Cataloochee Campground

35.6312, -83.0855 · Park boundary: National Park Service
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Reservation detailsCataloochee 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.
- Every day
- All Day
Cataloochee Campground closes seasonally. See exceptions for exact dates of operation.
- Closed · Oct 25, 2026 – May 1, 2027 · Closed
Camping Fee is per site, per night. Reservations are required.
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
- 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
Campground is not ADA accessible.
Campground is not ADA accessible. Restrooms are accessible.
Fires are permitted only in established fire rings provided at each campsite.
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.







Location, hours, and facility details confirmed against the National Park Service registry.
National Park Service registryChecked 2026-08-04
Can you reserve a campsite at Cataloochee Campground?
Yes. Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 27 sites that can be reserved in advance.
How many campsites does Cataloochee Campground have?
Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 27 campsites.
What is the maximum RV length at Cataloochee Campground?
Cataloochee Campground publishes a maximum RV length of 31 feet. Longer rigs will not fit its sites.
How much does it cost to camp at Cataloochee Campground?
Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park charges $30 per night.
Are there showers at Cataloochee Campground?
No. Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not list showers.
Is there drinking water at Cataloochee Campground?
Yes. Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park lists drinking water: Yes - seasonal.
Is there cell service at Cataloochee Campground?
No. Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not list cell reception.
Is there a dump station at Cataloochee Campground?
No. Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not list dump station.
Is Cataloochee Campground wheelchair accessible?
Cataloochee Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Campground is not ADA accessible.
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