Elk
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Cataloochee Map
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

Restrooms 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.

Available sites

27 total sites

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
Pet Friendly · 33 ft long · Gravel
🚐 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 12, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 44 ft long · Gravel
🚐 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 33 ft long · Gravel
🚐 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 44 ft long · Gravel
🚐 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 42 ft long · Gravel
🚐 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 46 ft long · Gravel
🚐 26, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 45 ft long · Gravel
🚐 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 33 ft long · Gravel
🚐 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 36 ft long · Gravel
🚐 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 38 ft long · Gravel
🚐 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 34 ft long · Gravel
🚐 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 38 ft long · Gravel
🚐 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND RV
Pet Friendly · 38 ft long · Gravel

Reviews

863 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.7

Overall rating

Based on 863 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 77.8% (671)
4 stars 15.9% (137)
3 stars 3.6% (31)
2 stars 2.1% (18)
1 star 0.7% (6)

Showing 863 reviews

Robert Rover R

Verified

April 14, 2021 Stayed at: 12, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

The campground was clean, spacious, and in a great location! One thing we were definitely prepared for by reading other reviews is the complete lack of cell reception. A VERY nice thing to unplug and not worry about anything for the time we spent there. The drive in was challenging pulling a camper behind (even moreso on the way out as we climbed the mountain on a gravel road). There are many hairpin turns, and the road is very narrow, but overall in good condition. The Elk roaming around the site were amazing, and we saw some snakes as well. The volunteer Ranger (Ginger) was amazing, very informative, and as friendly as can be. The site itself was clean and well manicured. We had some friends meet us there, and the two sites we reserved were close enough to be together. There was a picnic table (very heavy and durable), a gravel pad for table or tent, a pole to hang trash on, and a fire ring. The bathrooms were cleaned every morning, and we were never concerned about a gross experience. There was a utility sink to clean dishes, and two spots to distribute potable water. Overall we were very impressed with the whole area and have no complaints!

Helpful

Paul J

Verified

April 14, 2021 Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Quiet, relaxing time camping in nature. Elk even came up through the campgrounds, yet everyone remained safe as they kept their distance from the elk. Trails are great for kids with the small creeks for rock hopping.

Only wish day visitors to the area would respect the rules and the wildlife and not encourage the elk to come up to their cars. We saw a truck with the bed full of young kids encourage an elk to come to their truck so they could pet it. Another car did the same thing on a different day.

Other than that, family had a great time. The host was nice, neighboring campers were friendly. We’ll definitely be back.

Helpful

Cameron N

Verified

April 14, 2021 Stayed at: 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Large campsites, clean restrooms, friendly camp host. Very small and secluded campground but that kept things quiet. Hiked two days and didn’t run into anyone else on the trails. Saw plenty of Elk with some in the campground.

Helpful

Chris B

Verified

April 8, 2021 Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

An amazing campsite in one of the most beautiful and secluded places in the Eastern U.S. The drive in is not easy from Asheville and you'll be on a single lane dirt road for a few miles. Pack all you need for the stay because once you're in, you're in. You'll also want to stay in as long as possible because it is beautiful!

Helpful

Chris B

Verified

April 8, 2021 Stayed at: 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

An amazing campsite in one of the most beautiful and secluded places in the Eastern U.S. The drive in is not easy from Asheville and you'll be on a single lane dirt road for a few miles. Pack all you need for the stay because once you're in, you're in. You'll also want to stay in as long as possible because it is beautiful!

Helpful

Jessica G

Verified

November 13, 2020 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

What a wonderful spot to camp. There is a nice river flowing nearby, trails nearby, and a very friendly and knowledgeable park host.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd, Waynesville, NC 37876 United States

Elevation: 801 ft

Getting There

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 mi to an intersection and c...

Nearest town

Waynesville, NC - 22 mi

About 49 min to downtown

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.

Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The closest entrance is: Cataloochee Entrance

Approximate drive: 2.1 mi · 4 min

Near Yosemite National Park

The closest entrance is: Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate drive: 32.3 mi · 55 min

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Explore Waynesville, NC

Population: 10,502

Nearby city: Asheville, NC

Approx. 30 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 2,749 ft

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