Cades Cove Campground

Embrace Nature’s Beauty

Cades Cove attracts over 2 million visitors annually, with many driving through. For true nature lovers, camping in Cades Cove offers an intimate experience that simply driving the loop cannot match. The Cades Cove Campground, with its 159 sites, provides a unique opportunity to connect closely with nature. Campers can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, making the experience unforgettable.

Camping Amenities at Cades Cove

The Cades Cove Campground offers excellent amenities for both tent and RV campers. RVs up to 35 feet can find comfortable spots, and there are a few full-service sites available. Tent campers can find sites throughout the campground, with restrooms conveniently located nearby. A nearby store ensures you can pick up any forgotten essentials. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire pit with a cooking grate, and a sand pit for tents.

Easy Access and Facilities

Located right at the entrance of Cades Cove, the campground provides easy walk-in access to the area. Although there are full bathroom facilities with running water and toilets, note that there are no showers available.

Respecting Wildlife

Cades Cove is home to various wildlife, including bears. Following proper precautions ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember, wildlife was here long before the campground, and will remain long after. Enjoy sightings responsibly and respect their habitat. For more tips on wildlife safety, visit wildlife observation and photography in Cades Cove.

Environmental Responsibility

Maintaining the natural beauty of Cades Cove is crucial. Always pack out what you pack in, and leave your campsite as you found it. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles helps preserve this pristine environment for future visitors.

Additional Camping Options

Besides the main campground, there are shelters at both Russell and Spence Fields, and sixteen back-country campsites throughout the trail network around Cades Cove. For reservations, call 865-436-1200. Detailed information about back-country camping is available on the park’s website.

Campground Information

Address:
10042 Campground Drive,
Townsend, TN
(865) 448-2472

Season Schedule:

• Peak Season: Mid-May to October
• Walk-in: November to December, April to Mid-May

For a map of the Cades Cove campground, click here.

By following these guidelines and being prepared, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience in Cades Cove. Enjoy the natural beauty, historical significance, and unforgettable experiences that await you in this remarkable destination.

Cades Cove Campground

With so much to offer, it is no wonder that Cades Cove is visited by over 2 million every year.  Of course many of those visitors simply drive in and drive out.  For the true nature lover, there is no better experience than camping in Cades Cove.  With 159 camping sites, the Cades Cove campground affords a wonderful opportunity see Cades Cove in a much more intimate way than simply driving the loop.  As a camper in Cades Cove, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise, as well as the grandeur of the sun setting behind the mountains.  It is truly an experience that is not to be missed.

The Cades Cove Campground offers amenities for both tent and RV camping.  RVs of up to 35 feet can be accommodated, and there are a few full service sites to make your stay comfortable.  For the campers who are keeping things a little closer to nature, there are tent sites throughout the campground with restrooms close by no matter where you elect to stay.  There is also a store nearby that will help you pick up those things that you left behind. Campsites include a picnic table, fire pit with cooking grate, and sand pit for tents. 

The Cades Cove Campground is located right at the entrance of Cades Cove, so campers are afforded easy access to the area right from the campground.  You can easily walk in and walk out of Cades Cove from the convenient site.  Please keep in mind that while Cades Cove Campground does have full bathroom facilities including running water and toilets, it does not have showers.

The Cades Cove Campground is a Natural Area

Keep in mind, the campground located in a totally natural area, so there are often animals in and around the area.  You may even have occasion to see bears.  Generally speaking this will not be an issue, but you do want to take the same precautions you would were you on a back-country hike.  If you simply follow proper precautions, you are unlikely to have anything other than a wonderful bear sighting.  Remember, the wildlife was there long before the campground, and your goal should be to enjoy your time in the habitat while remember they will still be there long after you have returned home. 

Because the campground is in such a naturally pristine area, it is important to follow the same rules you would in any outdoor setting.  Make sure that you pack out what you packed in, and make sure that you leave the campsite in at least the shape you found it.    

In addition to the Cades Cove Campground, there are shelters at both the Russell and Spence fields.  There are also sixteen back-country campsites throughout the network of trails in and around Cades Cove.

To make reservations, call 865-436-1200.   

For a map of the Cades Cove campground click here.

Mailing Address:

  CADES COVE CAMPGROUND
  10042 Campground Drive
  Townsend TN 37882

To make your reservation online during summer or fall click here,  or call 877-444-6777, toll free.  Please note, reservations are only available from May 15 thru October 31.

Campground Amenities

Cades Cove Season Schedule (Subject to change so please call ahead)

Campground Season

Peak Season     Mid-May – October

Walk-in               November – December

Walk-in               April – Mid-May

Thing to Know Before You Go

• Parking Tags Required: From March 1, parking tags needed for parking over 15 minutes.
• Bear Habitat Precautions: Secure all food and scented items.
• Firewood Regulation: Only certified heat-treated firewood allowed.
• Generator Use: Restricted hours, especially in designated loops.
• Fishing License: Required for fishing in the park.
• Pet Rules: Pets allowed but must be on a leash; not allowed on trails.
• Campsite Occupancy: Maximum of 6 people per site, 14-day limit.
• Check-in Protocol: Check-in upon arrival; specific rules for late arrivals.
• Bicycle Only Days: Specific dates for non-motorized access to Cades Cove Loop.

Cades Cove Campground Pictures