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863 reviews
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
Based on 863 reviews
Showing 863 reviews
August 24, 2026 Stayed at: 19, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
My boyfriend and I enjoyed this spot very much. It was secluded and away from the busy cities and tourist spots. Check in was easy. Just make sure you do all reservations before you get to the campground. We had starling but had trouble getting it to work for a bit.
Bathrooms and grounds were clean, park was quiet, and people were friendly.
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August 28, 2026 Stayed at: 5, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
We have been coming to Cataloochie for over 40 years and it never fails to impress. We had a lovely campsite #5 near the stream and it was lovely hearing the water flowing downstream. Our camp host, Janet Musselwhite was wonderful and full of knowledge. We did some hiking and we were saddened by the damage from hurricane Helene. We enjoyed drives at night seeing the Elk and bears. We will be back.
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August 29, 2026 Stayed at: 22, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Loved our time here!
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August 31, 2026 Stayed at: 18, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Quiet campground, lots of wildlife. We saw quite a few elk, including a 12 point and 5 bears during our stay.
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September 2, 2026 Stayed at: 8, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Camp sites are well maintained and the campground host was helpful and informative.
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September 3, 2026 Stayed at: 17, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
I have been going here since I was little and absolutely LOVE it. The campground is beautiful, peaceful, and the host are very nice. I was very disappointed how only one of the trails are being worked on and the rest have been left to the elements. I know restoration takes time. I was also upset that the trails all have “closed” signs expect for the woody house but after taking that trail, it’s so over grown passed the first creek crossing that you can’t get through. There should’ve been a sign stating this. I also was here last year and it seems like there has been no work on the road passed the church/across the bridge. Growing up those were the fields everyone wanted to go watch the animals and hang out while now again, it has been left to the elements. I absolutely love it out there but feel like it’s going to turn into nothing if not taken care of unfortunately. The campground itself is still amazing and taken care of.
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September 3, 2026 Stayed at: 9, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Clean, quiet, great hiking
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September 6, 2026 Stayed at: 20, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Janet, the camp host, would greatly benefit from training focused on identifying harassment and fostering a greater sense of welcoming to the campground. Hopefully her shift as camp host will end shortly.
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September 8, 2026 Stayed at: 11, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
Cataloochee (to me) is literal heaven on earth. It's a beautiful experience to be in that part of the Smokies. The history and homesteads in the valley take you back to the settlers that began living in the area.
The camp host (Gertie) was a joy to have in the campground. She was always on top of the do's and don'ts and always reminded us gracefully and with a smile.
100% recommend this campground.
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September 8, 2026 Stayed at: 24, Loop: CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND
The campground, attendant, and area are excellent. Campers not being courteous to other campers makes the experience less fun
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3576 Ranger Station Rd, Waynesville, NC 37876 United States
Elevation: 801 ft
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...
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 continue another .5 mi 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.
The closest entrance is: Cataloochee Entrance
Approximate drive: 2.1 mi · 4 min
The closest entrance is: Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate drive: 32.3 mi · 55 min
Last updated: October 24, 2026
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Population: 10,502
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 30 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,749 ft
Waynesville, NC
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