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.

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 13% in TNFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

CReport Card

Scenic Views

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 Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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 Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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 181 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ 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

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Cades Cove Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

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 13% in TN

Best season: peak leaf color, photogenic valley and stable fall weather in Oct.

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.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

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

Frequent white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys; wildlife viewing is a main draw.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Winter stays quieter but facilities limited; not a dedicated winter-sports venue.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Peak fall color, wildlife, historic structures and the scenic loop are top photo subjects.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Cades Cove Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

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

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

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 181 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ 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 easy access to the loop road, morning wildlife sightings, and don't mind close neighbors in exchange for the location.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or well-kept bathhouses, since spacing complaints and maintenance issues are common here.

Nearby alternatives

Three hand-reasoned picks from nearby campgrounds — one per reason you might prefer it over this spot.

Campgrounds you may also like

4.3

(564)

Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Cataloochee Campground sits in the remote Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a historic enclave known for its reintroduced elk herd and preserved Appalachian homesteads. Operated by the National Park Service, the mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike valley trails, fish mountain streams, and watch elk grazing in open meadows, especially during the fall rut when bulls bugle across the landscape.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

Big Creek Horse Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a National Park Service equestrian facility near Newport, Tennessee. This very small primitive campground serves riders exploring the park's backcountry trail system, with designated stalls, flush toilets, and potable water. Visitors come for spring wildflower rides, waterfall access, and wildlife viewing along less-traveled park routes.

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Big Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accessed via a remote road that filters out casual visitors. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground offers tent and primitive sites along Big Creek, with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store. Hikers use it as a base for trails into the park's backcountry, and anglers fish the creek for trout.

Cosby Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service as a large seasonal base camp for hikers and wildlife watchers. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables draw tent and RV campers who value clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and direct trail access. The campground enforces quiet hours and a strict no-show policy, with a dump station and flush toilets but no showers.

Smokemont Group Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smokemont Group Campground sits in the North Carolina foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service along a scenic creek corridor. This large campground accommodates tent, RV, and primitive camping with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, making it a base for exploring nearby hiking trails and watching for elk along the riverbanks. Fall brings peak hardwood color and clear days ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.

Deep Creek Campground (Nc)

1912 East Deep Creek Road

Deep Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush toilets and potable water, serving as a base for hiking trails and tubing on Deep Creek. Sites are small and closely spaced, and the campground lacks showers or dishwashing facilities.

Cataloochee Group Camp

3576 Ranger Station Road

Cataloochee Group Camp sits in a remote valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Waynesville, operated by the National Park Service. This primitive group site is known for close-range elk encounters, especially during the fall rut, and offers access to historic structures and less-traveled trails. The campground provides a true backcountry feel with basic amenities and seasonal availability during peak months.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

Big Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering tent-only sites along a trout stream near Gatlinburg. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground attracts visitors seeking swimming holes, creek access, and trailhead proximity without RV traffic. The setting emphasizes quiet and seclusion, with flush toilets, potable water, and standard fire rings at each site.

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Smokemont Campground sits in the Oconaluftee valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, minutes from Cherokee. The National Park Service operates this large foothills campground along Bradley Fork River, where tent and RV campers use it as a base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station.

Cataloochee Horse Camp

3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA

Cataloochee Horse Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Waynesville, operated by the National Park Service for equestrian campers and their stock. This very small primitive campground serves as a base for exploring well-maintained backcountry trails and viewing elk in nearby meadows. Rangers and volunteers keep vault facilities clean daily, and the remote location rewards visitors with quiet evenings and frequent wildlife encounters.

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Smokemont Group Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina, operated by the National Park Service. This small group-only facility offers streamside sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and access to park trails for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground enforces designated quiet hours and a strict no-show policy, with stays limited to 14 days during its seasonal operating window.

Cove Creek Upper Group Camp

1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, USA

Cove Creek Upper Group Camp sits in the Pisgah National Forest foothills near Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, operated by Naventure for seasonal group reservations. The campground offers spacious group sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a wooded setting near Cove Creek and the Davidson River. Campers use the site as a base for hiking, fishing, and biking on nearby forest trails.

Balsam Mountain Campground

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Balsam Mountain Campground sits in the high-elevation forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Cherokee, North Carolina. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and designated quiet hours during peak season. Visitors come for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in cooler mountain air, with fall foliage drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts to trails that empty out as summer crowds disperse.

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.

Featured in these camping guides

Cades Cove Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

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

Tsali Recreation Area

Look Rock Campground

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

Tsali Recreation Area

Look Rock Campground

Anthony Creek Horse Camp