About Cataloochee Campground
Number of accommodations: 27
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Cataloochee Campground.
Rates, Sites & Availability
27 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
27 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
David G
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The campground was clean and quiet. It was probably at only about thirty percent capacity during my stay which I liked. The host was friendly and check in/out was easy.
Stacy M
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Great camp ground and oh so beautiful and peaceful!
Charles R
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
My family and I eagerly look forward to the next opportunity to return.
Kenneth R
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Our family camps every year the 2nd weekend in August for the Palmer Reunion - it is a family tradition that our entire family loves. The nature, the history and the people are great.
Kenneth R
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Our family camps every year the 2nd weekend in August for the Palmer Reunion - it is a family tradition that our entire family loves. The nature, the history and the people are great.
Jennifer S
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We love coming here for hiking, history, and getting away from it all with the family. Great trails are everywhere ranging in difficulty. Little Cataloochee Trail and Rough Fork have great sites to see along the way. If going for the elk, please follow the rules for viewing to not spoil the expfor others.
Jennifer S
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We love coming here for hiking, history, and getting away from it all with the family. Great trails are everywhere ranging in difficulty. Little Cataloochee Trail and Rough Fork have great sites to see along the way. If going for the elk, please follow the rules for viewing to not spoil the expfor others.
Billy B
VerifiedJanuary 19, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Totally wonderful all kinds of wildlife ,hiking,biking my stay just wasn't long enough . Already looking for dates for this year
Billy B
VerifiedJanuary 19, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Totally wonderful all kinds of wildlife ,hiking,biking my stay just wasn't long enough . Already looking for dates for this year
Fred E
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 β’ Stayed at: 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
An excellent and little known (so forget you read this and don't tell anyone about it) location in the Smokies. I've hiked a number of the trails over 40 years visiting - Mt. Sterling, Boogerman, Little Cataloochee, and others - and there's much to see, learn, and enjoy. Many folks come just for the elk, including lots who drive up and spend the day. Evenings in the fall include plenty of pickup trucks backed up to the fields to watch the elk emerge, graze, and engage in a hoped-for battle over breeding. Remnant and well-preserved settlements as well as 'old-growth' trees are here. Some easy to see as you ease down the road through Big Cataloochee, others you'll have to get out and walk. A beautiful and stunning memorial to the perseverance of the people who pioneered this place and to the indefatigable forces of nature which continue now. My hope is that some of the hemlocks (threatened here and everywhere by the invasive wooly-adelgid) will survive so that future generations will be able to see these magnificent trees in the natural environment.
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 4, 2026
