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?

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

Steve S

Verified

September 3, 2021 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

Steve S

Verified

September 3, 2021 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

Yuichi I

Verified

September 2, 2021 Stayed at: 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

It is best camping place with real nature

Yuichi I

Verified

September 2, 2021 Stayed at: 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

It is best camping place with real nature

Anne-Marie W

Verified

August 30, 2021 Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

What a surprise! Beautiful campground (we were tent camping), lots of nice walks, well kept grounds, and bathrooms were well-maintained. John, the host, was helpful with hiking tips.

Anne-Marie W

Verified

August 30, 2021 Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

What a surprise! Beautiful campground (we were tent camping), lots of nice walks, well kept grounds, and bathrooms were well-maintained. John, the host, was helpful with hiking tips.

Elizabeth C

Verified

August 29, 2021 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Lucked up on my campspot , #3, right by river. Bathrooms clean. Dishwashing sink available and clean. Forgot a stool which was gone when I went back but camp host had seen campers circling, investigated and retrieved my stool!

BLAIR P

Verified

August 29, 2021 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

No problems. I have stayed in campground over the years and it is generally quiet. Recent trip was very pleasant and the temperatures even in mid summer are comfortable in the campground and vicinity. Two main access points to campground. Both, can be a little tricky, but not too bad. The suggested route would be of I-40, exit 20.

Elizabeth C

Verified

August 29, 2021 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Lucked up on my campspot , #3, right by river. Bathrooms clean. Dishwashing sink available and clean. Forgot a stool which was gone when I went back but camp host had seen campers circling, investigated and retrieved my stool!

BLAIR P

Verified

August 29, 2021 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

No problems. I have stayed in campground over the years and it is generally quiet. Recent trip was very pleasant and the temperatures even in mid summer are comfortable in the campground and vicinity. Two main access points to campground. Both, can be a little tricky, but not too bad. The suggested route would be of I-40, exit 20.

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 10, 2026

National Park Service Logo
Managed by National Park Service