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.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 12:07PM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, East Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!