Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd, Waynesville, North Carolina, United States
Check Availability
Elk
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Cataloochee Map
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

Restrooms Restrooms
View all amenities

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.

Available sites

27 total sites
RV Sites 27 sites Check Availability

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
Missing information?

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
Pet Friendly · 33 ft long · Gravel
🚐 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 12, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 44 ft long · Gravel
🚐 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 33 ft long · Gravel
🚐 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 44 ft long · Gravel
🚐 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 42 ft long · Gravel
🚐 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 46 ft long · Gravel
🚐 26, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 33 ft long · Gravel
🚐 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 36 ft long · Gravel
🚐 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 38 ft long · Gravel
🚐 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 38 ft long · Gravel
🚐 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 38 ft long · Gravel

Reviews

863 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.7

Overall rating

Based on 863 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 77.8% (671)
4 stars 15.9% (137)
3 stars 3.6% (31)
2 stars 2.1% (18)
1 star 0.7% (6)

Showing 863 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Randall L

Verified

October 22, 2025 Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

One of the greatest campgrounds in the smokies! Lots of elk and the leaves were popping.

Helpful

Tiffany F

Verified

October 21, 2025 Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

I love this place. 9 years in a row going, sometimes twice a year. Always a clean campground. The hosts are always so nice! Beautiful area, family friendly, dog friendly (leash required!), abundant wildlife to watch and amazing hiking trails!

Helpful

Tiffany F

Verified

October 21, 2025 Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

I love this place. 9 years in a row going, sometimes twice a year. Always a clean campground. The hosts are always so nice! Beautiful area, family friendly, dog friendly (leash required!), abundant wildlife to watch and amazing hiking trails!

Helpful

Brenda F

Verified

October 15, 2025 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

We enjoyed spending a night in Cataloochee Campground. It was a beautiful moonlit night. The campground is well maintained and quiet. Plenty of elk to view in the late evening and earth morning. Even saw some bears.
We look forward to returning.

Helpful

Brenda F

Verified

October 15, 2025 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

We enjoyed spending a night in Cataloochee Campground. It was a beautiful moonlit night. The campground is well maintained and quiet. Plenty of elk to view in the late evening and earth morning. Even saw some bears.
We look forward to returning.

Helpful

Kathie B

Verified

October 12, 2025 Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Beautiful scenery, Elk didn't disappoint!
Campground host very efficient and friendly. Park Rangers friendly.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd, Waynesville, NC 37876 United States

Elevation: 801 ft

Getting There

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 mi to an intersection and c...

Nearest town

Waynesville, NC - 22 mi

About 49 min to downtown

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.

Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The closest entrance is: Cataloochee Entrance

Approximate drive: 2.1 mi · 4 min

Near Yosemite National Park

The closest entrance is: Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate drive: 32.3 mi · 55 min

Nearby Campgrounds

Cataloochee Group Camp
Instant Book

Campground / RV park

Cataloochee Group Camp

Waynesville, NC

Cataloochee Group Camp is located in the remote and historic Cataloochee Valley, surrounded by rugged mountains that offer great hiking and fishing opportunities. Its secluded setting allows visitors to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains...

3 Tent Sites
4.6 (9)
Cataloochee Horse Camp
Instant Book

Campground / RV park

Cataloochee Horse Camp

Waynesville, NC

Cataloochee Horse Camp, located in the picturesque Cataloochee Valley, provides access to some of the best horseback riding trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, the park is ...

4.5 (55)
Elk & Embers Resort

Campground / RV park

Elk & Embers Resort

Waynesville, NC
5.0 (5)

Nearby destinations

Explore destination

Maggie Valley

8 mi away

City
Explore destination

Lake Junaluska

10 mi away

City
Explore destination

Waynesville

11 mi away

City

Last updated: October 24, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Waynesville, NC

Population: 10,502

Nearby city: Asheville, NC

Approx. 30 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 2,749 ft

Learn more about Waynesville

From our Travel Guides

View all guides
National Park Service Logo
Managed by the National Park Service