Cardens Bluff Campground
Open for the 2026 season from April 27 through October 13. The lower bathroom near site 36 remains closed due to Hurricane Helene damage; restrooms near sites 19 and 29 are operational. Gate closes at 10 PM and reopens at 7 AM. 14-day consecutive camping limit.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) access interruption
An access interrupted is now scheduled on the Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) during road construction and culvert replacement beginning Sept 28. Access to Thunder Rock Campground remains open. A temporary gate will be installed just after Thunder Rock Campground.
Citico Creek Flood Closure
Significant flood occurred in the Citico Creek watershed, Tellico Ranger District. Large potions of road is washed out and the route is currently closed from Indian Boundary to approximately Camp 11. The road is impassable and access is currently closed to motorized vehicles. NFSR 35-1 Citico…
About
At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground occupies a picturesque peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, Tennessee. Managed by the Cherokee National Forest, this campground offers 43 sites primarily designed for tent camping, though sites 16, 28, and 29 can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 30 feet. The campground features a bathhouse with accessible showers and flush toilets, along with potable water available at hydrants throughout. Watauga Lake is a hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, known for its notably clean water. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch accommodates motor boats, while Shook Branch Swim Area offers lakeside swimming. Directly across the lake lies the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, a rugged mountain range accessible only via the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Pond Mountain Wilderness to the south provides additional backcountry hiking opportunities. Campground hosts are on-site to assist visitors.
Directions
From Elizabethton, TN take US 19E/321 south 5 miles to Hampton. Turn left on 321/67 and travel approximately 3-4 miles to the campground entrance on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Cardens Bluff Page |
Availability
Photos
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