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
🚐 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 12, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 26, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only
🚐 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Electric Only

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

Angela F

Verified

July 12, 2022 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 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 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 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 Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The facilities were well maintained.

Robert B

Verified

July 7, 2022 Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The facilities were well maintained.

Todd N

Verified

July 6, 2022 Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

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

Todd N

Verified

July 6, 2022 Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

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

Dawn C

Verified

July 5, 2022 Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

lacked privacy. rest rooms were adequate. the homes of former residents were fascinating. Many Elk just beyond campground. We too the long way out on mostly unpaved road; we loved it but would not recommend for cars with poor suspension or pulling trailers

Dawn C

Verified

July 5, 2022 Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

lacked privacy. rest rooms were adequate. the homes of former residents were fascinating. Many Elk just beyond campground. We too the long way out on mostly unpaved road; we loved it but would not recommend for cars with poor suspension or pulling trailers

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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