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

Steve B

Verified

October 5, 2022 Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We enjoyed our 2 night stay at Cataloochee campground. It is a hidden gem. Very pleasant camp host. She was very informative. Will definitely stay again in the future.

Russell W

Verified

October 5, 2022 Stayed at: 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The camping spot was very good. Clean, well kept.
I had great neighbors next to me. Enjoyed the stay.

Steve B

Verified

October 5, 2022 Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We enjoyed our 2 night stay at Cataloochee campground. It is a hidden gem. Very pleasant camp host. She was very informative. Will definitely stay again in the future.

Ida W

Verified

October 4, 2022 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Wonderful place to visit!

Ida W

Verified

October 4, 2022 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Wonderful place to visit!

Paul O

Verified

September 29, 2022 Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great place. Many reserved sites vacant.

Paul O

Verified

September 29, 2022 Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great place. Many reserved sites vacant.

Jennifer S

Verified

September 26, 2022 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Tim S

Verified

September 26, 2022 Stayed at: 1, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We saw and heard three bull elk in the same field during rut. Two of them posturing for top dog. There is no cell service, so reserve your site before you go. Very helpful host.

chrys h

Verified

September 26, 2022 Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

This is a small intimate campground. I came here for the elk watching in the valley, and was not disappointed. the sites are close together, not much privacy but everyone was friendly and the campground was quiet. The restroom was clean and well maintained. my only complaint is there was no light in the dishwashing station and I usually had to wash dishes after dark. A light would be helpful as there was no place to set down or hang a lantern. Warning: the gravel road in is narrow, with many tight blind curves. not for the faint of heart. bring everything you will need, you wouldn't want to have to drive that 9 mile road back for supplies.

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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