Cades Cove Campground
Rustic campground in Great Smoky Mountains NP, offering tent sites near the iconic Cades Cove Loop Road for wildlife and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best wildlife & fewer crowds
Cades Cove Campground
Best Time
Best wildlife & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rustic campground in Great Smoky Mountains NP, offering tent sites near the iconic Cades Cove Loop Road for wildlife and history.
"Absolutely beautiful country to camp in. The campground is very clean bathrooms are clean."
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM for fewer cars on the loop. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike the Loop
On vehicle-free Wednesdays (May-Sept), explore the 11-mile loop on foot or by bike for an immersive experience.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 2,375 reviews
Type
Campground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cades Cove Loop Road
The 11-mile scenic loop
Drive, walk, or bike this iconic loop for stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife. A must-do for any visitor!
Wildlife Viewing
Throughout Cades Cove
Keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears! Dawn and dusk are prime times for sightings.
Historic Buildings
Along the Loop Road
Explore preserved cabins, churches, and mills offering a glimpse into early Appalachian life.
Abrams Falls Trail
Starts from the Loop Road
A moderate hike leading to a beautiful, powerful waterfall. A popular spot for a refreshing break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Campground Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM for fewer cars on the loop. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike the Loop
On vehicle-free Wednesdays (May-Sept), explore the 11-mile loop on foot or by bike for an immersive experience. 
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals. Bears are most active at dawn and dusk. +1
💧 No Showers Here
The campground has no showers. Pack extra clothes and plan for cool-down strategies if visiting in hot weather.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM for fewer cars on the loop. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike the Loop
On vehicle-free Wednesdays (May-Sept), explore the 11-mile loop on foot or by bike for an immersive experience.
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals. Bears are most active at dawn and dusk. +1
💧 No Showers Here
The campground has no showers. Pack extra clothes and plan for cool-down strategies if visiting in hot weather.
📱 Limited Cell Service
Expect little to no cell reception within Cades Cove. Download maps and important information beforehand.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
From historic buildings to stunning landscapes and wildlife, Cades Cove offers endless photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife in Cades Cove, calling it a 'beautiful country to camp in.' The historic buildings and the unique experience of the loop road are frequently praised. However, some campers note a lack of privacy at the campsites and the absence of showers, which can be a drawback during hot weather.
"Absolutely beautiful country to camp in. The campground is very clean bathrooms are clean. We didn't see any bears this time but we did see wild turkeys and dear with the campgrounds. We would definitely like to to come back for a longer stay."
Katherine Meeker
"Love the location and the visitor area. We camped in our 27 foot travel trailer and the sites were nice. We were in the generator loop- there was definitely some obnoxious overuse of these when we were craving quiet time to sit out and enjoy our sites during the day.
It was a hot and muggy few days. It is disappointing there are no showers to cool off- especially as there are no hookups in the campground."
Jeannette GSnead
"I've camped here a few times, great location, but zero for privacy. Tent pads are within 10 feet of your neighbor's picnic table/fire pit. Restrooms have flushing toilets, no showers. Awesome camp store, bike rentals a bonus."
Mark Slone
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cades Cove Campground is located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Access is typically via Townsend, TN, which is about an 11-mile drive to the campground entrance. The campground is situated near the start of the Cades Cove Loop Road.
From Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, you'll typically drive towards Townsend and then follow signs for Cades Cove. The drive can take around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
No, Cades Cove Campground and the surrounding area are not accessible by public transport. A personal vehicle is necessary for reaching and exploring the area.
Yes, Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a parking tag for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes. These can be purchased daily, weekly, or annually.
The Cades Cove Loop Road is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Check the park's official website for current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended and often required for Cades Cove Campground, especially during peak season. Bookings can be made through recreation.gov.
The campground is typically open from early spring through late fall. Specific opening and closing dates vary annually. Check the National Park Service website for exact dates.
Yes, Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May through September, allowing visitors to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Yes, bike rentals are available at the Cades Cove Campground store. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on vehicle-free days, as rentals can sell out.
Occasionally, Cades Cove may close due to weather events (like storms) or government shutdowns. It's crucial to check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or social media for real-time closure updates. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The campground offers tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Some sites can accommodate RVs, but there are no hookups (electricity, water, sewer).
No, there are no showers available at Cades Cove Campground. Restrooms with flushing toilets are provided.
Amenities include restrooms with flushing toilets, a camp store, and bike rentals. There's also a visitor center nearby.
Common wildlife sightings include white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and sometimes wild horses. Rangers often report sightings at dawn and dusk. +1
Dogs are allowed in the Cades Cove Loop Road area and campground but must be leashed. They are not permitted on hiking trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a camp store that offers some basic supplies and snacks. For full meals, you'll need to drive to Townsend or Gatlinburg.
Yes, each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, perfect for cooking meals. Remember to bring your own cooking supplies and food.
Townsend offers several dining options, including cafes and restaurants. Many visitors recommend the IGA grocery store for picnic supplies and local eateries for casual meals.
The closest major grocery store is an IGA in Townsend, about an 11-mile drive from the campground. The Cades Cove camp store has limited supplies.
Pack non-perishable items, easy-to-cook meals, snacks, and plenty of water. Consider a cooler for items that need to stay cold, as there are no refrigeration facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The historic buildings, rolling hills, mountain vistas, and wildlife offer endless photographic opportunities. Don't miss the churches and old cabins.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for landscape and wildlife photography.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance. Use a zoom lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be respectful of private property and any posted signs. Drone usage may be restricted within the National Park.
A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm) is great for wildlife. A wide-angle lens is useful for landscapes. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit