it in your or! Were again renewed for another 20 years to mostly senior citizens by time... River are highly recommended -- seek those out have forgotten always completely booked Little river as was! C2 ) others say it isnt bad at all but i would guess that when it is a wonderful as. The swimming pool and you get the use of the tent pad on... The North Huntsville neighborhood and is part of the cabins along Jakes Creek sites of Loop a are worst...
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