Cataloochee Campground

Star4.34
564 reviews
3576 Ranger Station Rd
Scenic Views

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

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cataloochee Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for individual campsites during peak season is $30. This rate does not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
828-497-9270Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 564 reviews

137 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestroomsspacious

"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."

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Campground Map

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves. Motorhomes over 29' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended due to the access road.
Nearby places
Waynesville (approximately 30 minutes), Maggie Valley (approximately 40 minutes), Asheville (approximately 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Two gas stations at the base of the mountain near Cove Creek Road sell firewood and other essential supplies. There are no stores within 30 minutes of the campground, so plan ahead.

Best Time to Camp at Cataloochee Campground

Each season paints Cataloochee Valley with its own magical palette. Spring awakens the mountains with a spectacular wildflower show, as trilliums, bloodroot, and flame azaleas carpet the forest floor in brilliant hues. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though afternoon thunderstorms often roll through, bringing refreshing mountain breezes. Autumn transforms the valley into a photographer's dream, with blazing displays of scarlet, gold, and amber foliage creating nature's grand finale. Even winter has its charms here, with mild temperatures and occasional dustings of snow that transform the historic buildings into postcard-perfect scenes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cooler mountain climate, secluded summer stays and good trail access noted by reviewers.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 3% in NC

Peak for elk viewing and vibrant fall colors; reviews highlight fall as a top season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in NC

Spring wildflowers, elk activity and campground re-opening in April make spring excellent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for individual reservations Oct 26–May 26; winter season not served.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025 (peak season).. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Bear activity is high in the park. Parking tags are required for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes elsewhere in the park.

About Cataloochee Campground

Tucked away in the enchanting Cataloochee Valley, this hidden gem of Great Smoky Mountains National Park beckons those seeking solitude and authentic mountain experiences. Here, where pristine streams whisper through ancient forests and majestic elk roam freely across meadows, Cataloochee Campground offers an intimate connection with the wild heart of Appalachia. Morning mists reveal breathtaking mountain vistas, while evenings bring the haunting bugle of bull elk echoing through the valley. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring the profound quiet of this secluded paradise, Cataloochee promises an unforgettable escape from the modern world.
Cataloochee Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, but is less suitable for large motorhomes or trailers due to access road challenges.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is at 1 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 11 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

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.
HikingThe Cataloochee Valley features trails like Caldwell Fork and Rough Fork Trail, which run parallel and offer scenic views of creeks and streams. The 3.9-mile Boogerman Trail forms a loop off Caldwell Fork Trail and is accessible from the campground.
FishingAnglers can enjoy fly fishing for Rainbow and Brook trout in the Cataloochee Basin, particularly during spring months when aquatic insects hatch.
BikingSome reviews highlight biking in the valley as a quiet and enjoyable activity due to low traffic.
Wildlife viewingElk are commonly seen in the valley during spring and fall. Other wildlife like bears, wild turkeys, and fireflies have also been observed. Elk viewing rules are emphasized to protect both animals and visitors.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsVisitors 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.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is bear habitat, requiring strict food-storage rules. The narrow, gravel road poses driving challenges.
Active AlertsBear activity is high in the park. Parking tags are required for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes elsewhere in the park.
Food Storage RequiredOne bear-proof food storage locker is available near site 1. Proper storage is mandatory due to high bear activity.

Weather at Cataloochee Campground

Reviews

4.3
564 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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