How much does camping cost at Cataloochee Campground?

Camping fees at Cataloochee Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cataloochee Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cataloochee Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cataloochee Campground before I book?

Yes! Cataloochee Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cataloochee Campground?

Cataloochee Campground is open May 01 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cataloochee Campground?

Cataloochee Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cataloochee Campground have?

Cataloochee Campground has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cataloochee Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cataloochee Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cataloochee Campground?

Cataloochee Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cataloochee Campground?

Popular activities at Cataloochee Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cataloochee Campground

4.33

564 reviews

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Top 20% in NCFall

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Best Campgrounds North Carolina Fall Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cataloochee Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-497-9270Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Nearby places

Waynesville (approximately 30 minutes), Maggie Valley (approximately 40 minutes), Asheville (approximately 1 hour).

Weather at Cataloochee Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cataloochee Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff: brilliant Appalachian foliage, crisp daytime temps (typically 50–65°F at 2,600 ft) and the elk rut—bulls bugle and are most active from late September through October, creating unmatched wildlife- and photo-opportunities. Trails and meadow overlooks are excellent for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography with fewer biting insects than summer; expect moderate to high crowds around peak leaf and elk-viewing weekends, so aim for weekdays or early October. Note:ç Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in NC

Peak foliage and elk rut (late Sept–Oct) make fall a destination season here.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 18 to October 26 during peak season. Closed from October 26 to May 26 for individual site reservations.

About Cataloochee Campground

Cataloochee Campground sits in the remote Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a historic enclave known for its reintroduced elk herd and preserved Appalachian homesteads. Operated by the National Park Service, the mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike valley trails, fish mountain streams, and watch elk grazing in open meadows, especially during the fall rut when bulls bugle across the landscape.

Cataloochee Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, but is less suitable for large motorhomes or trailers due to access road challenges.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff: brilliant Appalachian foliage, crisp daytime temps (typically 50–65°F at 2,600 ft) and the elk rut—bulls bugle and are most active from late September through October, creating unmatched wildlife- and photo-opportunities. Trails and meadow overlooks are excellent for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography with fewer biting insects than summer; expect moderate to high crowds around peak leaf and elk-viewing weekends, so aim for weekdays or early October. Note:ç Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCataloochee Creek runs alongside the campground, its clear water supporting native brook trout and creating a constant soundtrack. Oak, hickory, and tulip poplar forests frame the valley, with open meadows opening views to surrounding ridgelines. Elk are the main attraction. The park reintroduced them here in 2001, and they now graze openly in the meadows. Especially visible at dawn and dusk. During the fall rut, bulls bugle across the valley, a sound that carries through camp at night.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide hotel-style lodging or similar accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can explore historical structures like the Palmer House, built in 1869, which contains a self-guided museum. The valley has preserved log buildings and remnants of previous settlements.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or phone (1-877-444-6777).

AccessibilitySpecific details on accessibility features are absent. Some reviews mention winding and narrow roads leading to the campground, which might pose challenges for larger vehicles and require careful driving.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and can accommodate tents and small RVs. Tent pads are included.

PrivacySites on the interior of the campground lack privacy, while those on the perimeter have better spacing but limited vegetation separating them.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose outer sites for privacy and avoid generator noise. Site 5 is spacious and next to the creek.

Best CampsitesSites 3, 5, and 9 sit closest to Cataloochee Creek. Perimeter sites offer better spacing and partial forest screening. Interior loop sites pack closer together with limited privacy between neighbors.

Need help booking Cataloochee Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cataloochee offers a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cataloochee Campground offers a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical buildings. The nearby valley is ideal for elk viewing, especially during their rut season. Trails cater to hikers and horseback riders, and the streams are popular for trout fishing.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredOne bear-proof food storage locker is available near site 1. Proper storage is mandatory due to high bear activity.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

564 reviews

Recommended

Cataloochee Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights its remote and quiet location, clean facilities, elk viewing, and proximity to hiking trails. Negative comments focus on the lack of amenities (such as firewood for purchase or showers), crowded restrooms during peak times, and the challenging road leading to the campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 564 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, spacious campsites with tent pads, peaceful environment, proximity to hiking trails and historical sites, and abundant wildlife including elk. Many reviewers appreciated the helpful...

Based on 564 reviews

Common Concerns

The narrow, winding road to the campground is considered dangerous by some. Lack of privacy in campgrounds, absence of firewood for purchase, and limited restroom facilities were recurring concerns....

Based on 564 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 was praised for its privacy and proximity to the creek, while interior sites were criticized for being too close together. Sites along the perimeter are recommended for more space and...

Based on 564 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring firewood and all necessary supplies as the campground does not have a store. Print or download reservations beforehand due to lack of cell service. Larger RVs may struggle with the narrow...

Based on 564 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons for elk viewing and hiking. Summer reviews often mention the campground's secluded nature and cool climate. Winter is less discussed but offers tranquility and...

Based on 564 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cataloochee is a magical spot with elk bugling and trails rich in history." "The road leading to the campground was scary but worth it." "Bathrooms were clean, but the lack of showers was...

Based on 564 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited due to the challenging road conditions. Larger RVs and trailers are advised against traveling to the campground.

Based on 564 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Some reviews noted encounters with wildlife, such as elk, which may pose risks for pets.

Based on 564 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want wildlife encounters and solitude in a historic Smokies valley with spacious sites and helpful hosts.

Skip if

You need paved access roads, on-site firewood sales, or extensive restroom facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.5

(33)

Cataloochee Group Camp

3576 Ranger Station Road

Cataloochee Group Camp sits in a remote valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Waynesville, operated by the National Park Service. This primitive group site is known for close-range elk encounters, especially during the fall rut, and offers access to historic structures and less-traveled trails. The campground provides a true backcountry feel with basic amenities and seasonal availability during peak months.