OutReserve

Cataloochee Campground

Elk
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

Restrooms

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

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.

Review Summary

4.7
773 reviews
5
78.7%
608
4
14.9%
115
3
3.9%
30
2
2.1%
16
1
0.5%
4

Nancy C

Verified

July 17, 2024 Stayed at: 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Love Cataloochee...it's on the quieter side. But watch out for the elk. One of them was determined to make off with my camp chair. Another camper came to my rescue & was able to shoo the elk away.

Kimberly W

Verified

July 17, 2024 Stayed at: 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Wonderful small campground. The fireflies were amazing!!! Love how remote this campground is and love to go there.

Nancy C

Verified

July 17, 2024 Stayed at: 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Love Cataloochee...it's on the quieter side. But watch out for the elk. One of them was determined to make off with my camp chair. Another camper came to my rescue & was able to shoo the elk away.

Karie M

Verified

July 16, 2024 Stayed at: 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We love camping here- it's quiet and laid back. Will be back.

Karie M

Verified

July 16, 2024 Stayed at: 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We love camping here- it's quiet and laid back. Will be back.

John W

Verified

July 15, 2024 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very secluded and a ton of wildlife

John W

Verified

July 15, 2024 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very secluded and a ton of wildlife

Pamela K

Verified

July 12, 2024 Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Narrow, winding road up to the campground, but little oncoming traffic. I have a van and wouldn’t want to tow a trailer up there. Couple of spots where someone has to back up. However, campground was well worth the drive. Lovely, quiet site right on the river. Was only there one night but would love to go back.

Pamela K

Verified

July 12, 2024 Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Narrow, winding road up to the campground, but little oncoming traffic. I have a van and wouldn’t want to tow a trailer up there. Couple of spots where someone has to back up. However, campground was well worth the drive. Lovely, quiet site right on the river. Was only there one night but would love to go back.

Christie K

Verified

July 5, 2024 Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Campground was as expected. Clean bathrooms, well laid out flat sites and easy access to bear proof trash cans. We spent four nights and the neighbors were all very friendly and respectful of space and noise level. Would highly recommend if you are looking to stay away from the summer crowds.

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 35.6312 / -83.0855

Elevation: 801 feet

Nearby National Park

Yosemite National Park

Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate driving time: 55 min

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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