North Carolina / Haywood County / Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cataloochee Group Camp

Closed — Closed due to Hurricane Helene damage sustained in September 2024. The campground is not scheduled to reopen in 2025. The park will open additional campgrounds if operational capacity allows.

About

Cataloochee Group Camp provides a primitive camping experience in one of the most isolated and scenic areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the historic Cataloochee Valley, the campground offers three group sites that can each accommodate up to 25 people, or all three can be reserved together for larger groups. The sites are shaded by lush forest but have no amenities beyond the basics—no hookups, no drinking water, and no showers. The valley is characterized by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine streams like Cataloochee Creek and its tributaries. It's particularly famous for its elk herd, which populates the valley in spring and fall, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Smokies boast the greatest biological diversity of any temperate zone in the world, and Cataloochee is home to a magnificent array of protected animal and plant life. Hiking opportunities abound, with the nearly 6-mile Boogerman Trail being a highlight. This loop, which overlaps with the Caldwell Fork Trail, winds through groves of old-growth forest. High-quality backcountry fishing in the cool, remote waters of the valley's streams provides anglers with excellent opportunities to catch wild trout. The park also preserves over 90 historic structures, and several log buildings, cabins, and churches are located near the campground, including the Palmer House self-guided museum. Access to Cataloochee requires driving a narrow, winding mountain road including a 3-mile gravel stretch with many narrow, blind curves. While many sites can accommodate large rigs, motorhomes over 32 feet and trailers over 25 feet are not recommended due to the challenging access road. Asheville, NC is approximately 35 miles away for supplies and services.

Directions

Exit I-40 at exit 20, 25 miles west of Asheville, NC (87 miles east of Knoxville, TN). Turn right onto Cove Creek Road 1/10 mile from I-40. Follow Cove Creek Road to the park boundary. The road transitions from pavement to gravel to pavement. Upon reaching pavement the second time, turn left. Go 2.5 miles and turn right onto a dirt road after crossing a bridge. Go 1 mile to the group camp gate.

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