Cataloochee Group Camp

Star4.81
33 reviews
3576 Ranger Station Road
Fishing

Quick Facts

2,572 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season starts A...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet 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 Group Camp
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for group tent areas are $50.00 per night during peak season. Group facilities cancelation policies include a $10 fee and forfeiture...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.81

Top-Rated

Based on 33 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

"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."

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Campground Map

3576 Ranger Station Road

Cataloochee Group Camp

3576 Ranger Station Road

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.
The access road includes narrow, winding, mountain roads with a 3-mile stretch of gravel road containing many narrow, blind curves. Motorhomes over 32' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended.
Nearby places
Waynesville, NC (approximately 35 miles), Asheville, NC (approximately 35 miles, less than an hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, are available in Asheville, NC, located about 35 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Cataloochee Group Camp

Mountain weather here follows its own rhythm, with crisp, star-filled nights giving way to pleasantly mild days throughout the camping season. Spring brings wildflower blooms and comfortable temperatures, while autumn paints the valley in brilliant colors—both seasons offering ideal camping conditions. Rain showers can sweep through unexpectedly, and winter occasionally dusts the peaks with snow, adding drama to the already spectacular mountain views.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer; reviews note good fishing and hiking but also more visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Popular in fall for vibrant foliage and elk viewing; seasonal reviews highlight this draw.

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

Spring brings wildflower blooms and elk activity; reviews and seasonal notes emphasize popularity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter/off-season; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18, 2025 - October 26, 2025; May 26, 2026 - September 01, 2026. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Bears are active in the region, and food must be stored securely. Firewood from outside sources must be heat-treated and certified.

About Cataloochee Group Camp

Tucked away in the remote Cataloochee Valley, this primitive group campground offers an authentic backcountry experience where time seems to slow down. Beneath towering mountain peaks and within dense, shaded forests, campers discover a gateway to some of the park's finest hiking trails and pristine fishing streams. Historic log structures dot the landscape nearby, whispering stories of the mountain families who once called this rugged valley home.
Cataloochee Group Camp is dedicated to group tent camping, providing a primitive experience without modern hookups or facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Times not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Times not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights maximum.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

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.
HikingHiking options include the Boogerman Trail, a nearly 6-mile loop that overlaps with the Caldwell Fork Trail. This trail allows hikers to explore old-growth forests and enjoy the natural surroundings.
FishingThe area features high-quality backcountry fishing in cool, remote streams, which are ideal for catching wild trout. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with elk commonly seen in the valley during spring and fall. Bears and other wildlife are also present, and campers are advised to take precautions.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe 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.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include high bear activity, requiring proper food storage. Narrow mountain roads pose challenges for large rigs. Wildlife such as bears and elk frequent the area.
Active AlertsBears are active in the region, and food must be stored securely. Firewood from outside sources must be heat-treated and certified.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cataloochee Group Camp

Reviews

4.8
33 reviews
Top-Rated
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

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....
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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...
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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...
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Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2 is highly praised for its proximity to the river and open layout. Site 3 received criticism for its awkward layout and less functional fire pit. Sites 1 and 2 are generally well-reviewed.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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