How much does camping cost at Cataloochee Group Camp?

Camping fees at Cataloochee Group Camp range from $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cataloochee Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Cataloochee Group Camp 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 Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Cataloochee Group Camp has 14 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 Group Camp?

Cataloochee Group Camp 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 Group Camp?

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

How many campsites does Cataloochee Group Camp have?

Cataloochee Group Camp has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cataloochee Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cataloochee Group Camp. 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 Group Camp?

Cataloochee Group Camp offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cataloochee Group Camp?

Popular activities at Cataloochee Group Camp include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cataloochee Group Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cataloochee Group Camp?

Fire policies at Cataloochee Group Camp: Firewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.53

33 reviews

3576 Ranger Station Road

Top 20% in NCFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Asheville#1 Camping Near Gatlinburg#1 Hidden Gem Campgrounds North Carolina#2 +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,572 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season starts A...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,572 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season starts A...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cataloochee Group Camp

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

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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 Road

Cataloochee Group Camp

3576 Ranger Station Road

Nearby places

Waynesville, NC (approximately 35 miles), Asheville, NC (approximately 35 miles, less than an hour drive)

Driving directionsExit I-40 at exit 20, 25 miles west of Asheville, NC (87 miles east of Knoxville, TN). Turn right onto Cove Creek road 1/10 mile from I-40. Follow Cove Creek Road 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 and turn right onto a dirt road after crossing a bridge. Go 1 mile to group camp gate.

Weather at Cataloochee Group Camp

Current alerts(12)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A minimum of 7 people is required for group site use. Maximum site capacity varies from 15 to 30 people. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
A reservation is required to use a group camp.
A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.

Best Time to Camp at Cataloochee Group Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and wildlife viewing — Cataloochee’s hardwoods put on peak color typically in mid- to late-October at this elevation, and elk activity (rut) is high from late September into October. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s, so layers are essential; the valley’s cooler temps and clear air make hiking, photography, and guided wildlife watches especially rewarding. Note the campground closes October 26, so plan for early-to-mid- to Peak months: October, May, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in NC

Fall offers peak leaf color and elk rut; overview: 'most striking scenery and wildlife activity.'

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts April 18, 2025, and closes October 26, 2025. The campground remains closed for bookings during off-season dates.

About Cataloochee Group Camp

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.

Cataloochee Group Camp is dedicated to group tent camping, providing a primitive experience without modern hookups or facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and wildlife viewing — Cataloochee’s hardwoods put on peak color typically in mid- to late-October at this elevation, and elk activity (rut) is high from late September into October. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s, so layers are essential; the valley’s cooler temps and clear air make hiking, photography, and guided wildlife watches especially rewarding. Note the campground closes October 26, so plan for early-to-mid- to Peak months: October, May, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2572 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient mountain ranges rise from the valley floor, where crystal-clear streams cut through hardwood forests and mountain meadows. Elk graze the meadows during early morning and evening hours, particularly active during the September-October rut. Bears also move through the area. Morning fog clings to the ridgelines. Hardwoods hit peak color in mid- to late-October at this elevation. The valley's cooler temperatures and clear air make wildlife viewing and photography especially productive.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging options are available. This campground is exclusively for group tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground is near preserved historical structures like the Palmer House Museum, which offers self-guided tours. Over 90 historic buildings are located within the park.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights maximum.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 guests per group site.

Groups

Each of the three group sites accommodates up to 25 people. Groups larger than 25 may reserve all three sites simultaneously.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and through the official app.

AccessibilitySome group sites are accessible as per official sources. Specific details on accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeEach group site is designed to accommodate up to 25 guests. Pads within campsites are described as level, and there are five pads per site.

PrivacyReviews indicate that the campground is slightly crowded, with tents approximately 20 feet apart, but the lush surroundings provide some natural seclusion.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 2 is noted for its proximity to the river and overall layout. Site 3 has a less favorable design and is recommended to avoid if possible.

Best CampsitesSite 2 sits across from the entrance near the river. Site 3 has layout problems: the fire pit placement is poorly designed and the picnic table can't be moved, creating frustrating setup constraints.

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Cataloochee Group Camp offers a primitive outdoor camping experience with few amenities. There are no hookups or drinking water available, and the campground is designed to provide excellent access to trails and fishing streams. The sites are shaded by lush forest, and each of the three group sites has picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. As noted in reviews, 'Bathrooms [are] super clean,' and trash bins are provided at each site, ensuring a clean camping environment for guests. A large, flat grass field is available for recreational use.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Cataloochee Group Camp is ideal for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical sites. Trails like the Boogerman Trail offer access to old-growth forests, while streams in the area provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. The nearby elk herd and over 90 historic buildings enhance the recreational experience.

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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.

Fire PolicyFirewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are provided at each campsite. Campers are required to dispose of garbage promptly to prevent wildlife encounters, especially with bears.

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

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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

4.5

33 reviews

Top-Rated

Cataloochee Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and suitability for group camping. Frequent mentions include wildlife sightings (elk and bears), proximity to fishing and hiking, and well-maintained facilities. Some users reported issues with campsite layouts and crowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 33 reviews.

Site 2Loved
Site 2 is highly praised for its proximity to the river and open layout.
Site 3Mentioned
Site 3 received criticism for its awkward layout and less functional fire pit.

What Campers Love

Guests praised the clean facilities, scenic surroundings, and opportunities to interact with wildlife. 'Bathrooms [are] super clean,' and 'an elk walked right through our campsite' are common themes....

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include the layout of specific sites, such as Site 3, which has a 'very strange layout,' and the lack of privacy due to tents being close together.

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites well in advance and advise visiting during the elk rut for an exceptional experience. They also highlight the importance of following bear safety rules.

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in spring and fall due to the elk's presence and vibrant foliage. Summer reviews highlight fishing and hiking opportunities, while winter reviews are less frequent but note...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The river is wide and great for getting in, about a foot deep, to cool off.' (Old Man Overland) 2. 'My favorite place to camp In GSMNP. We met the most awesome couple from Atlanta & had an elk...

Based on 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility information is minimal. Some group sites are described as accessible, but no specific feedback from users with disabilities is provided.

Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. No specific issues or praises related to pet policies were noted in the reviews.

Based on 33 reviews

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Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd

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.