Campflare

Cardens Bluff

Cherokee National Forest

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Summary

Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula overlooking Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. It offers 43 sites for tent camping and amenities such as a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets, as well as day use areas for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also nearby attractions, such as Rat Branch Boat Launch and Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas, for more rugged backcountry hiking.

Overview

Cardens Bluff Campground has closed for the season. At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. There are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided. Day use areas are located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to answer questions and assist with your visit.  

Recreation

Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff. Watauga Lake provides notably clean water for recreating. 

Facilities

There are 43 campsites within Cardens Bluff Campground. Each section of the campground has flush toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with eight showers for use by registed campers only.  

Natural Features

Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area, a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic Trail within its boundaries.

Nearby Attractions

The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry hiking.

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Campground Matrix

Set alerts at more campgrounds to increase your odds of getting a place to stay! Below is a list of the closest campgrounds supported on Campflare. Or, view all campgrounds in Cherokee National Forest.

Nearby Campgrounds Distance Notification Rate
Watauga Point Recreation Area
Cherokee National Forest
1.8mi
Dennis Cove
Cherokee National Forest
3.6mi
The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions
Cherokee National Forest
9.5mi
Little Oak
Cherokee National Forest
14.8mi
Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)
Cherokee National Forest
17.6mi
Daniel Boone Scout Trail
Grandfather Mountain State Park
22.8mi
Made with ❤️ in Mammoth Lakes
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