Campground
Cades Cove Campground
Cades Cove Campground is a year-round, managed destination in the scenic Cades Cove valley of Great Smoky Mountains. With 161 sites split between tent-only and mixed-use areas, plus 4 group sites, the campground blends the feel of primitive camping with modern conveniences: flush toilets, food storage lockers, and potable water throughout. This is a busy, well-maintained facility that demands advance reservation and fills rapidly—expect a parking-lot vibe in peak season, but access to historic trails, wildlife viewing, and ranger programs makes it a solid family base.
Quick facts
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- 6 months in advance
- Reservation Tips
- Book exactly when the 6-month window opens at Recreation.gov. Set an alarm—prime sites vanish within an hour. Have your dates and site preferences ready before clicking.
- Season Dates
- Year-round; Loop B and parts of Loop C open mid-spring through November 30. Winter-only: sites C1-12 and C26-61 (reservations required year-round).
Reservations & season
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- 6 months in advance
- Reservation Tips
- Book exactly when the 6-month window opens at Recreation.gov. Set an alarm—prime sites vanish within an hour. Have your dates and site preferences ready before clicking.
- Season Dates
- Year-round; Loop B and parts of Loop C open mid-spring through November 30. Winter-only: sites C1-12 and C26-61 (reservations required year-round).
- Fills Up Speed
- Books instantly—most sites reserved within hours of the 6-month booking window opening
- Per Night Cost
- $30.00 per site, per night
- Passes Accepted
- America the Beautiful annual pass ($80)—accepted as park entry; camp fees still apply
Sites & RV fit
- Sites Total
- 161
- Site Types
- Tent-only, mixed/RV-compatible, group
- Site Type Breakdown
- 31 tent-only, 126 mixed RV-compatible, 4 group sites
- RV Max Length
- 40 feet
- Group Sites Available
- 1
- Hookups
- None—dry camping only (no electrical, water, or sewer hookups)
- Site Features
- Fire ring (iron), food storage locker, tent pad (where provided)
- Ground Type
- Paved site driveways; tent pads provided where marked
- Site Privacy
- Moderate—mix of forested and exposed sites; variable depending on loop and specific location within campground
Facilities
- Bathroom Types
- Flush toilets
- Potable Water
- Yes—spigots available year-round throughout campground
- Dump Station
- Yes—available year-round for RV waste disposal
- Trash Service
- Yes—dumpsters and trash collection available year-round
- Camp Store
- Yes—seasonal (ice, firewood, basic supplies available when open)
- Firewood Availability
- USDA certified bundles available for purchase (seasonal, camp store); dead and downed wood gathering permitted
- Cell Service
- No—download offline maps and guides before arrival
- Nearby Facilities
- Townsend, TN (15 miles away) for groceries, fuel, medical services, and supplies
Access
- Road Type
- Paved
- Road Conditions
- All roads paved; site driveways paved and well-maintained. All-weather accessible to standard vehicles.
- Vehicle Restrictions
- Maximum 2 motor vehicles or 1 vehicle with trailer per site; trailers max 35 feet; RVs max 40 feet
- Clearance Needed
- Standard—paved infrastructure suitable for any vehicle within length limits
- Nearest Gas Services
- Townsend, TN (approximately 15 miles) for gas, groceries, and supplies
- Elevation
- 1,807 feet
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair access to restrooms and parking areas. Paved roads and driveways throughout campground. 11 accessible campsites with designated accessible parking.
- ADA Accessible Sites
- 11 accessible campsites with paved parking and restroom access; 2 CPAP-equipped sites; all restrooms wheelchair accessible
Rules & safety
- Bear Country
- Yes
- Food Storage Requirements
- Food storage lockers provided and required—all food and food-preparation equipment must be sealed in vehicle or hard-sided container when not in active use
- Fire Restrictions
- Fires permitted in rings only. USDA certified firewood allowed. Dead and downed wood gathering permitted.
- Generator Hours
- Prohibited 8pm-8am. Loop C allows restricted hours when Loop B is closed seasonally.
- Quiet Hours
- 10pm-6am
- Max Stay Limit
- 14 consecutive days
- Alcohol Permitted
- 0
What it is like
- Onsite Activities
- Ranger-led programs (seasonal), hiking to nearby trailheads, wildlife viewing, scenic Cades Cove Loop Road (drive or bike)
- Trailheads Nearby
- Hike to Abrams Falls, Walk Cable Mill Area Trails, Hike on Cades Cove Loop Road (paved valley loop)
- Wildlife Viewing
- Black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons common. Maintain 100-yard distance from bears; 25-yard distance from other wildlife.
- Shade Coverage
- Mixed—varies by loop and site location; forest cover interspersed with open areas
- Scenic Views
- Cades Cove valley and surrounding Smoky Mountains ridges
- Noise Level
- Moderate—managed campground with regular activity and neighboring camper noise
- Best Time To Visit
- Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October)—mild temperatures, lower bug pressure, shoulder-season crowds lighter than summer
- Vibe Check
- Developed campground with parking-lot character during peak season; mix of forested and open sites. Managed facility with ranger presence and infrastructure. Moderate noise from neighboring campers, especially summer weekends. Popular destination means less solitude but more amenities and programs.
- Camp Here If Skip If
- ✅ BOOK IF: Families seeking accessible year-round camping with modern toilets, food safety, scenic valley access, and ranger programs. RVers under 40 feet wanting full facility amenities without hookups. ❌ SKIP IF: Solo tent campers seeking privacy and solitude. RVers needing hookups or showers. Anyone with rigs over 40 feet. Dispersed-camping seekers.
- Tips Advice
- Pack layers—mountain weather changes rapidly day to night.
- Set phone alarm for 6-month booking window; spots vanish within hours.
- Secure food in locker even if using bear canister.
- Use dead/downed wood from nearby areas to save money on purchased firewood.
- Explore Cades Cove Loop Road by car or bike early morning for wildlife viewing.
- Plan to attend seasonal ranger programs for evening education and ambiance.
More details
- Park Area
- Cades Cove
- Sites Tent Only
- 31
- Sites Group
- 4
- Family Friendly Notes
- Popular family destination with seasonal ranger programs, scenic valley access, good sanitation (flush toilets), food safety infrastructure (lockers), and accessible facilities. Most sites suitable for families with young children.
- Amphitheater
- Yes—seasonal amphitheater for ranger programs and evening campfire talks
- Boat Launch
- No
- Nearby Attractions
- Cades Cove Overlook, Cable Mill Historic Area, John Oliver Place, Abrams Falls, scenic valley loop road
- Terrain Type
- Mountainous valley floor with rolling terrain; elevation 1,807 feet
- Temperature Ranges
- Mild winters, hot humid summers. Nighttime lows vary 40–75°F by season.
- Snow Season
- Rare at this elevation—occasional light snow December through February possible but uncommon
- Monsoon Season
- Thunderstorm risk highest July–August; mountain weather changes rapidly—always be prepared for sudden rain or wind
- Wind Exposure
- Moderate—valley location provides some shelter; mountain winds possible especially in fall/winter
- Bug Season
- Mosquitoes peak June–August; bring insect repellent for evening comfort
- Setup Strategy
- Paved site driveways accommodate all vehicles to 40 feet. Mix of back-in and pull-through styles. Tent pads provided—pitch only on marked pads. Level sites; use leveling blocks if needed. Campground is managed with staff present seasonally—follow posted rules on vehicle placement and parking.
- Bath Laundry Recon
- Flush toilets available year-round—functional but no privacy. NO SHOWERS on site—plan creek baths or bring a portable camp shower. No laundry facilities—nearest laundromat in Townsend, 15 miles away.
- Review Summary
- Cades Cove is praised for year-round access, flush toilets, food lockers, and proximity to trails and historic areas. Most complaints center on crowds, lack of showers, and no hookups. Best experience in shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) when weather is mild and crowds thinner.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation?
Yes—reservations are required year-round and may be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. No first-come-first-serve sites.
Can my 40-foot RV fit?
Yes, the maximum RV length is 40 feet. Site driveways are paved and spacious. Confirm your exact length before booking to be safe.
Are there showers?
No showers at this campground. Plan for creek bathing or bring a portable camp shower system. Nearest shower facilities are in Townsend, 15 miles away.
Are there bears here?
Yes—this is bear country. Food storage lockers are provided at every site and are required. Never leave food or toiletries unattended outside your tent or vehicle.
Can I run my generator?
Generators are prohibited from 8pm to 8am. When Loop B is closed for the season, Loop C allows generators during restricted hours (before 8pm).
When is the best time to visit?
Fall (September–October) and spring (April–May) offer the best experience—mild weather, lower bug pressure, and thinner crowds compared to summer.
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Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.