Description

Cades Cove Campground is set in the heart of one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s biggest attractions—the resplendent Cades Cove valley. Surrounded by deciduous trees and mountain peaks, this 159-site campground is open year-round with numerous hiking trails to waterfalls, peaks, and scenic views nearby. Campers can also find some of the park’s best biking and equestrian areas. RV and tent sites at Cades Cove Campground include picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground also features restrooms, a dump station, and a camp store with food, ice cream, and bicycle rentals. No campsites come with individual hookups or shower access.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

  • All Cades Cove campsites are reservable six months in advance. You can make a reservation online or by calling (877) 444-6777.
  • Cades Cove is a popular campground, and is often full during summer season and October, when fall foliage peaks.
  • During the winter season (December to early April), Cades Cove Campground only operates about 50 of its campsites.
  • When to Go

    Spring visitors to Cades Cove Campground may be blessed with wildflowers and full strength waterfalls, plus the area is known to host synchronous fireflies during their late May mating season. Summer visitors enjoy warm temps in the 80s and long days to hike, but campgrounds are typically full during this time. Fall is gorgeous, with deciduous tree leaves changing colors in September and October. Rain and cold nights are possible year-round, and winter visitors should be prepared for cold weather camping and possibly driving on snow and ice. For current info on winter conditions, call the ranger station at (865) 436-1200.

    Campsite area
    Tent or RV sites
    160 sites
    Up to 6 guests per site
    Up to 6 vehicles
    No wheelchair access
    Essentials
    No campfires
    No toilet
    No pets
    Amenities
    No potable water
    No picnic table

    Activities

    Offered near the campground.

    Biking

    The 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road is a popular cycling route, giving riders a chance to spot wildlife and linger over t...Read more

    Fishing

    Abrams Creek is a popular trout fishing spot within Cades Cove.

    Hiking

    The Cades Cove Nature Trail starts at the campground, and a number of excellent hiking trails also depart from Cades Cove, incl...Read more

    Horseback riding

    Guided horseback tours and carriage rides through Cades Cove are offered next to the campground at the Cades Cove Riding Stables.

    Wildlife watching

    Cades Cove is one of the best areas in the Smokies for wildlife observation. Campers frequently spot bears, deer, coyotes, turk...Read more

    Terrain

    Natural features you'll find at Cades Cove Campground.

    Beach
    Cave
    Forest
    Swimming hole
    Waterfall
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    30 Reviews

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    Drop some Cades Cove Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Sara + Mike
    Sara + Mike (.
    recommends this listing.
    November 7th, 2018

    The popular eleven mile Cades Cove one-way scenic drive is near this campground. We were prepared to see some wildlife but to no avail. :(

    Hipcamper Courtney
    Courtney C.
    recommends this listing.
    September 17th, 2018

    The group sites were amazing and super reasonable! We had a group of 8 and were able to reserve (non-group sites are first come first served) a group site during spring break for about the same cost as 2 single sites.

    Hipcamper Melinda
    Melinda H.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    May 30th, 2017

    We spent a few nights here while exploring the park over Memorial Day Weekend. It was busy, but the campground was still very quiet. The facilities are nice, but there are no showers available anywhere in the park. It was not cheap... $22/night, but it was a really convenient location.

    Hipcamper Tyler
    Tyler J.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    March 8th, 2017

    Cade's Cove is a classic spot to camp in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. It is the most visited National Park in the US for a reason! Stunning waterfalls, breath-taking hikes, and gorgeous views are but minutes away from this family friendly camping site. Growing up only a few hours from this plethora of hiking, my family would backpack in the fall and enjoy the beautiful cove in the summer. Hidden conveniently near the edge of park gives you quick access to "civilization" but also to some of the most diversified fauna in the United States. If my memory serves me correct most sites are priced around $12-18 a night for tent camping and offer everything you might need to enjoy your getaway.

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    January 29th, 2017
    Park
    Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    State
    Tennessee
    Country
    United States
    Phone Number
    865-448-4103 FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION 877-444-6777
    Directions
    View on Google Maps
    Official Website
    View Website
    Coordinates
    35.603° N, 83.777° W
    Unknown price
    Tent / RV / Trailer: 131 Sites
    (Up to 6 people per site)
    Unknown price
    Tent / Van: 29 Sites
    (Up to 6 people per site)