How much does camping cost at Cades Cove Campground?

Camping fees at Cades Cove Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cades Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cades Cove Campground 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 Cades Cove Campground before I book?

Yes! Cades Cove Campground has 32 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 Cades Cove Campground?

Cades Cove Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Cades Cove Campground?

Cades Cove Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cades Cove Campground have?

Cades Cove Campground has 159 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cades Cove Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cades Cove Campground. 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 Cades Cove Campground?

Cades Cove Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cades Cove Campground?

Popular activities at Cades Cove Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cades Cove Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cades Cove Campground?

Fire policies at Cades Cove Campground: 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. Firewood Vendors. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Please visit firewoodscout.org for a list of ava. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.41

1.3K reviews

10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882

Top 17% in TNFall

CReport Card

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park#3 Tent Camping Tennessee Best Campgrounds Tennessee +3 more

Quick Facts

1,923 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

159 campsites

Season

During the off seaso...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,923 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

159 campsites

Season

During the off seaso...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cades Cove Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 148 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Provider

865-448-4103 FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION 877-444-6777Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882

Cades Cove Campground

10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882

Nearby places

Townsend: 9 miles (~15 minutes), Maryville: 22 miles (~35 minutes), Pigeon Forge: ~25 miles (~40 minutes)

Weather at Cades Cove Campground

Current alerts(13)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A maximum of 6 people may occupy a campsite. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days. Reservations which exceed the 14 consecutive day limit may be cancelled and refunded.
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.
Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds are the only campgrounds open year round and require a reservation. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.

Best Time to Camp at Cades Cove Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the valley at its most photogenic — peak leaf color (usually mid- to late October in the Cades Cove valley) and crisp, stable weather make hiking, wildlife viewing and photography exceptional. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and chilly mornings in the 30s–40s°F, ideal for layered hikes and long golden hours. Weekends in October are busy with leaf-peepers, so plan weekday visits or arrive at dawn for the best, quieter wildlife sightings along the 11-mile Loop Road. Peak months: October, September, November, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 17% in TN

Fall is cited as best season; peak leaf color mid-late October and very photogenic valley.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: During the off season, only sites C1-12 and C26-61 are open to camping by reservation only.

About Cades Cove Campground

Cades Cove Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service with direct access to the scenic Cades Cove Loop. The valley is known for wildlife viewing and car-free biking days, with a generator-free loop for quieter stays. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping, with amenities including flush toilets, a dump station, and an on-site camp store.

The campground accommodates both tent camping and RVs. It is also popular for group camping and offers a generator-free loop for quieter camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the valley at its most photogenic — peak leaf color (usually mid- to late October in the Cades Cove valley) and crisp, stable weather make hiking, wildlife viewing and photography exceptional. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F and chilly mornings in the 30s–40s°F, ideal for layered hikes and long golden hours. Weekends in October are busy with leaf-peepers, so plan weekday visits or arrive at dawn for the best, quieter wildlife sightings along the 11-mile Loop Road. Peak months: October, September, November, May

Elevation1923 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a geological window where ancient limestone broke through the Smokies' metamorphic rock, creating fertile valley soils and gentle terrain. Pine and oak cover sunny slopes. Hemlock groves and rhododendron thickets fill the shadowy hollows. The surrounding ridges hold one of the world's most diverse temperate forests. Wildlife moves through constantly. Deer graze near tents at dawn. Black bears cross meadows at dusk. Wild turkeys and coyotes appear along the forest edge. Creeks run through the campground, and the valley's open floor makes for easy wildlife viewing most mornings.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs and events are occasionally held in the nearby amphitheater, offering educational insights into the area's history and wildlife.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite is limited to a maximum of 6 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by phone at 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets, parking, and a camp store are available, but users recommend checking specific sites for accessibility needs as some have stairs or uneven terrain.

Site SizeStandard sizes for tents and RVs, with some campers mentioning spacious sites like C31. Others found sites too cramped, particularly in the B loop.

PrivacyGenerally lacks privacy due to close proximity of campsites. However, some specific sites like B70 and C21 were praised for their spacing.

Total Campsites159 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking tranquility should choose Loop C. Generators are allowed in Loop B; plan accordingly if noise is a concern. Early-morning drives offer better wildlife viewing.

Best CampsitesC21 sits in a corner near the bathrooms with better spacing than most sites. B70 runs along the creek. C31 is roomier than average. Avoid the B loop if tight spacing bothers you.

Need help booking Cades Cove Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Cades Cove Campground is open year round and combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park. Some accessible sites have a 5 amp electric hookup for medical equipment use only.

Potable water

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cades Cove Campground

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.

Wildlife viewing5.0/5Top 3% in Tennessee

Hiking4.0/5

Close to popular trails like Abrams Falls (5 mi RT); varied terrain and many trail access points.

Fishing4.0/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Winter stays are quieter but facilities limited; no groomed or downhill winter sports onsite.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Iconic views, fall color peak, abundant wildlife and the loop road create excellent photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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. Firewood Vendors. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Please visit firewoodscout.org for a list of ava

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash bins are available throughout the campground. Campers noted that while these bins are secure, they are noisy and located inconveniently close to some campsites.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.4

1.3K reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1286 reviews.

Site C21Loved
Site C21 is highly recommended for its proximity to bathrooms and privacy.
B70Loved
B70 is also a favorite for its spaciousness and quiet.

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Cades Cove Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 148 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

865-448-4103 FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION 877-444-6777Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov

Go if

You want to be steps from the Cades Cove Loop for wildlife viewing and biking, and can snag a spacious site like B70 or a private one like C21 near the restrooms.

Skip if

You need generous space between campsites or spotless, well-maintained bathhouses, since crowding and upkeep are recurring complaints.

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Smokemont Group Campground

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Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cades Cove Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 21% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 607 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B.Getting there
Grade B.Bugs & weather
Grade B-.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade C.Rules & policies
Grade C.Safety
Grade C.Value

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Tennessee grades overall

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Cades Cove Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

Directions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.

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Cades Cove Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Cades Cove Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Cades Cove Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Cades Cove Campground

Planning Tips

About Cades Cove Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cades Cove Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Cades Cove Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Look Rock Campground

Tsali Recreation Area

Anthony Creek Horse Camp

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Cades Cove Campground

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Cades Cove Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cades Cove Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cades Cove Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Look Rock Campground

Tsali Recreation Area

Anthony Creek Horse Camp