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

Walter A

Verified

July 20, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Was able to book a campsite right before sunset; even when the operator was from a nearby campground. The operator had me booked in three minutes. The booking, the campground, the valley; the whole experience was wonderful. With experiences like this we need to get America camping again.

Deryl G

Verified

July 15, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great small campground. Elk are super close, we even had them walking through the campground.

Deryl G

Verified

July 15, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great small campground. Elk are super close, we even had them walking through the campground.

Angela F

Verified

July 12, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

I absolutely loved staying at Cataloochee Campground. The Camp Hist was fantastic and informative. I had the camp site right next to the bathroom, although the dryer and toilet were noisy it was still a win win for me a solo 60 year old camper chick to have the bathroom and dishwashing sink right by. The camp sites and bathrooms were kept clean daily. I enjoyed the elk roaming through the campground and viewing them in the valley. Despite rain I had a canopy and will bring a big tarp next time to hang up after all your in the Smokey’s a mini rain forest.

Visiting the valley brought a lot of peace and happiness but remember to get out of your car and check the buildings and trails out.
I took one rainy morning to drive over to Big Creek on the gravel mountain road. It was absolutely beautiful. The road is tougher than the Cove Creek Road you drive in on from 276. I recommend everyone to stay at this campground and enjoy the elk, nature and history of Cataloochee Valley.

Elizabeth R

Verified

July 12, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We loved the Cataloochie campground! Even though it was 4th of July it was very secluded and felt like we had the place to ourselves on hikes and walking around the campground. We drove a 27 ft RV up to the campground and it was fine as long as you go slow. I loved the meadow and we saw elk in the evening eating. It is a beautiful place!

Angela F

Verified

July 12, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

I absolutely loved staying at Cataloochee Campground. The Camp Hist was fantastic and informative. I had the camp site right next to the bathroom, although the dryer and toilet were noisy it was still a win win for me a solo 60 year old camper chick to have the bathroom and dishwashing sink right by. The camp sites and bathrooms were kept clean daily. I enjoyed the elk roaming through the campground and viewing them in the valley. Despite rain I had a canopy and will bring a big tarp next time to hang up after all your in the Smokey’s a mini rain forest.

Visiting the valley brought a lot of peace and happiness but remember to get out of your car and check the buildings and trails out.
I took one rainy morning to drive over to Big Creek on the gravel mountain road. It was absolutely beautiful. The road is tougher than the Cove Creek Road you drive in on from 276. I recommend everyone to stay at this campground and enjoy the elk, nature and history of Cataloochee Valley.

Elizabeth R

Verified

July 12, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We loved the Cataloochie campground! Even though it was 4th of July it was very secluded and felt like we had the place to ourselves on hikes and walking around the campground. We drove a 27 ft RV up to the campground and it was fine as long as you go slow. I loved the meadow and we saw elk in the evening eating. It is a beautiful place!

Robert B

Verified

July 7, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The facilities were well maintained.

Robert B

Verified

July 7, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The facilities were well maintained.

Todd N

Verified

July 6, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great campground. Kept exceptionally clean (bathroom especially!). Host was very helpful and approachable. We'll be back!

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 5, 2026

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