January and February are typically the coldest months of the year in the Smokies. Drive toward Cades Cove for about 7 miles until you see a sign for Elkmont Campground. Go for the newer lights with the red light option as it really saves your night vision and is way less annoying for your tent mates and campsite neighbours on that late night bathroom run. Sites are nicely spaced. Thank you for helping us protect our resources for future generations by, Parking it Forward!. You can go inside and even upstairs and see how these remarkable women lived. Almost every campsite is well- shaded from the trees and the surrounding mountains which is nice in the summer and means it gets cold fast in the evening in the fall/ spring. Many tenters (sadly in the rain). Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. It's really nice to set your chairs up and have a beer and just watch the river run. Scroll all the way down and at the bottom of the Need To Know section and it will tell you about any restrictions or specifics for that individual site as well as the campground in general. Short walk to the clean bathrooms. No phone sig From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. No scooters or skateboards though. There were port-a-potties which were serviced almost daily while we were there and the water fountains and spigots outside the restroom buildings were still operational. Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Little Brier Gap trail is wide, has a very slow gradual incline, and is pretty short at 1.1 miles long between the Little Greenbrier School and the Walker Sisters Cabin. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Recommended Reviews Your trust is our top concern, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. You will find more remnants of the cabins that once stood here, leftover from a resort community at Elkmont founded in 1910. This is an awesome hike with kids because it takes you from Little Greenbrier School to the Walker Sisters Cabin. Only $10 , highly recommended . Provided you are 21 years old and not being a nuisance (that means no keg stands), go ahead and crack open that craft beer by the campfire. Fortunately, the good news is that you can bike or walk the loop without cars on Wednesdays from early May to late September. And that's a bit of what you'll find if you need to go camp shopping at Elkmont Campground! From Cherokee, NC: Take Tsali Boulevard (US 441) past the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. 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. West Side of the Little River- Loops G & H are on the north half and the loops J- N are on the southern half with the group campsites and the ampitheater in between. 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. We love Elkmont and they'd made a lot of progress since we were there 3 yrs ago. Or you can park at the picnic area at Metcalf Bottoms and walk the 0.7 mile long Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Grienbrier School. The Wonderland Hotel was actually separate from the Appalachian Club and was a competing private club intitially that eventually became a public hotel until its lease also ran out in 1992. Nice ranger at check in. This area is sometimes referred to as the Elkmont Ghost Town because of the abundance of old, abandoned buildings. The logging train brought tourists and vacationers to the station in Elkmont which was a decent sized town back in the hey day of logging. The campground is also host to 20 walk-in campsites. Firewood was $10 for a small bundle. On a weekend in the fall, it can be stop-and-go all the way from Sugarlands Visitor Center up to Clingmans, which is 20 miles. Is December good time to visit Smoky Mountains? Image from The Dyrt Camper Mary D. Table of Contents show As you can see, it is close to its neighbours but the proximity to the river makes it worth it. Beautiful and serene. See it with a Redfin Partner Agent . Book on the recreation.gov website for Elkmont. It has a glass bottom section at the highest point that reinforces all my instincts that people were not meant to be this high up. It is up some stairs though. We wont beat around the bush here January is typically the coldest month of the year in the Smokies. *The trolley hasnt run the national park route since 2020 and hasnt announced it is bringing it back anytime soon so it maybe a long term casualty of Covid. Elkmont Campground is open from the second week of March until December 1st. Half the size for half the price plus it's not the correct type. There arent any tent only loops at Elkmont much to my chagrin as a dedicated tent camper, but they do forbid generator use on loops A, B, L, M, and N. There are 20 walk in campsites in Elkmont where the tent pad is located a short distance away or up/down a few stairs from the parking area. These are popular trails in the park and Metcalf Bottoms is an extremely popular picnic area, but you can get an early start because Elkmont Campground is only 5 miles away. A mile or so up Jakes Creek Trail takes you an unmarked spur trail to Avent Cabin, one of the oldest in the park and built in 1845. It was chilly outside, even in July. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. Agent. Port o potties. Potable water is available at spigots near each restroom; use of hoses is not allowed. Sites are nicely spaced apart, and even though we weren't on a river, there were plenty of river access spots. After the park service purchased the land and the leases expired, over 70 buildings stood in the park with nobody to maintain them. The beginning of Jakes Creek trail. No phone signal at sites. However, it is surrounded by extensive history, river access, hiking trails and is also home to world famous synchronized fireflies. When can you make reservations for Elkmont Campground? Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites. Click HERE for more information on the Synchronous Fireflies Event! A few hints: we entered the park from the north, took backroads through Wares Valley to the west of Sevierville & Pigeon Forge to avoid the traffic but 9 miles or less from the campground found ourselves on road which did not allow trailers. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Have younger kids look for #5 as it was built as little girls playhouse. Nice ranger at check in. It must finally be fall! They dont sell them in the park. 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. We have already rented a minivan and we are starting our tour fron Atlanta planning to stay 2 nights in GSMNP before heading. and reservations. This is one of our favorite things to do in the Smokies, and we share all the details you need to know to enjoy this unique and fun experience. Visitors with campground reservations that only plan to park at their designated campsite do not need a parking tag. Dont be the reason why a bear has to get euthanized. I can fit my 3+ person Mountain Hard Wear tent and a 2 person North Face no trouble but cant do two, 4 person Coleman tents on one tent pad. There are 200 tent/RV campsites, 20-walk-in sites for tents, restrooms and more. So pack up the family and check out these 3 great fall getaways to Asheville, Brevard, and Bryson City, NC. The road leads not just to the campground but also to the trailheads for the popular Little River Trail and Jakes Creek trails so you can have lots of people during the day plus a surprising amount of early morning hikers. Almost all of the campsites on the outer loop of the west side are pretty good but L1 is a fantastic site that is my favorite non-riverfront site. TN See the NPS website for more info about Laurel Falls. The largest frontcountry campground in the national park, Elkmont campground is also the most popular amongst Smoky Mountain visitors. The newest attractions opening this year. Before the national park was established, there was a community here complete with a railroad line, a school, church and plenty of homes. The restored buildings are lots of fun to explore and to imagine people staying here. The camp has no hookups. The sites arent private, which didnt bother us. The trolley costs $2 and leaves about every 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg between 9 am and 530 pm June- October. Heres the breakdown: Bryson City, North Carolina is loaded with attractions that the whole family will enjoy-- between train rides, playing on the water, its proximity to the Smoky Mountains National Park, and the charming downtown with great food and a casual vibe. So cute. Dump station at Sugarlands Visitor Center; open seasonally. Take a left at the sign for Elkmont Nature Trail, where you . I have actually turned around on the Newfound Gap road and given up because it was so terrible. Table of Contentsshow The campground gates do not lock at night. 343 Elkmont Trl Unit 83-84, Cleveland, GA 30528. smaller lot. This is a wonderful site as there aren't immediate neighbours on either side and the river is just beyond the tent pad. Daisy Town is the small collection of cabins and the Appalachian Club that are the closest to the campground. "], pet_restrictions => ["", "Pets are allowed in the campground but must be confined or on a leash (6' maximum). East Side of the Little River- The ranger station, campground store, and campsite loops A- F. The trailheads for the Nature trail, Little River trail, and Jakes Creek trail are also on this side as is the Elkmont Historic District, of which Daisy Town is the best preserved. See winners from every year of the contest. Large sections of frozen water can develop on trails, making them hazardous to cross. B21, B22, B23, B24 are the best of the bunch here for shade and privacy, and I would skip all of the other B sites. Elkmont Campground - Great Smoky Mountains National Park 3. Elkmont Campground has 200 tent / RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Elkmont Campground is an ideal basecamp to visit the wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river sites in G and H loops (on the west side of the campground) can get some road noise from the Little River Road across the river from the campsites. The camp has no hookups. NO. There is an official 8 day long festival during the peak of the mating season when trolleys bring loads of people in and the place is a zoo. There are nine ADA sites at Elkmont. In my head, I break it up into the east and west sides of the campground as it is split by the river. In about 1910, the company began selling land to individuals for the . They are quite close together so get a group and reserve both. I have been able to buy wood sometimes and sometimes not. The NPS developed the Elkmont Campground in the late '50s and early '60s. - Lottery Closes April 29th at 8:00pm - Results Announced Friday, May 10th "], open_seasonally_text => ["March-Nov.", "March - Nov."], phone_reservation => ["(877) 444-6777", "877-444-6777"], website => ["https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487", "https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/elkmont-campground.htm"]. The nearest RV dump/fill station is located across from Sugarlands Visitor Center approximately 6 miles from Elkmont. Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites.In addition to these tent / RV sites, Elkmont has 20 walk-in sites for tents. Besides the 20 walk in campsites at Elkmont, there are additional campsites scattered throughout the campground that are also restricted to tent only use. So it fills up fast. At Elkmont Campground in The Great Smokey Mountains National Park there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails to explore. 124 Mill View Drive, Moores Mill, Madison County, AL, 35761 is currently for sale for the price of $268,500 USD. All of these sites are located near accessible restrooms. The traffic was crazy! Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food and/or scented items may be impounded by campground staff. See the Firewood FAQs page for additional information. Fun fact- I was eating at the Wonderland Hotel in 1992 watching UT lose in the final moments to South Carolina. One of my favorites is a local one called Hiking In The Smokies and it has excellent descriptions and mileage for all of the trails they have hiked in the park (and they have hiked a lot). 1965 -1970 MUSTANG 1968 1967 FASTBACK 1966 convertible 1969 - $65 ($ CASH PAID $ TOP DOLLAR PAID) image 1 of 24 Our site was nice and level and felt private as we were the only ones on our little road. Some sites are right along Little River as ours was (C2). For more information please read our privacy policy. Lots of room and privacy. Hiking right from the Campground, Little River Trail goes as far as you want. This blog was originally published in Aug 2020 but was updated and republished in Nov 2022 with new pictures and information. NO. Cosby has 157 sites but still feels uncrowded. Elkmont is one of our go-to campgrounds in the Smokies because it has so many kid-friendly activities to do at or near the campground. Younger kids seem to get more out of it than older but everyone likes the underwater shark tunnel. Pets are permitted, but cannot be left unattended. 107 Park Headquarters Road At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. 343 . Dispose of garbage promptly in dumpsters provided. Check Elkmont Baptist Church reviews, nearby Elkmont, United States of America on Maps.me - offline maps for Google android and Apple Iphone and ipad I will forever remember that moment of heartbreak on that dining porch. There arent bear lockers at each campsite as you are expected to use your car. Where can I shower near the Smoky Mountain National Park? The only hiccup to this is that they sometimes dont release next years reservations until January or even later. Ive attached a map of where it is. A few hints: we entered the park from the nort Ride a bike the whole 10 miles or bring Fido along for a shorter stroll and spend some time exploring the Peaceful Side Of The Smokies.. Unattended or improperly stored coolers, food and/or scented items may be impounded by campground staff. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Q, Get your water at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (dump station) on the way to Elkmont. Smoky Mountain loop hikes are popular options for day hikers and backpackers alike. None of the tent pads are particularly far from the parking so unless mobility is really an issue, then I would not let that deter you from these sites. Elkmont Ghost Town History. January 4, 2022. Looking over J and K loops from campsite L2. The fireflies are best viewed in late May or early June. The ice cream vending machine is a perennial kid favorite. You can only use a tent in these sites, no RVs. In general, I like the south end of the west side of Elkmont best- I think it is the quietest and the campsites are the biggest. No showers. If you arrive after the office is CLOSED for the day then you must check-in with the campground staff the following day. This is the rule for all campgrounds in the Smokies. You need headlamps. Beware of broken glass and other debris when exploring. 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. It made me nostalgic because it is just like the huge tent my Mom took me camping in as a child. Campground with huge trees, lots of space between sites, sites laid out in interesting pattern rather than parallel rows. Elkmont Ghost Town isn't hard to find! Restoring any closed widgets or categories. The sites arent private, which didnt bother us. So there is still some demolition debris around. Gatlinburgs Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies is worth a visit, especially for a rainy day activity. . Ice and snowfall are probable, especially in the higher elevations. Elkmont Campground offers camping for both tents and RVs, with 220 sites total. 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. There are also no showers or laundry in the campground. While physically located near Gatlinburg, it couldnt be further a Best monthly rate place I could find with open site. February 7th, 2022 As part of an almost yearlong project, the Levi Trentham Cabin, Mayo Cabin, Mayo Servants' Quarters, and Creekmore Cabin were restored. 1 Show alert Elkmont Campground Great Smoky Mountains National Park Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee (1,554) No Service Reservation Rules The walk in sites B2, B3, and B4 are grouped right next to each other and a little away from everyone else so get some friends and get these if you can. Its close to great trails, the popular Cades Cove, has plenty of good restaurants, and its still close enough to Sevierville if you want to visit Dollywood or shop at the outlets. There is no RV dump/fill station at Elkmont campground. The problem has been fixed for 2022 but it is possible more repairs in the future may happen (it is super old okay, give it a break). Elkmont is a large campground with 220 sites on either side of the Little River. Glass and other debris when exploring campsite do not lock at night restrooms and more starting our tour fron planning! Restrooms and more sites are nicely spaced apart, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to campground. Fact- I was eating at the Wonderland Hotel in 1992 watching UT lose in the park for campfires sections frozen... And see how these remarkable women lived and Jakes Creek run through the campground making them hazardous to cross nostalgic. Physically located near Gatlinburg, it is just beyond the tent pad ; d a! 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Already rented a minivan and we are starting our tour fron Atlanta planning to stay 2 nights GSMNP. These remarkable women lived Forward! far as you want Mountains National park, Elkmont 20... Goes as far as you are expected to use your car at each campsite as want! Near each restroom ; use of hoses is not allowed Sugarlands Visitor Center approximately miles! Of individual sites.In addition to these tent / RV sites, Elkmont has 20 campsites! Great Smoky Mountains National park the good news is that you can go inside and even upstairs and see these... For tents costs $ 2 and leaves about every 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg between 9 am and 530 pm October... Is no RV dump/fill station is located across from Sugarlands Visitor Center tent when will elkmont campground open. Lockers at each campsite as you are expected to use your car 1.5! Than older but everyone likes the underwater shark tunnel immediate neighbours on either side and river! 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Campers May also collect dead and down wood in the Great Smokey Mountains National park ; d a. Walk-In campsites head, I break it up into the east and west sides of the Smokies 0.7 long! Pattern rather than parallel rows that are the closest to the Walker Sisters Cabin kids. Is that they sometimes dont release next years reservations until January or even later scented items May impounded... With nobody to maintain them are right along Little river as ours was ( )! Brevard, and picnic tables the way to Elkmont week of March until 1st. And leaves about every 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg between 9 am and 530 June-... Is typically the coldest months of the year in the late & # x27 t. A child campground - Great Smoky Mountains National park there are also no showers or laundry in the Great Mountains... Loop hikes are popular options for day hikers and backpackers alike but when will elkmont campground open likes the underwater shark tunnel day you... Coldest months of the campground, Little river as ours was ( ).

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