About Cataloochee Campground
Number of accommodations: 27
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
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Rates, Sites & Availability
27 Sites Available
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Site Details
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27 Sites Available
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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
Amy C
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
I love this campground! It's small, quiet, and well maintained. The campground host was very nice. My only complaint was having to stand in long lines to use the only restroom not because of other campers, but because of park visitors using the campground instead of the public restrooms.
Joy R
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Had a blast....
Edgar L
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Great campground with fantastic wildlife and hikes nearby.
Holden L
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The Cataloochee Campground isn't scenic and the restroom is a walk for most campsites. When you're staying there, it's so you can visit the amenities of the valley, especially the meadow where the elk hang out during the rut.
Brad J
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We absolutely LOVED our trip to Cataloochee! The campground was very cozy and beautiful. The main attraction is of course the elk, and it was nice waking up in the valley and not having to get up extremely early to make the trek up and down the mountain pass to view the elk. We will back!
David C
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Cataloochee valley is one of those magical places inside the Great Smokies National Park. It's an incredible experience, combining a school house, a church, multiple homesteads and Elk sightings. Be prepared for a step back in time.
Nathan M
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
A wonderful hidden camp ground in the heart of the smokies with tons of wildlife viewing and hiking trails don’t expect cell service or a nice paved road in and out which is what makes this place so nice
James G
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
One of the better places to see wildlife. Clean site, clean restrooms, hosts very helpful
Lee J
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Great campsites, great place to go. You know you are off the beaten path when you get there, and the scenery, trails, and wildlife are what keeps me going back.
Timothy A
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
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