Tennessee / Blount County / Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cades Cove Group

Closed — The campground is currently closed. Reservations are required and may be made up to twelve months in advance.

About

Tucked in the mountains of Great Smoky Mountains National Park under a lush, shaded canopy, Cades Cove Group Campground offers groups a primitive camping experience with modern conveniences. The facility features four tent-only group sites accommodating 15-30 people each, with flush toilets and potable water available but no showers or hookups. Multiple sites can be reserved for larger gatherings. Cades Cove is one of the park's most popular destinations, offering over 2 million annual visitors a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, groundhog, turkey, raccoon, and skunk are common. The area was hunted by Cherokee Indians for hundreds of years before European settlers arrived between 1818 and 1821. The campground provides access to excellent hiking, including the popular 5-mile roundtrip trail to Abrams Falls, a 20-foot waterfall with a large, picturesque pool. The nearby 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road showcases over 90 preserved historic structures including houses, barns, churches, schools, and grist mills from early settlements. A camp store offers basic necessities and bike rentals, while interpretive programs at the amphitheater and bicycle-only days on the loop road provide unique experiences. The town of Townsend, nine miles away, offers full-service grocery stores and fuel.

Directions

From Maryville, take U.S. 321 North to Townsend (about 22 miles). At the traffic light in Townsend, continue straight on TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove. From Pigeon Forge, take US 321 South to Townsend. Turn left (south) at Townsend onto TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove. The campground is located at 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882.

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