About Cataloochee Campground
Number of accommodations: 27
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Cataloochee Campground.
Rates, Sites & Availability
27 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
27 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (773)
What Guests Are Saying
Cataloochee Campground is a charming and peaceful spot, well-regarded for its clean facilities and friendly hosts. Many visitors appreciate the abundant wildlife, including elk and bears, and the serene, forested environment. While access can be tricky due to remote roads and no hookups, the spacious sites and beautiful scenery make it a favorite for campers seeking a simple, nature-focused experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Cataloochee Campground is a charming and peaceful spot, well-regarded for its clean facilities and friendly hosts. Many visitors appreciate the abundant wildlife, including elk and bears, and the serene, forested environment. While access can be tricky due to remote roads and no hookups, the spacious sites and beautiful scenery make it a favorite for campers seeking a simple, nature-focused experience.
Review Summary
ray m
VerifiedMay 19, 2026 β’ Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
staff were super, nice facilities were really clean
Kevin S
VerifiedMay 18, 2026 β’ Stayed at: 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Nice small national Park campground with lots of trees and a pleasant creek running through it.
James K
VerifiedMay 15, 2026 β’ Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Nice and quiet.
Charles B
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We had been into Cataloochee several times and had wanted to camp there for a long time. We just enjoyed the quiet and watching the elk wander through the campground. For those thinking they canβt access the area, we have been in twice now with a travel trailer. This trip we took our 26β travel trailer (bumper pull to some) in with ease. At one corner a fella coming out had to back up a bit for me, which he did without hesitation, and another skinny spot I had to get out and spot a fella who was uncomfortable on the road in his car.π Otherwise it was very easy to get in and out. We stayed in spot 10 because it has a nice path to the creek and is somewhat more isolated than some. The campground is an easy walk or bike ride into the fields where the wildlife is usually visible. You can also drive back to the community homes that are still there and take walks/hikes from parking areas. We love the no-frills part of camping here. Give it a try.
Charles B
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We had been into Cataloochee several times and had wanted to camp there for a long time. We just enjoyed the quiet and watching the elk wander through the campground. For those thinking they canβt access the area, we have been in twice now with a travel trailer. This trip we took our 26β travel trailer (bumper pull to some) in with ease. At one corner a fella coming out had to back up a bit for me, which he did without hesitation, and another skinny spot I had to get out and spot a fella who was uncomfortable on the road in his car.π Otherwise it was very easy to get in and out. We stayed in spot 10 because it has a nice path to the creek and is somewhat more isolated than some. The campground is an easy walk or bike ride into the fields where the wildlife is usually visible. You can also drive back to the community homes that are still there and take walks/hikes from parking areas. We love the no-frills part of camping here. Give it a try.
Deborah B
VerifiedNovember 11, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The windy road was tricky getting to the campground. Itβs very remote. I had a 22 foot travel trailer. Once I got there, the site was large and very acceptable. Viewing the Elks was a great extra.
Deborah B
VerifiedNovember 11, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The windy road was tricky getting to the campground. Itβs very remote. I had a 22 foot travel trailer. Once I got there, the site was large and very acceptable. Viewing the Elks was a great extra.
Carolynn P
VerifiedNovember 9, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Such a lovely and peaceful place to camp. Clean. Peaceful.
Carolynn P
VerifiedNovember 9, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Such a lovely and peaceful place to camp. Clean. Peaceful.
Fred E
VerifiedOctober 31, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
I have camped at Cataloochee for over 50 years, since the mid 70's. It is always a blessing to return. Many great memories there, some with folks who are no longer living. When I first came, the campground was simple and without modern conveniences. Now, there is a bathroom, a wash station, and usually a camp host. The valley itself is largely unchanged over the past 50 years but for the recent hurricane damage and the introduction of the Elk. The Elk, primarily, have led to an influx of visitors. If you go Cataloochee, for a day visit or to camp, please take care of this place. Treat it with the respect due those who gave up their homes, farms, churches, cemetaries, pieces of their lives, that we may have this place as the National Treasure that it is. And let's appreciate the work of the GSMNP Staff who work diligently to care for it every day.
Location Cataloochee Campground
Address:
3576 Ranger Station Rd
Waynesville, NC, 37876
United States
From I-40 take Exit 20 in North Carolina. Turn right onto Cove Creek Road and follow to the Park boundary. The road goes from pavement to gravel to pavement. Upon reaching the pavement the second time, turn left. Go 2.5 miles to an intersection and continue another .5 miles to the left.
Cataloochee Campground is accessible via I-40, with Exit 20 providing the nearest access point. From the interstate, travelers can reach the campground by following Cove Creek Road to the park boundary.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.6312 / -83.0855
Elevation: 801 feet
Nearby National Park
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 55 min
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
