A Local’s Opinion On The Best Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains
Unlike many national parks, the only lodging option within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is to camp in one of their campgrounds.
Two of the largest campgrounds are found in the Tennessee side of the national park: Elkmont Campground and Cades Cove Campground.
Both are great options with Ranger Programs and good accessibility to trails. Not sure which one is right for you?
We have camped extensively at both and offer our pro’s and cons of each. Here’s the breakdown.
Is sleeping on the ground feeling more uncomfortable over the years? See our game changer: The Sleeping Pad That Will Make You Want To Tent Camp Again and be sure to check out our Detailed Review And Handy Checklist Of What To Pack For Car Camping.
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Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The campsites at Elkmont seem a bit more private compared to those at Cades Cove Campground, and the setting feels more remote with lots of trees and rhododendron.
The Little River runs right through the middle of the campground creating a nice background noise when you fall asleep at night.
It’s also more centrally located to other points of interest in the park such as Metcalf Bottoms, Sugarlands Visitor Center, and Newfound Gap.
Another bonus is that you can pop over to Gatlinburg for a meal or do some kitschy but fun touristy stuff for a day.
Although it’s the larger of the two campgrounds, Elkmont seems less crowded than Cades Cove.
Some of the best campsites in Elkmont are on the outside edges, surrounded by the forest. You can reserve online 6 months ahead of time.
Riverfront campsite B7 at Elkmont 
A typical campsite in Elkmont Campground
Pros: What We Like About Elkmont Campground
- Walk-in campsites for tent campers
- A nature trail
- Trailhead access to Jake’s Creek Trail and Little River Trail which are great hikes for any level hiker.
- More centrally located–closer to Newfound Gap if you’re interested in hikes like Alum Cave, Charlie’s Bunion, the Chimneys, Andrews Bald, etc.
- An ice cream vending machine (my kids think it’s magical)
- A “ghost town” to explore at night or during the day.
- Choice spot to view synchronous fireflies during the end of May/beginning of June
Cons
- Reserve way ahead of time to get a river site
- No showers, but Cades Cove doesn’t have showers either
See our simply awesome blog Everything You Want To Know About Elkmont Campground including the best camp sites and what to know before your trip.
Cades Cove Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The best thing about Cades Cove Campground is not the campground itself but its amazing proximity to one of the most beautiful (and visited) areas of the park, Cades Cove. This, however, is both a positive and a negative.
Cades Cove Campground sits adjacent to the 11-mile, one-way loop road around Cades Cove which offers spectacular views, historic buildings, and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
That being said, it attracts lots of cars and visitors to this area of the park.
Although it offers more amenities (horseback riding, bike rentals, General Store), the campground itself is not as nice as Elkmont as most sites are close together and offer little privacy.
As with Elkmont Campground, you can make Cades Cove Campground reservations online 6 months ahead. The good sites go fast!
C42 is a typical campsite in Cades Cove Campground, fairly spacious. 
Cades Cove Campground seems better suited to RV camping. Sites are quite close together.
Pros: What We Like About Cades Cove Campground
- Its location next to beautiful Cades Cove
- Trailhead access to Anthony Creek Trail, Abrams Falls, and John Oliver Cabin Trail
- Great sunrises and sunsets from Cades Cove (a photographer’s dream)
- Bike rentals at the camp store. The 11 mile loop road is closed to cars on Wednesdays May-September. This is really the only time you should consider biking it as it is too congested otherwise and is a pretty miserable experience.
- Visitor Center on site
- Horseback riding
- Nice picnic area
- Wildlife watching (deer, bears)
- General Store
Cons
- Lots of car traffic and people
- Limited privacy
- More open– not as much developed understory beneath the trees
- Tucked away from other points of interest in the park
See our The Ultimate Guide to Cades Cove Campground including best sites, things to do, what to expect, and more helpful tips.
Conclusion
I would choose Elkmont Campground for an overall great camping experience while visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is my hands-down winner.
However, I would consider Cades Cove Campground for the added convenience of biking the Cades Cove Loop without cars on a designated car-free day and photographing its amazing sunrises and sunsets.
For a complete review of each campground, see Everything You Want To Know About Elkmont Campground and The Ultimate Guide to Cades Cove Campground.
Planning A Family Vacation To The Smokies? See Our Local’s Guide To The Smokies
If you want more info about the Tennessee side, check out our 6 Day Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary.
It lists family-friendly hiking trails, recommended lodging options if you are not camping, as well as activities and restaurants in nearby Townsend, TN.
We give you a detailed, 6 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.
More Smokies Blogs
The Ultimate Guide to Cades Cove Campground
Fun Things To Do When Visiting Cades Cove In The Smoky Mountains
Your Guide To Biking Cades Cove in the Smokies
Everything You Want To Know About Elkmont Campground
10 Fun Things To Do Near Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Exploring Townsend: A Local’s Guide To Fun
Check out our Smokies page to see all of our favorite places in the park we love so much – best hikes, favorite campgrounds, biking Cades Cove, lodging, and more.
