About Cataloochee Campground
Number of accommodations: 27
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Cataloochee Campground.
Rates, Sites & Availability
27 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
27 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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.
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
Jon M
VerifiedOctober 20, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Campground was excellent. Bathrooms were clean. Scenery was beautiful. And the elk were amazing!!
Paul M
VerifiedOctober 16, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The campground is small and quiet and sits along a creek. The bathrooms were clean and had stainless steel sinks and counters and supplied soap and a high-powered hand dryer. The volunteer camp host needed to see our reservation because we made it just 2 days before but because we did not have any cell coverage or WIFI, I could not bring it up once we were there so make sure that your either print it out or have it pulled up and accessible on your phone ahead of time. We were able to see a herd of elk at dusk the day that we arrived, which was amazing. The road to get to the campground is a narrow, winding road, some of which was gravel so a bit of a challenge to get to.
Paul M
VerifiedOctober 16, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The campground is small and quiet and sits along a creek. The bathrooms were clean and had stainless steel sinks and counters and supplied soap and a high-powered hand dryer. The volunteer camp host needed to see our reservation because we made it just 2 days before but because we did not have any cell coverage or WIFI, I could not bring it up once we were there so make sure that your either print it out or have it pulled up and accessible on your phone ahead of time. We were able to see a herd of elk at dusk the day that we arrived, which was amazing. The road to get to the campground is a narrow, winding road, some of which was gravel so a bit of a challenge to get to.
Jane S
VerifiedOctober 15, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We checked it out in person before we made our reservation and it looks great for camping. There is a dirt road to get there, a little rough. But there are flush toilets and nicely shady campsites. The camp host was very nice and answered all our questions. BUT we never got to camp because it was so rainy, we decided not to go. Will try again someday
Jane S
VerifiedOctober 15, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We checked it out in person before we made our reservation and it looks great for camping. There is a dirt road to get there, a little rough. But there are flush toilets and nicely shady campsites. The camp host was very nice and answered all our questions. BUT we never got to camp because it was so rainy, we decided not to go. Will try again someday
Sarah P
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Really nice camp host.
Sarah P
VerifiedOctober 11, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Really nice camp host.
Laura G
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
This is a small, very quiet campground. This is not the place for large/noisy groups.
Laura G
VerifiedOctober 10, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
This is a small, very quiet campground. This is not the place for large/noisy groups.
stacy h
VerifiedOctober 8, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We stayed 5 nights at the Cataloochee campground in the Great Smoky Mountains in September 2021. We had a great trip. The campground is very well maintained. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly. They had potible water. The sites were clean and well maintained. The rangers were very helpful and VERY friendly. There was an unruly camper there. The camp host had to have a talk with them. She was very respectful to them. They acted ugly, but the camp host maintained her composure and handled the situation very professionally. We will be back. Cataloochee is a beautiful place. We got to see a bunch of elk!!!
Location Cataloochee Campground
Address:
3576 Ranger Station Rd
Waynesville, NC, 37876
United States
From I-40 take Exit 20 in North Carolina. Turn right onto Cove Creek Road and follow to the Park boundary. The road goes from pavement to gravel to pavement. Upon reaching the pavement the second time, turn left. Go 2.5 miles to an intersection and continue another .5 miles to the left.
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
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 55 min
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 5, 2026
