Cades Cove Campground
4.51621 reviews10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882
Cades Cove Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
All campsite fees are $30 per night. Discounts available for Interagency Senior Annual or Lifetime Pass holders, who pay 50% of the standard fee.
About this campground
Nestled in one of the most beloved valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove Campground offers the perfect blend of backcountry charm and essential amenities. Here, you'll wake to misty mountain mornings and fall asleep to the sounds of nature, all while enjoying the comfort of flush toilets and fresh drinking water. The campground serves as your gateway to the famous 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, where early risers are rewarded with magical wildlife encounters and glimpses into Appalachian history frozen in time.
The campground accommodates both tent camping and RVs. It is also popular for group camping and offers a generator-free loop for quieter camping.
Historical SignificanceLong before the first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, Cherokee hunters knew this valley as a place of abundance. Today, Cades Cove stands as one of America's best-preserved windows into frontier life, where over 90 authentic structures tell stories of resilience and community. Weathered log cabins speak of families who cleared this land with their own hands, while simple churches echo with the hymns of generations past. Every building along the loop road is a chapter in the American story, preserved exactly where history happened.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Cades Cove in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with wildflower explosions and crisp nights perfect for campfire stories, while autumn transforms the surrounding mountains into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer days invite leisurely exploration, though mountain breezes keep temperatures refreshingly cool at these elevations. Winter occasionally dusts the valley with snow, creating an enchanting landscape where frost sparkles on historic cabin roofs and bare trees reveal mountain vistas usually hidden by summer foliage.
ElevationCradled within a natural bowl of ancient mountains, Cades Cove Campground sits in one of the Smokies' most picturesque valleys. The surrounding peaks rise like protective walls around this pastoral haven, creating a unique microclimate where morning fog pools dramatically before lifting to reveal the day. This valley setting offers the rare combination of mountain majesty with the gentle, rolling terrain that made it perfect for both Cherokee hunting grounds and pioneer homesteads.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to find a doe and her fawn grazing just beyond your tent, or watching a black bear amble across a distant meadow as the sun sets behind mountain ridges. Cades Cove's lush valley floor creates an irresistible wildlife corridor where nature puts on daily shows. Ancient hemlock groves provide cool shade along babbling creeks, while native rhododendron thickets burst into pink blooms each spring. The surrounding forests form a living cathedral of oak, pine, and hemlock, their canopy home to wild turkeys and the occasional glimpse of a wary coyote at forest's edge.
Geological RegionCades Cove occupies a geological wonder - a limestone window worn through the ancient metamorphic rock of the Great Smoky Mountains. This verdant valley, ringed by ridges clothed in one of the world's most diverse temperate forests, showcases nature's artistry on a grand scale. Pine and oak dominate the sunny slopes, while shadowy hollows harbor groves of hemlock and carpets of rhododendron. This unique geology creates the fertile soils and gentle topography that have made Cades Cove a magnet for both wildlife and humans for thousands of years.
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeStandard sizes for tents and RVs, with some campers mentioning spacious sites like C31. Others found sites too cramped, particularly in the B loop.
Sites 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 CampsitesCampers 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 CampsitesSite C21 is highly recommended for its proximity to bathrooms and corner location offering privacy. Site B70 is noted for its creekside location.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized within Loop B and Loop C. Loop B permits generators; Loop C is generator-free except during off-season.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but Loop B and C are closed from December to mid-April. Reservations required during off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by phone at 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability is possible during off-peak periods; spaces fill quickly on weekends during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee. Early departures require contacting the campground office promptly for partial refunds.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
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.
Hiking
The campsite is close to popular trails like Abrams Falls, a 5-mile round-trip hike. "The hike is moderately flat but has lots of ups and downs," said one reviewer.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in nearby rivers and streams, with trout being abundant. A valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.Biking
Biking is a standout activity, especially on car-free Wednesdays. "Biking around Cades Cove Loop on vehicle-free Wednesday was amazing," one user noted.Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently spot white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, and turkeys in the area. "We saw a mother bear and her three cubs going through the camp," reported a camper.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs and events are occasionally held in the nearby amphitheater, offering educational insights into the area's history and wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter camping is available, but only certain sites are open. Campers should prepare for cold conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Firewood must be USDA-certified heat-treated or collected deadwood.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear habitat; all food must be stored in sealed vehicles. Poison ivy and ticks are present in warmer months.
Active alertsBear activity is high; precautions are mandatory. Seasonal closures may affect roads and specific areas.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Blount Memorial Hospital (~35 minutes drive away in Maryville) and Townsend Police (~15 minutes). Ranger station available on-site.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through October is considered peak season. Fees and availability do not vary.
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Abrams Creek and several small streams. Abrams Falls is a 5-mile round-trip hike.
Common complaintsReviews mention crowded campsites, lack of privacy, and poorly maintained bathrooms. Generators and campfire smoke cause noise and air pollution for some campers.
HostHosts are intermittently available; staff are generally helpful and responsive. Rangers conduct occasional patrols.
Campground Map
10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN, 37882
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 onto TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove.
Accessible via major roads; TN 73 is paved and well-marked, but narrow in areas. Seasonal closures may occur during winter storms.Nearby places
Townsend: 9 miles (~15 minutes), Maryville: 22 miles (~35 minutes), Pigeon Forge: ~25 miles (~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Townsend (~9 miles) provides full-service grocery stores, fuel, and restaurants. A seasonal camp store operates within the campground offering camping supplies, firewood, ice, basic groceries, and bike rentals.
Camper Reviews
4.5
621 reviews
Cades Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 621 reviews
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 621 reviewsCommon Concerns
Bathrooms are poorly maintained and lack soap. Campsites are close together with limited privacy. The camp store is expensive.
Based on 621 reviewsPro 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 621 reviewsSeasonal 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 621 reviewsCamper 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 621 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site C21 is highly recommended for its proximity to bathrooms and privacy. B70 is also a favorite for its spaciousness and quiet.
Based on 621 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some sites are uneven or have stairs, so campers with mobility issues should inquire when booking.
Based on 621 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times. They are not allowed on trails.
Based on 621 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025