An old logging town that later became a summer resort community, Elkmont is now a campground and the starting point for several day hikes. The park has considered tearing down the deteriorating remains of summer cottages here, but for now they still stand—a reminder of the days before the park existed. Present-day vacationers can lay their heads at the 220-site Elkmont campground.
Elkmont is noted for the appearance here every June of synchronous fireflies. People come in droves to watch the insect show, which normally lasts about two weeks and begins around the second week of June. The park service offers trolley transportation to Elkmont during the firefly show.