Elements on the Dragon 2026

Not a car show, competition or proving ground.

We abide by all local laws, speed limits, campground and event rules. We are ambassadors for The Element Community.

May 8-10th @ Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, Bryson City, North Carolina.

Join us for the 14th annual EOTD. Car/tent camping is encouraged but not expected. Bryson City has plentiful housing and amenities for those wanting to attend but not camp. For those flying in, pick up and drop off services are available.

Drive the infamous Tail of the Dragon with new (or old) friends. Enjoy the untamed beauty of Western North Carolina while you make new memories around the campfire. Eat local food, trade stories and see why over 150 Honda Element Owners make the pilgrimage every year to Elements on the Dragon.

This event takes place over the course of three days. Friday, half of the attendees arrive. If you want a choice in field camping it is recommended to come Thursday. No events other than check in occur Friday. Food is available Friday-Sun at the campground. Saturday is the first day of the event. Saturday is the busiest day. Guided touring of the Tail of the Dragon, raffle, and owners party occur Saturday. Sunday has 2 organized events: free clinic and organized off road drive.

Registration is $14, per vehicle. Event sticker included. All attendees must register via Eventbrite, regardless of camping arrangements. Guests are limited to 3 and must arrive and camp in the same site as the registered attendee.

Tail of the Dragon driving tours from 9:40AM-3:40PM, every 40 minutes on Saturday May 10th

Registration check in will begin at 8am Friday May 9th. Staff will assist you at the gate, then you will proceed to the campground main office to check in for your camping or purchase accommodations. All Elements entering that are not camping must check in with office to get parking pass.

Special Events:

-Off-road drive on TBD, Sunday.

-Free clinic, “common rust issues” Sunday

Itinerary:

FRIDAY

Check in begins at campground 8AM

SATURDAY

Morning brief 9:00am

Driving groups begin to stage 9:40am

Dinner/party begins at campground at 7

Raffle 8:15-9PM

Join the beverage swap and bring a 6 pack from your local brewery to share with others!

This is a pet friendly event, but we insist pets be leashed and supervised at all times. This area is at elevation, with many twists and turns along the route. Keep this in mind when deciding to bring your fur babies. The campground is pet friendly.

For those staying the weekend, the official campground is:

Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground info:

Camping reservations for $15/night field camping-

https://app.fireflyreservations.com/Reserve/Property/SmokyMountainMeadows

Pick “other” for unit type, select arrival and departure dates between May 5-13, edit personal info and add group code EOTD26 to see $15 field camping. Pay in person upon arrival (field camping only) available but a reservation is preferred. Other camp site reservations can be made with any dates without the group code.

For those traveling from the west coast, check out the caravans leaving from the PNW and California: Drive to the Dragon on Facebook. There will also be many caravans leaving from all around the country. Check the “caravan” event discussion on Facebook for more info.

Please check the discussion posts in event on Facebook regularly for more detailed and up to date information. Any questions, please ask in the appropriate discussion.

FB event link:

https://facebook.com/events/s/elements-on-the-dragon-2026

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Bryson City, Contests in Bryson City, Workshops in Bryson City.