Cades Cove Group Campground

Star4.47
671 reviews
107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Quick Facts

1,726 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

159 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV 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
Cades Cove Group Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $30 per site per night, applicable to standard non-electric, tent only, and RV sites. Discounts apply for pass holders (e.g.,...
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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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(865) 448-2472GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 671 reviews

2250 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Cades Cove Campground is popular for its scenic location and proximity to the Cades Cove Loop. Reviews highlight the abundance of wildlife, though some note the lack of showers and crowded conditions as drawbacks."

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Campground Map

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Cades Cove Group Campground

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

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 at Townsend onto TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove.
Accessible via paved roads, but trailers are discouraged on certain routes due to narrow curves. Avoid GPS directions leading to Montavale Rd, Happy Valley Rd, or Flats Rd.
Nearby places
Maryville (22 miles, approx. 40 minutes), Townsend (9 miles, approx. 15 minutes), Pigeon Forge (approx. 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Townsend offers full-service grocery stores and fuel stations, approximately 9 miles away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Cades Cove Group Campground

The mountain air here dances between seasons with an unpredictable grace. Summer days bloom warm and humid, perfect for early morning hikes before the afternoon heat settles into the valley. Winter arrives gently, painting frost on meadow grasses while maintaining surprisingly mild temperatures. But don't let the moderate climate fool you – mountain weather has a mind of its own, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, transforming sunny skies into dramatic displays of nature's power.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is warm, humid and crowded; peak season May–Oct can be busy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall foliage and panoramic views make autumn a top season; reviews peak in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers, mild weather and positive reviews make spring attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but fewer activities and less favorable weather in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May through October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season (May through October).
  • Current Alerts: None specific to Cades Cove Campground at this time.

About Cades Cove Group Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Campground seamlessly blends the tranquility of primitive camping with essential modern comforts. While you'll find flush toilets and fresh drinking water at your disposal, the real treasures lie just beyond your tent flap – winding trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, meticulously preserved historic structures that whisper tales of the past, and meadows where black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys roam freely in their natural habitat.
The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping. It is a front-country campground offering a mix of standard and basic amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The nearby Cades Cove Loop is a highlight, offering scenic views and access to trails.
HikingThe nearby Abrams Falls Trail is a popular 5-mile round-trip hike. It features a waterfall and diverse terrain including pine-oak forests and rhododendron thickets.
FishingBackcountry fishing for Rainbow and Brook trout is available in the nearby streams and rivers.
BikingThe Cades Cove Loop is a favorite for biking. On Wednesdays during summertime, the loop is closed to motorized vehicles, allowing cyclists full access.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly observed includes black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes. Early mornings and evenings offer the best opportunities for sightings.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are held at the amphitheater, providing educational insights into the park's natural and cultural history.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity; food storage regulations must be followed. Wildlife such as deer and coyotes also inhabit the area.
Active AlertsNone specific to Cades Cove Campground at this time.
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 Group Campground

Reviews

4.5
671 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cades Cove Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cades Cove Campground is popular for its scenic location and proximity to the Cades Cove Loop. Reviews highlight the abundance of wildlife, though some note the lack of showers and crowded conditions as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 671 reviews

What Campers Love

Popular for its scenic views and wildlife sightings. Visitors appreciated the camp store and biking opportunities on the loop road.
Based on 671 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of showers and crowded camping sites with minimal privacy. Some also mentioned high prices at the camp store.
Based on 671 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Book early to secure a spot during peak seasons." "Bike the loop early in the morning to avoid crowds." "Bring your own soap as it’s not provided in the restrooms."
Based on 671 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall receive the most positive reviews due to mild weather and vibrant foliage. Summer reviews often mention the heat and crowded conditions.
Based on 671 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camping in Cades Cove makes it easy to drive the 11-mile loop road early in the morning and at dusk, the best times for sighting wildlife." "The lack of showers can be frustrating in summer, but the...
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Based on 671 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site C17 is a favorite for its proximity to wooded areas and a nature trail. Site C30 is noted for being near the bathroom but less scenic.
Based on 671 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites with 5-amp electrical hookups for medical equipment were appreciated. Accessible restrooms were noted as functional but could benefit from additional maintenance.
Based on 671 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Reviews suggest bringing waste bags as these are not always provided.
Based on 671 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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