Cataloochee Campground

About

Cataloochee Campground occupies a quiet corner of the historic Cataloochee Valley, surrounded by mountain ridges and pristine streams. At 2,610 feet elevation, the area experiences mild winters and humid summers, with elk frequently spotted in spring and fall. The valley was once home to over 1,200 residents before becoming part of the park, and several 19th-century structures remain, including the Palmer House museum and Steve Woody House. The campground offers a traditional camping experience with flush toilets and seasonal drinking water, but no hookups or showers. All 27 sites have fire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers. The Cataloochee Basin provides some of the best rainbow and brook trout fishing in the region, and the trail system sees far fewer visitors than other parts of the park. The 3.9-mile Boogerman Loop is accessible within a mile of the campground. Access requires navigating a narrow, winding road with a 3-mile gravel section featuring blind curves and steep drop-offs. Motorhomes over 29 feet and trailers over 25 feet are not recommended. Cell phone coverage is nonexistent, so reservations must be made before arrival through Recreation.gov.

Directions

From I-40 take Exit 20 in North Carolina. Turn right onto Cove Creek Road and follow to the park boundary. The road transitions from pavement to gravel to pavement again. Upon reaching pavement the second time, turn left. Go 2.5 miles to an intersection and continue another 0.5 miles to the left. The entrance road is narrow and winding with a 3-mile gravel section, blind curves, and steep drop-offs without guardrails.