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.
Special Weather Statement issued August 11 at 4:34PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
At 434 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Hampton, or 9 miles south of Elizabethton, moving southeast at 15 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include... Roane Mountain State Park, Limestone Cove, and Roan Mountain.
Flood Advisory issued August 11 at 4:39PM EDT until August 11 at 6:45PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...East Central Carter County in east Tennessee... Southwestern Johnson County in east Tennessee... * WHEN...Until 645 PM EDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 439 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Mainly rural areas of East Central Carter and Southwestern Johnson Counties. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Advisory issued August 11 at 4:13PM EDT until August 11 at 6:15PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...West Central Carter County in east Tennessee... Eastern Hawkins County in east Tennessee... Southwestern Sullivan County in east Tennessee... Northeastern Washington County in east Tennessee... * WHEN...Until 615 PM EDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 413 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Johnson City, Kingsport, Elizabethton, Oak Grove, Spurgeon, Gray, Colonial Heights, Bluff City and Watauga. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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
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