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

Susan O

Verified

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

5

A lovely place to camp and hike.

Michael C

Verified

September 16, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Cataloochee Campground is the best campground in the park in my opinion. It is quiet, small and located in a nice stand of trees. The elk are right up the road and there are many trails to enjoy.

Marie G

Verified

September 16, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great campsite, wonderful Elk route!

Michael C

Verified

September 16, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Cataloochee Campground is the best campground in the park in my opinion. It is quiet, small and located in a nice stand of trees. The elk are right up the road and there are many trails to enjoy.

Marie G

Verified

September 16, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great campsite, wonderful Elk route!

Bryan S

Verified

September 5, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Facilities were clean, Grounds were kept and Host was great.

Jessica B

Verified

September 5, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Great first time camping trip there! Did have a yellow jacket nest at our site that it looked like they purposely did not mow around to avoid but they did not bother us since we saw it first thing and we stayed away. But other then that it was a great trip!!

Bryan S

Verified

September 5, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Facilities were clean, Grounds were kept and Host was great.

Jessica B

Verified

September 5, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

Great first time camping trip there! Did have a yellow jacket nest at our site that it looked like they purposely did not mow around to avoid but they did not bother us since we saw it first thing and we stayed away. But other then that it was a great trip!!

Steve S

Verified

September 3, 2021 β€’ Stayed at: 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Camp was very nice. Camp host very helpful and accommodating. Park was beautiful. Seeing the Elk was incredible. Facilities at campground were very clean and kept up. Rivers and creeks were clean and has beautiful rocks and little waterfalls. Make sure you get your firewood as soon as you get off the highway. It’s hard to find certified wood anywhere close. Fishing was great. Plenty to see and do. Road is very well maintained

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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