OutReserve

Cataloochee Campground

Elk
CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

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.

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
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
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 2, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 4, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 6, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 7, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
Price not available

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.

Review Summary

4.7
773 reviews
5
78.7%
608
4
14.9%
115
3
3.9%
30
2
2.1%
16
1
0.5%
4

Amy C

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 13, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Had a blast....

Edgar L

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

Great campground with fantastic wildlife and hikes nearby.

Holden L

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 14, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

3

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 1, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 3, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 23, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

One of the better places to see wildlife. Clean site, clean restrooms, hosts very helpful

Lee J

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 16, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

4

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 35.6312 / -83.0855

Elevation: 801 feet

Nearby National Park

Yosemite National Park

Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate driving time: 55 min

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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