🏕 Campground
Elkmont Campground (Great Smoky Mountains NP)
About This Permit
Elkmont is the largest campground in Great Smoky Mountains NP and one of the most competitive recreation.gov bookings in the Southeast — especially during the synchronous firefly event (mid-June), when thousands of Photinus carolinus fireflies flash in unison along Little River. The campground also provides prime access to Alum Cave Trail and is surrounded by historic Appalachian vacation cabins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont?
Photinus carolinus is one of only a few firefly species in North America that synchronizes its flashing. For roughly 2 weeks in June, thousands of fireflies flash in coordinated waves after dark. The NPS runs a separate vehicle parking permit lottery for the viewing area — extremely competitive and separate from the campsite reservation.
How do I get the firefly viewing permit?
A vehicle parking permit lottery opens on recreation.gov in early May (the 2025 lottery opened May 2 at 10:00am ET) — not March. There is no shuttle; the permit grants access to park in the viewing area. It sells out within minutes and is separate from your campsite reservation — staying at Elkmont does not guarantee firefly access. Verify the current year's lottery date at nps.gov/grsm before planning.
What else is near Elkmont Campground?
Alum Cave Trail (5.4 miles round trip to the cave, 11 miles to LeConte summit) starts 6 miles away. Little River Trail follows the river upstream for miles of easy walking. Gatlinburg is 8 miles away.
Key Facts
- State
- TN
- Season
- Mid-March – late November
- Sites
- 220 sites total: 200 tent/RV sites + 20 walk-in tent sites
- Access
- Little River Road, 8 miles west of Gatlinburg, TN
- Reservation Window
- Reservations on recreation.gov; extremely competitive during firefly event (June)
- Difficulty to reserve
- 4/5(Very hard)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
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