Cataloochee Campground

Elk
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

Restrooms Restrooms

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

27 total sites

RV Sites

27 sites

About Cataloochee Campground

Cataloochee campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley--a relatively remote part of Smoky Mountain National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other parts of the park.

Number of accommodations: 27

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Oct 25

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Restrooms
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Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

27 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
Price not available

Reviews (818)

What Guests Are Saying

Cataloochee Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience, with friendly hosts and abundant wildlife, including elk and bears. The area is well-maintained, featuring clean facilities and a lovely creek, making it ideal for photography and exploration. However, access can be challenging due to rough roads, and some sites may have issues with standing water and proximity to neighbors.

Review Summary

4.7
818 reviews
5
78.5%
642
4
15.2%
124
3
3.7%
30
2
2.1%
17
1
0.6%
5

ray m

Verified

October 27, 2023 Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

campground and restrooms were super clean host was friendly and herpful

Marji M

Verified

October 26, 2023 Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The campground at Cataloochee is perfect. It is quiet, secluded, and, because it's so tricky to get to, not overly crowded. We arrived at night and backing into our reserved site was a bit tricky, but worth it. The rest rooms were clean. Get up early to see all the elk in the valley. Best to arrive early in the day and leave late in the afternoon because the narrow road to Cataloochee can be difficult to navigate if two large rigs meet.

Marji M

Verified

October 26, 2023 Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The campground at Cataloochee is perfect. It is quiet, secluded, and, because it's so tricky to get to, not overly crowded. We arrived at night and backing into our reserved site was a bit tricky, but worth it. The rest rooms were clean. Get up early to see all the elk in the valley. Best to arrive early in the day and leave late in the afternoon because the narrow road to Cataloochee can be difficult to navigate if two large rigs meet.

Gregory D

Verified

October 25, 2023 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

2

When I arrived, my reserved campsite was occupied by another camper, who said the campground host told him it was available. Host was not around, and never appeared during my stay. I took another campsite and fortunately did not have to vacate later, but I did have to listen to a generator 15 feet away for several hours. This was not my only poor experience at this campground.

Gregory D

Verified

October 25, 2023 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

2

When I arrived, my reserved campsite was occupied by another camper, who said the campground host told him it was available. Host was not around, and never appeared during my stay. I took another campsite and fortunately did not have to vacate later, but I did have to listen to a generator 15 feet away for several hours. This was not my only poor experience at this campground.

JENNIFER D

Verified

October 24, 2023 Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

the campground location and vibe make the somewhat difficult drive down well worth it. It's a smaller campground and close to beautiful historic area and meadow full of elk.

JENNIFER D

Verified

October 24, 2023 Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

the campground location and vibe make the somewhat difficult drive down well worth it. It's a smaller campground and close to beautiful historic area and meadow full of elk.

jay s

Verified

October 13, 2023 Stayed at: 26, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Loved the CG. Site were spacious though some not so private in the middle loop. Highly recommend for elk viewing! Will be back next season for rut.

jay s

Verified

October 13, 2023 Stayed at: 26, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Loved the CG. Site were spacious though some not so private in the middle loop. Highly recommend for elk viewing! Will be back next season for rut.

Georgia W

Verified

October 12, 2023 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

As usual, I had a blast. The people at the campground were nice and considerate. The host was kind and efficient.

Location Cataloochee Campground

Address:
3576 Ranger Station Rd
Waynesville, NC, 37876
United States

Highway access

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.

Elevation: 801 feet

Nearby National Park

Yosemite National Park

Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate driving time: 55 min

Distance to downtown

22 mi drive to downtown Waynesville (about 49 min)

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: September 10, 2026

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