Cardens Bluff Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late April through mid-October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Access disruption south of Parksville Lake for Culvert Replacement
The Forest Service plans to begin work Dec. 31, 2025 that will disrupt access to Indian Creek Road (NFSR 302) on the Cherokee National Forest south of Parksville Lake in Polk County. Access will be disrupted while 100 culverts are replaced.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Cardens Bluff Campground occupies a scenic peninsula at nearly 2,000 feet elevation on Watauga Lake, a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by Cherokee National Forest. The campground features 43 sites designed primarily for tent camping, with numerous sites providing direct water access for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. The campground includes a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets, though no electrical hookups are available. Watauga Lake is known for its notably clean water, making it ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Directly across the lake from the campground lies the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, a rugged undeveloped mountain range traversed only by the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch provides convenient access for campers with larger motor boats, while Shook Branch Swim Area offers dedicated swimming facilities along the lake shore. The campground serves as a base for exploring the surrounding Cherokee National Forest, with Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas to the north and south offering more rugged backcountry hiking opportunities. Campground hosts are on site during the operating season to answer questions and assist visitors.
Directions
From Elizabethton, 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!