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

Madison M

Verified

May 9, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Elk. No road noise. The river running. It was a forest paradise

Teresa L

Verified

May 8, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Beautiful, peaceful area. the elk are a special treat! Wonderful hikes!
The campground host was very welcoming and helpful!

Teresa L

Verified

May 8, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Beautiful, peaceful area. the elk are a special treat! Wonderful hikes!
The campground host was very welcoming and helpful!

John E

Verified

May 5, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

I've now stayed at the Cataloochee Campground about 8 or 9 times, all in the Spring. It's a pleasant campground with adequate water and toilet facilities, plus quick access to some good fly fising. Due to the remoteness of the campground (which I prefer), I always bring some locally purchased firewood with me. The campground would really be more convenient if the camp host had firewood for sale to the campers.

John E

Verified

May 5, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

I've now stayed at the Cataloochee Campground about 8 or 9 times, all in the Spring. It's a pleasant campground with adequate water and toilet facilities, plus quick access to some good fly fising. Due to the remoteness of the campground (which I prefer), I always bring some locally purchased firewood with me. The campground would really be more convenient if the camp host had firewood for sale to the campers.

Jeffrey S

Verified

May 3, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Be aware of the twisty, gravel road over the pass that you have to traverse to get to the campground, The biggest thing I worried about was meeting a large vehicle coming in the other direction! There were at least 3 large travel trailers (pulled by large trucks) in the campground when we were there... and all three were running their generators ALL DAY, which was very annoying and took away from the feeling of being in nature in a remote area. I was surprised at the length of paved road in front of the campground. If they could pave that, why not go all the way over the pass? Just a little puzzled! Still, a very nice campground, other than the lack of privacy.

Jackie S

Verified

May 3, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very quiet and small campground in a fairly remote part of the park with great hiking. Was less crowded then prior trips

Sheri R

Verified

May 3, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We love Cataloochee Campground!! Great sites!

Jeffrey S

Verified

May 3, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Be aware of the twisty, gravel road over the pass that you have to traverse to get to the campground, The biggest thing I worried about was meeting a large vehicle coming in the other direction! There were at least 3 large travel trailers (pulled by large trucks) in the campground when we were there... and all three were running their generators ALL DAY, which was very annoying and took away from the feeling of being in nature in a remote area. I was surprised at the length of paved road in front of the campground. If they could pave that, why not go all the way over the pass? Just a little puzzled! Still, a very nice campground, other than the lack of privacy.

Jackie S

Verified

May 3, 2022 β€’ Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very quiet and small campground in a fairly remote part of the park with great hiking. Was less crowded then prior trips

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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