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.
Flood Watch issued July 22 at 1:57PM EDT until July 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of east Tennessee, including the following areas, Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Morgan, Northwest Carter, Northwest Cocke, Northwest Greene, Roane, Scott TN, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union and Washington TN and southwest Virginia, including the following areas, Lee, Russell, Scott VA, Washington VA and Wise. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected, some with very heavy rainfall. Locations that receive multiple rounds or extended periods of locally heavy rainfall could experience flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Peavine Sheeds Road Closure for repairs
Forest Service begins phased construction to Peavine Sheeds Road, FS 221, south of Parksville Lake in the Ocoee Ranger District. Phase 1 will disrupt access beginning July 16 from 35.0072,-84.6889 to 34.9889, -84.6339 as depicted in the graphic. Major repairs will address storm damage. Marked…
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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