Cataloochee Campground

Cataloochee Campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley surrounded by mountain ranges and pristine streams. With an elevation of 2,610 feet (796 m), it is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. It offers traditional camping with the convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. No hookups or showers are available in the campground.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Campsite reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance.

Drinking water

Yes - seasonal

Food storage lockers

Yes - seasonal

Host on site

Yes - seasonal

Toilets

Flush Toilets - seasonal

Trash & recycling

Yes - seasonal

Amphitheater

No

Camp store

No

Cell reception

No

Dump station

No

Firewood for sale

No

Ice for sale

No

Internet

No

Laundry

No

Showers

None

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

RVs

Allowed · up to 31 ft

Trailers

Allowed · up to 31 ft

Access roads

Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather

Classification

Developed Campground

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Please note, the entrance road to Cataloochee Valley is a winding, gravel road that has some steep drop offs with no guard rails. Horse trailer traffic may be encountered on the road. Because the road is narrow, it may be necessary to stop or back up to allow other vehicles to pass.

This campground is in the mountains and weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. Be prepared with layers and rain gear in all seasons.

All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be sealed in a vehicle or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or as otherwise directed, at all times when not in use. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings. You may collect dead and downed wood in the park for campfires. Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park. Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am. Generator use is prohibited 8 pm-8 am. Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. You may have up to six people per campsite. No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces. All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.

Cataloochee Campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley--a relatively remote part of Smoky Mountain National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. Cataloochee Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams, like nearby Cataloochee Creek. Elk are common in this part of the park, during the spring and fall. At a 2,600 foot elevation, Cataloochee provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or exploding with vivid fall colors, the scenery at Cataloochee never disappoints. Cataloochee offers a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. Hiking trails and fishing streams are easily accessible from the site and the nearby Cataloochee Group Campground can accommodate larger parties of guests. Additionally, the Cataloochee Horse Campground provides convenient camping for horseback riding enthusiasts. Hammocks are allowed in the campground with the following guidelines: Must be over the footprint of the campsite, limited to trees 10 inches in diameter with adequate padding around the tree and only 2 hammocks are allowed to be suspended from the same tree.

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