About Cataloochee Campground
Number of accommodations: 27
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
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Rates, Sites & Availability
27 Sites Available
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Site Details
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27 Sites Available
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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
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!!!
Russell W
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Everything was nice. No problems.
Russell W
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Everything was nice. No problems.
Rance S
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Amazing as always! Seeing a bull elk strolling through camp was pretty neat too.
Rance S
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Amazing as always! Seeing a bull elk strolling through camp was pretty neat too.
William Q
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Happened to be there the week it rained. That always diminishes the camping experience. However, there are several things that could greatly improve camping at Cataloochee. First, improve the road- take out some of the curves and widen the dirt part. N.C. needs to do their part on the access road up to the Park entrance. When the campground is full, the restroom facility gets very busy. It would help to have another one at the other end of the campground. Providing electric hookups would be a great plus, even if it was for only designated campsites. Would be worth $5.00 more per night. It would be great if there was another campground in Cataloochee, or expand the present one to handle demand. The dirt road from the school house to the end of valley needs to be widened.
William Q
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Happened to be there the week it rained. That always diminishes the camping experience. However, there are several things that could greatly improve camping at Cataloochee. First, improve the road- take out some of the curves and widen the dirt part. N.C. needs to do their part on the access road up to the Park entrance. When the campground is full, the restroom facility gets very busy. It would help to have another one at the other end of the campground. Providing electric hookups would be a great plus, even if it was for only designated campsites. Would be worth $5.00 more per night. It would be great if there was another campground in Cataloochee, or expand the present one to handle demand. The dirt road from the school house to the end of valley needs to be widened.
Dennis B
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Best place to see Elk
Dennis B
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Best place to see Elk
Cheryl L
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Wish there were volunteers or staff regulating the Elk. People get way to close, one even tried to feed the Elk. People parking all over the meadows edge, provoking the Elk. Very dissatisfied with the way the Elk are handled. Everything else was perfect!
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
