Cardens Bluff Campground

4.40

446 reviews

4400 Unicoi Drive

StargazingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open April 28th, 202...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Cherokee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open April 28th, 202...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Cherokee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cardens Bluff Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites are available at a flat rate of $12 per night during the peak season. This may not include taxes, discounts, or additional fees such as...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-735-1500

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 446 reviews

246 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

"Cardens Bluff Campground receives a mix of positive and negative reviews. Positive highlights include the scenic beauty, clean lake waters, and helpful camp hosts. Common complaints involve unclean bathrooms, issues with the reservation system, and occasional conflicts with camp hosts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4400 Unicoi Drive

Cardens Bluff Campground

4400 Unicoi Drive

Driving directionsFrom Elizabethton, TN take US 19E/321 south 5 miles to Hampton. Turn left on 321/67 travel approx. 4 miles to the campground entrance on the left.

The campground is accessed via US 19E/321 and TN-67, which are paved roads. No specific mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain within the provided data.

Nearby places

Elizabethton, TN (approximately 9 miles)

Hampton, TN (approximately 4 miles)

Johnson City, TN (approximately 27 miles)

Boone, NC (approximately 37 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and other essentials are within a short drive in Hampton or Elizabethton. A marina and convenience stores are nearby for specific camping or boating supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Cardens Bluff Campground

The campground's elevated position creates a delightful microclimate where cool mountain breezes temper even the warmest summer days. Spring arrives with crisp, invigorating nights that give way to mild afternoons perfect for hiking, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer visitors discover a refreshing retreat where temperatures remain surprisingly comfortable, even during July's peak. The peninsula location brings occasional gusty winds off the lake, adding a dynamic element to the camping experience and creating perfect conditions for afternoon naps in swaying hammocks.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most popular season for swimming, boating; clean waters praised, but boat noise and overcrowding reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall noted as quieter with scenic foliage and continued good access to trails and lake views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers crisp nights and pleasant weather; good for hiking and early season boating/swimming.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 28–Oct 13; winter stay/sports not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 28th, 2025 - October 13th, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 28th, 2025, through October 13th, 2025.
Current Alerts: The lower bathroom near site 36 is closed due to hurricane damage.

About Cardens Bluff Campground

Perched on a scenic peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Cherokee National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground features 43 intimate sites crafted specifically for tent camping enthusiasts who crave a genuine connection with nature. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including clean flush toilets, a well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers, and fresh potable water throughout the grounds. True to its back-to-nature ethos, the campground intentionally forgoes electrical hookups, encouraging visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil mountain setting.

Cardens Bluff Campground caters primarily to tent campers but also offers limited options for small RVs and trailers. It is a primitive campground with no hookups, emphasizing a back-to-nature experience.

Historical SignificanceWatauga Lake stands as a testament to the ambitious Tennessee Valley Authority projects that transformed the Appalachian landscape, creating this stunning 6,430-acre reservoir that now serves as both a crucial hydroelectric resource and recreational paradise. The surrounding mountains echo with centuries of Appalachian heritage, from Cherokee hunting grounds to early settler homesteads. Just beyond the campground, the legendary Appalachian Trail winds through these ancient hills, carrying the footsteps of thousands of through-hikers pursuing their 2,190-mile dreams along America's most iconic footpath.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground's elevated position creates a delightful microclimate where cool mountain breezes temper even the warmest summer days. Spring arrives with crisp, invigorating nights that give way to mild afternoons perfect for hiking, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer visitors discover a refreshing retreat where temperatures remain surprisingly comfortable, even during July's peak. The peninsula location brings occasional gusty winds off the lake, adding a dynamic element to the camping experience and creating perfect conditions for afternoon naps in swaying hammocks.

ElevationAt nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, Cardens Bluff Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air feels lighter and cleaner with each breath. This elevated perch provides not only natural air conditioning during summer months but also spectacular vantage points for sunrise viewing over the lake's misty waters. The altitude creates perfect conditions for stargazing, with crisp, clear nights revealing constellations often hidden at lower elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across a beautifully wooded peninsula, where towering hardwoods and evergreens create a natural cathedral overhead. Morning mist rises from Watauga Lake's crystal-clear waters, while afternoon sun filters through the forest canopy in dancing patterns of light and shadow. The peninsula setting means water views from multiple angles, with some sites offering glimpses of the lake through the trees. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat, from deer grazing at dawn to owls calling through the night. The proximity to the Appalachian Trail adds an element of adventure, with the possibility of meeting long-distance hikers sharing tales of their journey.

Geological RegionNestled within the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Cardens Bluff occupies a unique geological position on a peninsula carved by time and water. The Cherokee National Forest encompasses this dramatic landscape where billion-year-old rock formations meet the modern engineering marvel of Watauga Lake. The 6,430-acre reservoir, cradled by ridges and valleys shaped by eons of geological forces, creates a stunning backdrop where mountain meets water. This convergence of natural history and human ingenuity has produced one of East Tennessee's most captivating camping destinations, where every sunrise reveals layers of blue-hazed ridges stretching to the horizon.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM EST

Check-out

11 AM EST

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit. Maximum stay is 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The maximum number of guests per site is not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with a mix of tent and small RV-friendly sites. Some sites are terraced and require navigating stairs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available for walk-up/first-come-first-served as inventory allows, but the campground is often full, especially during peak demand times.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. Specifics about penalties and refunds for late or no-shows are stated.

AccessibilityCardens Bluff Campground offers accessible shower and toilet facilities. However, some campsites have steep paths and uneven terrain, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeMost campsites are designed for tents, with some sites accommodating small RVs or trailers up to 30 feet. Site pads are gravel and include features like fire pits and picnic tables.

PrivacyMany campsites offer a degree of privacy, with some being more secluded than others. Reviews highlight that 'the campsites are spacious and separated by trees,' although a few sites are close to each other.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near the water (#39-41) are highly recommended for their views and access. Sites #16, #28, and #29 can accommodate small RVs or trailers (up to 30 feet).

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Cardens Bluff Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating. The clean waters of Watauga Lake are a major draw for campers, and the proximity to the Appalachian Trail adds to the appeal for hikers. Nearby recreational areas such as Rat Branch Boat Launch and Shook Branch Swim Area expand the options for outdoor activities.

HikingHiking opportunities abound in and around Cardens Bluff Campground, with easy access to the Appalachian Trail and other nearby trails like Laurel Falls. Some campers noted the scenic beauty and moderate challenges of the trails.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Watauga Lake, with species such as bass, walleye, and trout commonly mentioned. However, one review noted that bank fishing might be difficult due to the steep terrain around the lake.

SwimmingSwimming is available both at the lake and nearby designated areas such as Shook Branch Swim Area. The lake's clean and warm waters were highlighted in several reviews.

BikingAlthough biking is mentioned as an activity, there is limited information about specific biking trails or routes within the campground.

BoatingBoating is one of the campground's standout activities. Many campsites offer direct water access, making it easy for campers to launch kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch enhances access for boaters.

Wildlife viewingCardens Bluff Campground is situated in a wooded area that offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Sightings of local fauna, including birds and occasional bears, are possible.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors are in bear country. All food and scented items must be stored securely to avoid attracting wildlife. Poison ivy is prevalent on trails and near campsites.

Active AlertsThe lower bathroom near site 36 is closed due to hurricane damage.

Fire PolicyCampfires are only allowed in designated fire rings. Visitors are encouraged to use locally sourced firewood to prevent the spread of pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can likely be accessed in nearby towns such as Hampton or Elizabethton, but specific facilities were not listed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, but there is no mention of recycling facilities. Campers are reminded to follow bear safety protocols for food and waste storage.

Water FeaturesThe campground is set on a peninsula along Watauga Lake, offering direct water access for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Camp HostCampground hosts are frequently mentioned in reviews, with mixed feedback. "Rex and Chrystal" were noted as attentive and helpful, while other hosts received criticism for being unhelpful.

Weather at Cardens Bluff Campground

Reviews

4.4

446 reviews

Recommended

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

Cardens Bluff Campground receives a mix of positive and negative reviews. Positive highlights include the scenic beauty, clean lake waters, and helpful camp hosts. Common complaints involve unclean bathrooms, issues with the reservation system, and occasional conflicts with camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 446 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the 'breathtaking lake views,' 'peaceful atmosphere,' and 'helpful and friendly camp hosts.' Other highlights include the clean shower facilities and spacious campsites.

Based on 446 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include 'dirty and poorly maintained bathrooms,' noise disturbances from other campers, and difficulties with the reservation system. Several reviews also mention concerns about...

Based on 446 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing a hammer for securing tent stakes, arriving early for the best sites, and purchasing firewood off-site. Campers also recommend specific sites for privacy and views.

Based on 446 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying swimming and boating activities. However, high noise levels from motorboats and occasional overcrowding are noted. Early fall offers quieter...

Based on 446 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake is clean and the perfect temperature for a swim on a hot summer day.' 2. 'Cardens Bluff is absolutely magical. We booked sites 28 and 29 which had views on 3 sides of the lake.' 3. 'The...

Based on 446 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 39 is praised for its 180-degree lake views but noted for its steep access. Sites 28 and 29 are highlighted for their proximity to the water and stunning views. Several users recommend avoiding...

Based on 446 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews note that some campsites have uneven terrain and steep paths that may be difficult for individuals with mobility issues. However, the accessible shower house is appreciated.

Based on 446 reviews