Cades Cove Campground

Star4.42
1.3K reviews
10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882

Quick Facts

1,923 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

159 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Cades Cove Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
All campsite fees are $30 per night. Discounts available for Interagency Senior Annual or Lifetime Pass holders, who pay 50% of the standard fee.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
865-448-4103Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 1.3K reviews

2250 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

noisecrowded

"Campers enjoy the natural beauty, wildlife, and cycling opportunities, though complaints about bathroom maintenance and campsite spacing are frequent. "The proximity to the Cades Cove Loop is unbeatable," sums up a common sentiment."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882

Cades Cove Campground

10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882

Driving directionsFrom Maryville, TN: Take U.S. 321 North from Maryville to Townsend, TN (about 22 miles). At the traffic light in Townsend, continue straight on TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove. From Pigeon Forge, TN: Take US 321 South to Townsend, TN. Turn left onto TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove.
Accessible via major roads; TN 73 is paved and well-marked, but narrow in areas. Seasonal closures may occur during winter storms.
Nearby places
Townsend: 9 miles (~15 minutes), Maryville: 22 miles (~35 minutes), Pigeon Forge: ~25 miles (~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Townsend (~9 miles) provides full-service grocery stores, fuel, and restaurants. A seasonal camp store operates within the campground offering camping supplies, firewood, ice, basic groceries, and bike rentals.

Best Time to Camp at Cades Cove Campground

Each season paints Cades Cove in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with wildflower explosions and crisp nights perfect for campfire stories, while autumn transforms the surrounding mountains into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer days invite leisurely exploration, though mountain breezes keep temperatures refreshingly cool at these elevations. Winter occasionally dusts the valley with snow, creating an enchanting landscape where frost sparkles on historic cabin roofs and bare trees reveal mountain vistas usually hidden by summer foliage.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season offers abundant wildlife and activities but is typically busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn colors enhance ridge/valley vistas; fall is a top season though crowded.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in TN

Spring wildflowers, crisp nights and active wildlife make spring especially appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Quieter, potential for solitude and snowy scenes but Loop B/C closures and limited facilities reduce access.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May through October is considered peak season. Fees and availability do not vary.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but Loop B and C are closed from December to mid-April. Reservations required during off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Bear activity is high; precautions are mandatory. Seasonal closures may affect roads and specific areas.

About Cades Cove Campground

Nestled in one of the most beloved valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Campground offers the perfect blend of backcountry charm and essential amenities. Here, you'll wake to misty mountain mornings and fall asleep to the sounds of nature, all while enjoying the comfort of flush toilets and fresh drinking water. The campground serves as your gateway to the famous 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, where early risers are rewarded with magical wildlife encounters and glimpses into Appalachian history frozen in time.
The campground accommodates both tent camping and RVs. It is also popular for group camping and offers a generator-free loop for quieter camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

This campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to the Cades Cove Loop Road, hiking trails, and other activities. "We drove the loop every evening, and biked or ran it on Wednesdays when it’s closed to traffic," said a camper. Wildlife viewing is a major highlight, with frequent sightings of black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
HikingThe campsite is close to popular trails like Abrams Falls, a 5-mile round-trip hike. "The hike is moderately flat but has lots of ups and downs," said one reviewer.
FishingFishing is allowed in nearby rivers and streams, with trout being abundant. A valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.
BikingBiking is a standout activity, especially on car-free Wednesdays. "Biking around Cades Cove Loop on vehicle-free Wednesday was amazing," one user noted.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently spot white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, and turkeys in the area. "We saw a mother bear and her three cubs going through the camp," reported a camper.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs and events are occasionally held in the nearby amphitheater, offering educational insights into the area's history and wildlife.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear habitat; all food must be stored in sealed vehicles. Poison ivy and ticks are present in warmer months.
Active AlertsBear activity is high; precautions are mandatory. Seasonal closures may affect roads and specific areas.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cades Cove Campground

Reviews

4.4
1.3K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cades Cove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Campers enjoy the natural beauty, wildlife, and cycling opportunities, though complaints about bathroom maintenance and campsite spacing are frequent. "The proximity to the Cades Cove Loop is unbeatable," sums up a common sentiment.
Review Summaries
Based on 1286 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to scenic Cades Cove Loop, wildlife viewing, car-free biking days, and on-site camp store. Campers also appreciate the quiet generator-free loop.
Based on 1286 reviews

Common Concerns

Bathrooms are poorly maintained and lack soap. Campsites are close together with limited privacy. The camp store is expensive.
Based on 1286 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own soap and hand sanitizer. Reserve campsites well in advance during peak season. Campers recommend bringing firewood and snacks to save money.
Based on 1286 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays are quieter with fewer campers, but facilities are limited. Summer and fall are busy, with wildlife sightings and scenic views.
Based on 1286 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camping in Cades Cove makes it easy to drive the 11-mile loop road early in the morning and at dusk." - Linann H. "The campground has modern restrooms but no showers." - James Bur. "The bathrooms...
Show more
Based on 1286 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site C21 is highly recommended for its proximity to bathrooms and privacy. B70 is also a favorite for its spaciousness and quiet.
Based on 1286 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some sites are uneven or have stairs, so campers with mobility issues should inquire when booking.
Based on 1286 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times. They are not allowed on trails.
Based on 1286 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Cades Cove Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Tennessee

Campgrounds
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove Campground