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

Kevin S

Verified

May 18, 2026 Stayed at: 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

Nice small national Park campground with lots of trees and a pleasant creek running through it.

Helpful

Charles B

Verified

December 23, 2025 Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

We had been into Cataloochee several times and had wanted to camp there for a long time. We just enjoyed the quiet and watching the elk wander through the campground. For those thinking they can’t access the area, we have been in twice now with a travel trailer. This trip we took our 26’ travel trailer (bumper pull to some) in with ease. At one corner a fella coming out had to back up a bit for me, which he did without hesitation, and another skinny spot I had to get out and spot a fella who was uncomfortable on the road in his car.🙄 Otherwise it was very easy to get in and out. We stayed in spot 10 because it has a nice path to the creek and is somewhat more isolated than some. The campground is an easy walk or bike ride into the fields where the wildlife is usually visible. You can also drive back to the community homes that are still there and take walks/hikes from parking areas. We love the no-frills part of camping here. Give it a try.

Helpful

Charles B

Verified

December 23, 2025 Stayed at: 10, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

We had been into Cataloochee several times and had wanted to camp there for a long time. We just enjoyed the quiet and watching the elk wander through the campground. For those thinking they can’t access the area, we have been in twice now with a travel trailer. This trip we took our 26’ travel trailer (bumper pull to some) in with ease. At one corner a fella coming out had to back up a bit for me, which he did without hesitation, and another skinny spot I had to get out and spot a fella who was uncomfortable on the road in his car.🙄 Otherwise it was very easy to get in and out. We stayed in spot 10 because it has a nice path to the creek and is somewhat more isolated than some. The campground is an easy walk or bike ride into the fields where the wildlife is usually visible. You can also drive back to the community homes that are still there and take walks/hikes from parking areas. We love the no-frills part of camping here. Give it a try.

Helpful

Deborah B

Verified

November 11, 2025 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

The windy road was tricky getting to the campground. It’s very remote. I had a 22 ft travel trailer. Once I got there, the site was large and very acceptable. Viewing the Elks was a great extra.

Helpful

Deborah B

Verified

November 11, 2025 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND

The windy road was tricky getting to the campground. It’s very remote. I had a 22 ft travel trailer. Once I got there, the site was large and very acceptable. Viewing the Elks was a great extra.

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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