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? Let us know

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

Deborah B

Verified

November 11, 2025 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

The windy road was tricky getting to the campground. It’s very remote. I had a 22 foot travel trailer. Once I got there, the site was large and very acceptable. Viewing the Elks was a great extra.

Deborah B

Verified

November 11, 2025 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

The windy road was tricky getting to the campground. It’s very remote. I had a 22 foot travel trailer. Once I got there, the site was large and very acceptable. Viewing the Elks was a great extra.

Carolynn P

Verified

November 9, 2025 Stayed at: 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Such a lovely and peaceful place to camp. Clean. Peaceful.

Carolynn P

Verified

November 9, 2025 Stayed at: 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Such a lovely and peaceful place to camp. Clean. Peaceful.

Mark C

Verified

October 31, 2025 Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Wonderful place
Simple
Quite
Freindly

Fred E

Verified

October 31, 2025 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

I have camped at Cataloochee for over 50 years, since the mid 70's. It is always a blessing to return. Many great memories there, some with folks who are no longer living. When I first came, the campground was simple and without modern conveniences. Now, there is a bathroom, a wash station, and usually a camp host. The valley itself is largely unchanged over the past 50 years but for the recent hurricane damage and the introduction of the Elk. The Elk, primarily, have led to an influx of visitors. If you go Cataloochee, for a day visit or to camp, please take care of this place. Treat it with the respect due those who gave up their homes, farms, churches, cemetaries, pieces of their lives, that we may have this place as the National Treasure that it is. And let's appreciate the work of the GSMNP Staff who work diligently to care for it every day.

Mark C

Verified

October 31, 2025 Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Wonderful place
Simple
Quite
Freindly

Fred E

Verified

October 31, 2025 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

I have camped at Cataloochee for over 50 years, since the mid 70's. It is always a blessing to return. Many great memories there, some with folks who are no longer living. When I first came, the campground was simple and without modern conveniences. Now, there is a bathroom, a wash station, and usually a camp host. The valley itself is largely unchanged over the past 50 years but for the recent hurricane damage and the introduction of the Elk. The Elk, primarily, have led to an influx of visitors. If you go Cataloochee, for a day visit or to camp, please take care of this place. Treat it with the respect due those who gave up their homes, farms, churches, cemetaries, pieces of their lives, that we may have this place as the National Treasure that it is. And let's appreciate the work of the GSMNP Staff who work diligently to care for it every day.

Robert Z

Verified

October 28, 2025 Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

The camp is isolated and difficult to reach because the main roads leading to it have been washed out, possible permanently. The camp itself is not very large and has no hookups, hence it is mainly tents. The sites in the center of the campground are tightly packed, while most along the edge are spacious. This is the cost for having close access to a large number of Elk along the road and walking trail. One must come prepared as there is no stores within 40 minutes of the camp or firewood.

Logan B

Verified

October 28, 2025 Stayed at: 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Host was great and informative. Sites are very quiet and peaceful.

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 6, 2026

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