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

Jack S

Verified

September 23, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

.

Cheryl L

Verified

September 23, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

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!

Jack S

Verified

September 23, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

.

Patricia D

Verified

September 22, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We came for the bugling of the Elk. It's been 4 years since we enjoyed these beautiful mountains. Be aware that this is campground does not have water and electric at camping sites. We enjoy "boondocking" or being self-contained so we bring our water and have solar-panels. This is the perfect spot to bring kids and enjoy the hikes, streams and the quiet. The road going in to the park is twisty so you need to be careful especially if pulling a camper/trailer. BUT it is well worth it. Remember to be a responsible camper/visitor.

Patricia D

Verified

September 22, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

We came for the bugling of the Elk. It's been 4 years since we enjoyed these beautiful mountains. Be aware that this is campground does not have water and electric at camping sites. We enjoy "boondocking" or being self-contained so we bring our water and have solar-panels. This is the perfect spot to bring kids and enjoy the hikes, streams and the quiet. The road going in to the park is twisty so you need to be careful especially if pulling a camper/trailer. BUT it is well worth it. Remember to be a responsible camper/visitor.

Brandon R

Verified

September 20, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Please keep this campground open year round.

Brandon R

Verified

September 20, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Please keep this campground open year round.

Susan O

Verified

September 18, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very nice campground. Some good walking trails nearby, no cell service at camp. I drove to the entrance to the park to use cell service.

Susan O

Verified

September 18, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very nice campground. Some good walking trails nearby, no cell service at camp. I drove to the entrance to the park to use cell service.

Susan O

Verified

September 17, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

A lovely place to camp and hike.

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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