Campground

Cades Cove Group Campground

Campground

Cades Cove Group Campground is a dedicated group camping area located in the valley heart of Great Smoky Mountains, offering flush toilets and drinking water with that back-to-basics feel. Three group sites accommodate 20–30 people each, making it ideal for scout troops, family reunions, or organized outings. The campground sits steps from the famous Cades Cove Loop Road—an 11-mile scenic bicycle route dotted with historic homesteads and wildflower meadows—and hosts seasonal ranger programs in its amphitheater. Tent camping only; no RVs or hookups.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Up to 12 months in advance
Reservation Tips
Set an alarm for exactly 12 months before your target date. Group sites release on a rolling basis via Recreation.gov at a specific time (typically 10 AM ET). Be logged in and ready to book immediately—peak summer dates fill within hours. Choose your exact dates strategically: June–August are busiest; May and September offer better availability and comfort (cooler temps, fewer bugs).
Season Dates
Mid-March through October 31st (Closed seasonally November 27, 2026 – April 18, 2027)

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Up to 12 months in advance
Reservation Tips
Set an alarm for exactly 12 months before your target date. Group sites release on a rolling basis via Recreation.gov at a specific time (typically 10 AM ET). Be logged in and ready to book immediately—peak summer dates fill within hours. Choose your exact dates strategically: June–August are busiest; May and September offer better availability and comfort (cooler temps, fewer bugs).
Season Dates
Mid-March through October 31st (Closed seasonally November 27, 2026 – April 18, 2027)
Fills Up Speed
Books instantly (peak season summer dates fill within hours at 12-month window)
Per Night Cost
$35–65 per night depending on group size: Group Site #1-2 $35 (20-person max); Group Site #3 $65 (30-person max); Group Site #4 $53 (30-person max)
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80—covers entrance fees at all federal recreation sites). Great Smoky Mountains has no entrance fee; pass covers other parks.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
3
Site Types
Group tent sites
Site Type Breakdown
3 group tent-only sites (no RV or trailer capacity)
RV Max Length
Not permitted
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
20–30 persons per site (Site #1-2: 20-person maximum; Site #3: 30-person maximum; Site #4: 30-person maximum)
Hookups
Dry camping only (no electrical, water, or sewer hookups)
Site Features
Fire ring (iron, rings only), bear-proof food locker, picnic table
Ground Type
Gravel and hard-packed earth pads (tent sites)
Site Privacy
Group sites are clustered for party coordination but spaced for semi-privacy between groups; social setting by design

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets year-round
Showers Available
None (flush toilets only; plan sponge baths or creek water)
Potable Water
Spigots available year-round
Dump Station
Yes, on-site (year-round)
Trash Service
Dumpsters provided year-round
Camp Store
Yes, seasonal (basic necessities, ice for sale, firewood for sale, bicycle rentals)
Firewood Availability
For sale at camp store (seasonal); heat-treated, USDA or state-certified firewood in original packaging only. Dead and down wood may be collected from the park and burned at fire rings.
Cell Service
No signal—download offline maps before arrival
Nearby Facilities
Townsend, TN (approximately 8 miles): groceries, gas, restaurants, medical services, laundry if needed

Access

Road Type
Paved
Road Conditions
Well-maintained paved road to campground entrance; suitable for passenger vehicles and trucks
Vehicle Restrictions
RVs and trailers not permitted; passenger vehicles and pickup trucks only
Clearance Needed
Standard (no high-clearance needed)
Nearest Gas Services
Townsend, TN (approximately 8 miles; groceries, gas, restaurants, medical services)
Elevation
Approximately 1,800 feet (valley floor)
Accessibility
No specific wheelchair-accessible sites or paved paths noted in official data. Contact ranger station at (865) 448-2472 extension 2 or email GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov for current ADA accommodations.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear-proof food lockers provided at each site; all food, toiletries, garbage, and scented items must be stored in lockers at all times—no exceptions
Fire Restrictions
Heat-treated, certified firewood in original packaging only. Dead and down wood may be collected and burned at fire rings only. Fires permitted only in established fire rings at campsites.
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Amphitheater ranger programs (seasonal), bicycle rentals, Cades Cove Loop Road cycling (11-mile scenic loop, bike-only days available), historic site exploration (Cable Mill Historic Area, historic homesteads)
Trailheads Nearby
Abrams Falls Trail (2.7 mi roundtrip from camp or short drive), Cable Mill Area trails (walking distance), Cove Hardwood Trail nearby
Wildlife Viewing
Black bears (maintain 100-yard minimum distance), white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, songbirds year-round
Shade Coverage
Partial shade from mixed deciduous and conifer forest; shade coverage varies by site
Scenic Views
Valley and mountain ridge views; historic homesteads and meadows nearby
Noise Level
Quiet daytime; occasional ranger program or organized group activity during peak season
Best Time To Visit
April–May (spring wildflowers, pleasant temps) or September–October (fall colors, fewer bugs, less crowded than summer)
Vibe Check
Cades Cove Group Campground feels like a "valley clearing" rather than a parking lot. The valley setting is scenic, protected from ridge winds, and encourages outdoor activity (biking, short walks). Organized group activity is the norm here—solitude seekers will feel social pressure. No private backcountry feel; this is accessible, social camping designed for coordinated groups. Ranger host on-site creates a "organized camp" atmosphere.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You're organizing a scout troop, family reunion, church group, or coordinated outing of 20+. You want flex logistics (no tow-rig limits, bike rentals, valley access, host support). You're comfortable with no-shower camping. ❌ SKIP IF: You need hot showers or laundry facilities. You want solitude or backcountry feel. You're traveling with an RV or trailer. You're a solo traveler looking for single sites. You need cell service or internet connectivity.
Tips Advice
  • Book 12 months out if targeting peak season (summer holidays—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day). Set a phone alarm.
  • Bring all food, toiletries, and scented items indoors or locked in bear boxes—no exceptions, even during the day.
  • Use only seasoned, certified firewood; unseasoned wood creates heavy smoke and won't burn efficiently.
  • Bike rentals and ranger programs fill fast; reserve ahead or bring your own bikes.
  • Cell service is nonexistent; download offline maps of Cades Cove Loop Road and nearby trails before arrival.
  • Arrive early to coordinate group site setup; not all vehicles park at each site. Scout parking with the ranger host.
  • Visit Cable Mill during ranger hours for historic context—included in family day plans.
  • Pack layers; mountain weather changes fast even in valley bottoms. Bring rain gear for afternoon storms.
  • Groups: Assign a group leader to coordinate logistics with the host and manage trash/bear locker discipline.
  • Scout your tent pad before dark—remove rocks, sticks, roots to avoid a lumpy night.

More details

Park Area
Cades Cove
Sites Tent Only
3
Sites Group
3
Family Friendly Notes
Excellent for organized groups and families: gentle valley terrain, short hikes (Abrams Falls), ranger programs, historic site education, and bike rentals keep groups engaged. Safe, staffed campground with host on-site year-round. Groups of 20+ benefit from group-site logistics (single reservation, parking coordination). No showers or laundry—plan accordingly for multi-day trips.
Amphitheater
Yes, seasonal (ranger-led interpretive programs)
Nearby Attractions
Cades Cove Loop Road (11-mile scenic bike/drive route with historic cabins), Cable Mill Historic Area, Abrams Falls Trail, Cades Cove Overlook, Cades Cove Riding Stables (nearby), historic homesteads and churches dotting the valley
Terrain Type
Valley floor with forested surroundings; relatively flat to gently rolling
Temperature Ranges
Spring (Mar–May): 50–70°F days, 40–50°F nights. Fall (Aug–Oct): 60–75°F days, 45–55°F nights.
Snow Season
Rare at this elevation during mid-March to October operating season
Monsoon Season
Summer thunderstorms possible July–August; afternoon thunderstorms common in mountain valleys
Wind Exposure
Valley location provides natural wind protection from ridge-top gusts
Bug Season
Mosquitoes peak May–June; gnats and chiggers possible June–August; bring insect spray
Setup Strategy
Group sites are tent-only on gravel/dirt pads. Expect vehicle parking near (not at) each site; coordinate parking assignments with host before unloading. Sites are relatively level but may have roots, rocks, or slight slopes—scout and clear your tent pad before dark. Set up bear lockers and food storage protocol before anyone opens coolers. Larger groups (25+) benefit from assigning a site coordinator to manage trash runs and bear-locker discipline.
Bath Laundry Recon
Flush toilets year-round but zero showers—plan sponge baths or rinses in Cades Cove Creek (cold water, no soap). No laundry facilities on-site; groups often pre-plan laundry runs to Townsend before arrival or schedule post-trip laundry. For multi-day groups, consider packing extra socks and rotating clothing rather than washing.
Review Summary
Campers consistently praise Cades Cove Group Campground for its valley location, accessible bike-friendly vibe, and ranger-led programs that keep groups entertained. Many note the lack of showers and zero cell service as trade-offs for that "back-to-basics" group camping feel. Returning groups cite excellent host support and historic education as reasons to book again.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can our large group camp together?

Yes. Three group sites accommodate 20–30 people each (Site #1-2: 20 max; Sites #3 & #4: 30 max). Larger groups may need multiple sites or partner with nearby Elkmont Group Campground.

Will we have cell service or internet?

No cell service and no internet connectivity on-site. Download offline maps, trail guides, and weather forecasts before arrival.

Do we need to book far in advance?

Yes. Reservations open 12 months ahead via Recreation.gov. Peak season (June–August) fills within hours of opening. Book early or target May/September for better availability.

Are showers available?

No. Flush toilets and potable water spigots are available year-round, but no shower facilities. Plan sponge baths or creek-water rinses (cold water only).

Can we bring an RV or trailer?

No. RVs and trailers are not permitted; tent camping only. Passenger vehicles and pickup trucks are welcome for day access.

Is this bear country, and are we safe?

Yes, black bears are present. Maintain 100-yard distance. Bear-proof food lockers are provided and mandatory—store all food, toiletries, and scented items. No exceptions. Bears are not aggressive if food is secured.

What's the weather like when we camp?

Spring (Mar–May): 50–70°F days, 40–50°F nights; wildflowers peak. Fall (Aug–Oct): 60–75°F days, 45–55°F nights; fewer bugs, less crowded. Summer (Jun–Aug): warm but humid; afternoon thunderstorms common. Bring layers and rain gear year-round.

Elkmont Group Campground

Four tent-only group sites for 15-30 campers in the Smokies. Reserve early - there are only four of them.

Elkmont Campground

211 reservation-only sites near Sugarlands. Tent pads, flush toilets, no hookups or showers. Classic Smokies base camp.

Deep Creek Campground

Creekside camping at 1,800 ft: 92 sites, flush toilets, no hookups. Book 6 months out.

Cades Cove Campground

159 year-round sites at the mouth of the Smokies' most famous valley — store, bikes, and bears out front.

Smokemont Campground

142 riverside sites on the quiet NC side — open year-round, with elk grazing nearby.

Elkmont Campground

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Sources

  • 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.