Elba is a resort island, chock-full of resort hotels. To find the perfect hotel to fit your needs, you can call, fax, or drop by the Associazione Albergatori office.
Seasons on the island have seemingly infinite gradations. The highest season is August, when the island is packed with vacationing Italians and you'll find the highest prices and most hotels booked months in advance (and at most places at least half pension required). The second most crowded and expensive seasons are Easter and Christmas, again often with half pension obligatory. Then come various midseasons in June, July, late spring, and early fall. The lowest season is winter, when most places are closed, while those that stay open offer deeply discounted rates. To simplify matters, the prices below lump together the higher seasons and the lowest into ranges not including pension, with any period wherein pension is required quoted separately.
Campers will find plenty to satisfy them. Ask at the tourist office for a color catalog of campgrounds because sacking out on most beaches is frowned on, and you'll often get shooed away.