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

Kathleen G

Verified

January 28, 2020 Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

It was a beautiful and very relaxing atmosphere. I truly enjoyed seeing the elk during mating season. I had no problems of any kind here. Very quiet and serene.

Thomas F

Verified

January 31, 2020 Stayed at: 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The campsite and facilities were clean and well cared for. Even though the campground was full it was quiet at night and I had no problems getting to sleep in my tent. The elk were present in the valley and I was able to watch them that evening and the next morning along with wild turkey. I would recommend camping here and I will do so again.

Thomas F

Verified

January 31, 2020 Stayed at: 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

The campsite and facilities were clean and well cared for. Even though the campground was full it was quiet at night and I had no problems getting to sleep in my tent. The elk were present in the valley and I was able to watch them that evening and the next morning along with wild turkey. I would recommend camping here and I will do so again.

Rebecca D

Verified

February 8, 2020 Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

one of my favorite places, love the old houses and the elk. also listening to the creek that runs through the campground

Rebecca D

Verified

February 8, 2020 Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

one of my favorite places, love the old houses and the elk. also listening to the creek that runs through the campground

Lisa O

Verified

March 20, 2020 Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very nice private campground, enjoyed our time there greatly! Plan on returning this year!!

Lisa O

Verified

March 20, 2020 Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Very nice private campground, enjoyed our time there greatly! Plan on returning this year!!

Mandy L

Verified

September 12, 2020 Stayed at: 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

2

I cant really review this camp ground as they were closed. This site took my resevstion along with my 25 site fee even though the grounds were CLOSED. Still have yet to receive a refund on site fee. Not holding my breath.

james i

Verified

September 12, 2020 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Best campground in the Smokies

james i

Verified

September 12, 2020 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Best campground in the Smokies

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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