Independent Campsite Reviews

Laurel Falls is 1.3 miles one way - 2.6 round trip.

Elkmont is only 8 miles from Gatlinburg, TN.

I am 27 years old and my parents took me camping for the first time when I was 6 weeks old, at Elkmont. I have only missed one year camping at Elkmont my entire life. I now have 3 children of my own and I am actually checking in in 4 days (May 20) for the weekend and I can't wait! Gatlinburg is only a short 8 miles away, so if you decide you want to grill steaks one night, just run down the mountain and go to the Mountain Mart and pick up whatever you need. There is so much in the campground to explore, just walking around. You can also enjoy tubing down the creek or fishing off the bridge. There are church services on Sunday mornings in the amphitheater. There's nothing like waking up to the smell of bacon and eggs on the griddle and walking to the ranger's station to check the weather for the day. Elkmont is the greatest campground I've ever been to (and I've tried others, but keep coming back). If you've never camped at Elkmont, you need to!!!

We visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and ended up camping in the Elkmont area. The campground itself is about 45 minutes from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, so once you go in, you should to make sure you have everything you need with you. We chose a "hike in" campsite that was all of 20 feet from the car, so it was convenient, but not right on the road (not that it mattered, it wasn't the busy season, Sept 7th or so). Our campsite was right by the stream, and just a short distance away from a restroom. We camped there for 2 nights, and tried to hike every available trail in the area. We got to maybe half of the ones in the very immediate area. Laurel Falls was one of the most beautiful short hikes (about 2 1/2 miles each way). We were able to horseback ride in the area as well as play in the stream. I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially hikers. The trails are beyond awesome. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the park.

Our family visits Elkmont Campground every year and it is one of the most beautiful places to camp in the Smokeys. Every year there is nothing to complain about. The park rangers are very nice and helpful.