Cades Cove Campground

Campground · Tennessee · 161 bookable sites ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (National Park) · Open Access

161
Bookable sites
42 ft
Max rig length
up to 6
People per site
11
Accessible sites
1,897 ft
Elevation
Cades Cove Campground
Photo: Share The Experience Photo Contest - Norman Lathrop · Recreation.gov

Overview

Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife.

Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.

Recreation

The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead.

Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream.

A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family.

Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.

Facilities

Cades Cove Campground is open year round and combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. During the off season, only sites C1-12 and C26-61 are open to camping by reservation only. Once B Loop closes for the season then generators will be allowed in Loop C, with restricted hours, UNTIL Loop B reopens for camping. During peak season (May - October) a camp store provides visitors with basic necessities as well as bike rentals. Events like Interpretive Programs in the nearby amphitheater and Bicycle Only Days on the loop road provide visitors with a fun and unique experience. Please visit www.nps.gov/grsm for up-to-date information on campgrounds, road and weather conditions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Natural Features

Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park.

Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible.

For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road.

Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.

Charges & Cancellations

   • If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund.

• Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

 

The facts

  • 161 bookable sites
  • 164 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • 11 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 42 ft
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: B:Generator Use, Generator Free loop

Site types

  • 130 Standard Nonelectric
  • 31 Tent Only Nonelectric
  • 3 Management

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

164 campsites at Cades Cove Campground

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
A01B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—42 ft6♿ 🐾
A02B:Generator UseManagementBack InPaved—30 ft6♿ 🐾
A03B:Generator UseManagementBack InPaved—27 ft6♿ 🐾
A04B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—42 ft6♿ 🐾
A05B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—42 ft6♿ 🐾
B01B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight28 ft6 🐾
B02B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B03B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight25 ft6 🐾
B04B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B05B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight32 ft6 🐾
B06B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—28 ft6 🐾
B07B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B08B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B10B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—28 ft6 🐾
B11B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
B12B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—31 ft6 🐾
B13B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight35 ft6 🐾
B14B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B15B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight30 ft6 🐾
B16B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
B17B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
B18B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—29 ft6 🐾
B19B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B20B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight35 ft6 🐾
B21B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight35 ft6 🐾
B22B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B23B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—34 ft6 🐾
B24B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B25B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B26B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B27B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B28B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B29B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight31 ft6 🐾
B30B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
B31B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B32B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—34 ft6 🐾
B33B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight42 ft6♿ 🐾
B34B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—31 ft6 🐾
B35B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B36B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B37B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B38B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—6 🐾
B39B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight27 ft6 🐾
B40B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B41B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B42B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight32 ft6 🐾
B43B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
B44B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B45B:Generator UseManagementBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B46B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPavedModerate24 ft6 🐾
B47B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
B48B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricPull ThroughPavedModerate27 ft6 🐾
B49B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—31 ft6 🐾
B50B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight34 ft6 🐾
B51B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricBack InPaved—31 ft6 🐾
B52B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B53B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
B54B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B55B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
B56B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
B57B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B58B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B59B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight35 ft6 🐾
B60B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B61B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B62B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B63B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight32 ft6 🐾
B64B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—30 ft6 🐾
B65B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B66B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B67B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—32 ft6 🐾
B68 B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedModerate25 ft6 🐾
B69 B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight33 ft6 🐾
B70B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—30 ft6 🐾
B71B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B72B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
B73B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
B74B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
B75B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B76B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—29 ft6 🐾
B77B:Generator UseTent Only NonelectricParallelPaved——6 🐾
B78B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight27 ft6 🐾
B79B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—32 ft6 🐾
B80B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
B81B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—30 ft6 🐾
B83B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—34 ft6 🐾
B84B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—34 ft6 🐾
B85B:Generator UseStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
C01Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedSlight—6 🐾
C02Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedSlight—6 🐾
C03Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight27 ft6 🐾
C04Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—6 🐾
C05Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedModerate—6 🐾
C06Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—6 🐾
C07Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—6 🐾
C08Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved—30 ft6 🐾
C09Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight33 ft6 🐾
C10Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSevere24 ft6 🐾
C11Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedModerate24 ft6 🐾
C12Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPaved——6♿ 🐾
C13Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C14Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved—27 ft6 🐾
C15Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—26 ft6 🐾
C16Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
C17Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—29 ft6 🐾
C18Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—33 ft6 🐾
C19Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—31 ft6 🐾
C20Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight29 ft6 🐾
C21Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
C22Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—28 ft6 🐾
C23Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—28 ft6 🐾
C24Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—34 ft6 🐾
C25Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight31 ft6 🐾
C26Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedSlight—6 🐾
C27Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedSlight—6 🐾
C28Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricParallelPavedSlight—6 🐾
C29Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—30 ft6 🐾
C30Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C31Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—42 ft6♿ 🐾
C32Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C33Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—31 ft6 🐾
C34Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C35Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight31 ft6 🐾
C36Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C37Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
C38Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
C39Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—34 ft6 🐾
C40Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedModerate24 ft6 🐾
C41Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—6 🐾
C42Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
C43Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedModerate—6 🐾
C44Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedModerate—6 🐾
C45Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight—6 🐾
C46Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
C47Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
C48Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight35 ft6♿ 🐾
C49Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
C50Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight35 ft6♿ 🐾
C51Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight20 ft6 🐾
C52Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
C53Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight20 ft6 🐾
C54Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C55Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
C56Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C57Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight42 ft6♿ 🐾
C58Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedModerate—6 🐾
C59Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight30 ft6 🐾
C60Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight21 ft6 🐾
C61Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C62Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
C63Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight24 ft6 🐾
C64Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—30 ft6 🐾
C65Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPaved—24 ft6 🐾
C66Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
C67Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPaved——6 🐾
C68Generator Free loopTent Only NonelectricBack InPaved——6 🐾
C69Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedModerate24 ft6 🐾
C70Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—21 ft6 🐾
C71Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedModerate24 ft6 🐾
C72Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—27 ft6 🐾
C73Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight27 ft6 🐾
C74Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft6 🐾
C75Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—29 ft6 🐾
C76Generator Free loopStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—32 ft6 🐾

Getting there

From Maryville, TN: Take U.S. 321 North (you'll actually be driving south!) from Maryville to Townsend, TN (about 22 miles). At the traffic light in Townsend, continue straight on TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove.

From Pigeon Forge, TN take US 321 South (you'll be driving westerly) to Townsend, TN. Turn left (south) at Townsend onto TN 73. Follow signs to Cades Cove.

35.60272, -83.77629 · 35°36'9.8"N 83°46'34.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 82°F in Jul, down to 47°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F475159697479828177685950
Low °F262935435159636156443429
Precip in5.64.95.35.25.15.56.14.45.03.34.45.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Customers that check out early or do not plan to use their reservation MUST contact the campground office the day they leave or are due to check in, in order to receive a refund. Refund requests for early departure or non use of the site made AFTER the reservation has ended will be denied. Office phone numbers are given in the Facility Contact information for each campground.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Cades Cove Campground

Can you reserve a site at Cades Cove Campground?
Yes, Cades Cove Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Cades Cove Campground have?
164 sites in total, of which 161 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Cades Cove Campground?
42 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Cades Cove Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Cades Cove Campground.
Does Cades Cove Campground have hookups?
Electric.
Are campfires allowed at Cades Cove Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Cades Cove Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Cades Cove Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.