Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains
Synchronous fireflies + Little River — the Smokies at their best
Location: Gatlinburg, TN, TN
Price: From $28 per night
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (3210 reviews)
Elevation: 2260 feet
Season: Year-round
The largest and most popular campground in the most-visited national park in America. Elkmont sits on the Little River in a mature hardwood forest — firefly season in late May/June draws thousands to watch synchronous fireflies pulse in choreographed unison. Easy trail access to Alum Cave and Laurel Falls without driving.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, Dump Station, Camp Store, Amphitheater
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/elkmont-smoky-mountains to be notified when sites open up.
The iconic Smoky Mountains campground. Little River runs through it, fireflies pulse in synchrony in late May, and you’re surrounded by the most biodiverse forest east of the Mississippi. No entry fee makes it one of the last free national parks.
The abandoned Elkmont historic district — ghost town of 1920s vacation cabins hidden in the forest 0.5 miles from the campground. Completely free and almost no one goes.
What is new at Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains: 2026: Timed entry required for Cades Cove (May–October). Laurel Falls trail paved — accessible year-round. New backcountry permit system launched.
Wildlife alert: Black bears are actively managed in the campground — bear boxes mandatory. Wild hogs also present on some trails. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes in rocky areas. Yellow jackets active August–October.
Fire rules: Campfires in fire rings only. Wood fires common but check for seasonal restrictions. Smoky Mountains has some of the strictest fire management in the NPS system. Firewood sold at camp store.
Things to do near Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains: Synchronous firefly display (late May). Alum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte. Little River swimming holes. Cades Cove wildlife drive at dawn.
Insider tips for Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains: Sites A1–A9 are directly on the Little River — request these specifically Hike Alum Cave at 6am — you’ll be alone until the crowds arrive at 9am The Abrams Falls swimming hole (Cades Cove, 4.5 mile round trip) is the best swim in the park
Skip Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains if: You need hookups (none). You won’t follow bear safety rules. You want solitude in July–August.
Best time to visit Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains: Late May — Synchronous fireflies — a once-in-a-lifetime natural event. Lottery required.. Oct — Peak fall color. The Smokies have the best autumn foliage in the Appalachians..
Common issues at Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains: Synchronous firefly lottery is intensely competitive. Apply in April for late May dates. Check for cancellations daily in the weeks before. Black bears are frequent campground visitors. Use the bear boxes provided — no exceptions. NEVER leave food in your car. Rangers are strict. Summer humidity and 90°F heat. Hike early, swim at Abrams Creek or Little River mid-day. Higher elevation trails (Alum Cave) are 10°F cooler.
What campers say about Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains: "Firefly show at dusk — hundreds of them blinking in unison across the whole meadow. We were speechless." — The Dyrt "October foliage peak. Every color you can imagine. Most beautiful campground I’ve ever been to." — Campendium "Bear came into camp at 3am. Put your food away. Park rules exist for a reason." — Google
What are the best sites at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains? Sites A1–A34 along the Little River are the most popular — you hear the river from your tent and have easy access to wading pools and fishing spots. The B and C loops are more wooded and private. Loop D has walk-to tent-only sites with the most separation. Elkmont is the largest campground in the Smokies (220+ sites) and the best positioned for Clingmans Dome, Alum Cave Trail, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
How do I book Elkmont Campground? Elkmont reservations open 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov. Spring (April–May) and fall (October) are harder to book than summer due to the waterfalls and fall color draw. Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the US — book as early as possible. Walk-in sites are sometimes available on weekdays — arrive at the campground by 9 AM. There are no entrance fees for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (unique among major NPs).
Are there fireflies at Elkmont Campground? Yes — Elkmont is the only place in the world with synchronized firefly viewing (Photinus carolinus species) where thousands flash in unison. This occurs over about 2 weeks in late May to mid-June. It is so popular that the NPS runs a lottery for shuttle permits during peak viewing (typically mid-May to early June) — enter the lottery at Recreation.gov. The fireflies are most active from 9:30–10:30 PM during the viewing period. You must arrive via shuttle — no personal vehicles during firefly season.
Can I fish at Elkmont Campground? Yes — the Little River running through camp is one of the most popular trout streams in the Smokies. Tennessee fishing license required (non-residents can buy a 3-day license). Brook, brown, and rainbow trout are all present. Catch-and-release is encouraged though not required. Fly fishing is most popular here — small dry flies and nymphs work best. The campground has direct access to the river from the A loop.
