About Cataloochee Campground
Number of accommodations: 27
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
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Rates, Sites & Availability
27 Sites Available
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Site Details
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27 Sites Available
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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
Mark C
VerifiedOctober 31, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Wonderful place
Simple
Quite
Freindly
Mark C
VerifiedOctober 31, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Wonderful place
Simple
Quite
Freindly
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.
Logan B
VerifiedOctober 28, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Host was great and informative. Sites are very quiet and peaceful.
Robert Z
VerifiedOctober 28, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The camp is isolated and difficult to reach because the main roads leading to it have been washed out, possible permanently. The camp itself is not very large and has no hookups, hence it is mainly tents. The sites in the center of the campground are tightly packed, while most along the edge are spacious. This is the cost for having close access to a large number of Elk along the road and walking trail. One must come prepared as there is no stores within 40 minutes of the camp or firewood.
Logan B
VerifiedOctober 28, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Host was great and informative. Sites are very quiet and peaceful.
Robert Z
VerifiedOctober 28, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The camp is isolated and difficult to reach because the main roads leading to it have been washed out, possible permanently. The camp itself is not very large and has no hookups, hence it is mainly tents. The sites in the center of the campground are tightly packed, while most along the edge are spacious. This is the cost for having close access to a large number of Elk along the road and walking trail. One must come prepared as there is no stores within 40 minutes of the camp or firewood.
Jennifer C
VerifiedOctober 23, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Beautiful site, beautiful area!
Jennifer C
VerifiedOctober 23, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Beautiful site, beautiful area!
Randall L
VerifiedOctober 22, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
One of the greatest campgrounds in the smokies! Lots of elk and the leaves were popping.
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 12, 2026
