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
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
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

Joseph S

Verified

April 19, 2023 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Bring your bikes! Hike during the day then ride into the valley to see the elk in the evening . We had a wonderful time. Campground is quiet and the scenery is beautiful. We’ve been in summer fall and winter and each season has its own beauty.

Jean R

Verified

November 12, 2022 Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

2

The road up wasn't horrible. Wouldn't want to do it in the dark or with an RV attached. Campground itself has ONE bathhouse with 2 stalls for females and one for males. This restroom facility also serves all the vistiors coming in for the day to see the elk, so good luck trying to get in when you need it most if you are camping there. Considering most campers are tent or tiny RV campers they need to add an additional bathroom. There was no host the entire time we were there. There is no pay phone or ranger station nearby so if you injure yourself or suddenly find yourself having a heart attack or stroke you are out of luck. They post a sign that says, you might get cell coverage down the road a ways, around a curve, by a small turn out. Nope, not even a little, plus good luck finding it in an emergency. This area seems to be the forgotten area of the park. The elk fields are one lane and overcrowded and impossible to navigate during peak time. No one enforces the 50 yard rule and the poor elk are surrounded by idiots.

Jean R

Verified

November 12, 2022 Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

2

The road up wasn't horrible. Wouldn't want to do it in the dark or with an RV attached. Campground itself has ONE bathhouse with 2 stalls for females and one for males. This restroom facility also serves all the vistiors coming in for the day to see the elk, so good luck trying to get in when you need it most if you are camping there. Considering most campers are tent or tiny RV campers they need to add an additional bathroom. There was no host the entire time we were there. There is no pay phone or ranger station nearby so if you injure yourself or suddenly find yourself having a heart attack or stroke you are out of luck. They post a sign that says, you might get cell coverage down the road a ways, around a curve, by a small turn out. Nope, not even a little, plus good luck finding it in an emergency. This area seems to be the forgotten area of the park. The elk fields are one lane and overcrowded and impossible to navigate during peak time. No one enforces the 50 yard rule and the poor elk are surrounded by idiots.

Ross L

Verified

November 7, 2022 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Wonderful fall color show and wildlife experience

Ross L

Verified

November 7, 2022 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Wonderful fall color show and wildlife experience

Everett K

Verified

November 5, 2022 Stayed at: 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

This is a great campground with the exception of the generator use. Makes no sense to have one. The bathrooms are exceptionally clean and the camp host is very friendly.

Everett K

Verified

November 5, 2022 Stayed at: 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

This is a great campground with the exception of the generator use. Makes no sense to have one. The bathrooms are exceptionally clean and the camp host is very friendly.

Ross L

Verified

November 4, 2022 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Just a wonderful time in nature

Ross L

Verified

November 4, 2022 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Just a wonderful time in nature

KEL G

Verified

November 2, 2022 Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great small little campground. Lots of elk and trails for hiking

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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