By:
Submission
Cataloochee Group Camp in the remote and historic Cataloochee Valley, is surrounded by some of the most rugged mountains in the park, providing excellent hiking opportunities as well as ideal fishing conditions in the area's many creeks.
Because of its relatively secluded location, visitors can enjoy the best that the Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer, without encountering crowds, which are sometimes common in other areas of the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with a number of trails easily accessible from the Cataloochee Valley. Most notably, the Boogerman Trail, an almost 6-mile loop overlapping with the Caldwell Fork Trail, allows hikers to take in groves of old-growth forest.
High-quality backcountry fishing in the cool, remote waters of the countless streams that snake through the valley, provide anglers with choice opportunities to catch wild trout.
The park also 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 handful of which can be found nearby the campground, including the Palmer House, which offers a self-guided museum.
Cataloochee Group Camp provides a primitive outdoor camping experience with few amenities, but excellent access to trails and fishing streams. The sites are shaded by the lush surrounding forest, but there are no hookups or drinking water available.
The three group sites can accommodate up to 25 guests. For groups larger than 25 people, all three sites may be reserved at once.
Cataloochee Group Camp is in an area characterized by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine streams, like the nearby Cataloochee Creek and its many tributaries. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Cataloochee never disappoints.
The Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
In particular, the Cataloochee area is known for the elk herd, which populates the valley in the spring and fall.
A number of the park's famous historical buildings, including cabins and churches, are located close to the campground.
The town of Asheville, NC is approximately 35 miles from the campground and offers plenty of cultural and historic activities as well as restaurants and groceries.
Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
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 goes from pavement to gravel to pavement. Upon reaching the 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 group camp gate.
Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): Customers who **cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date** will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
We've been camping here for nearly 20 years as a family. We've seen a lot of changes, both good and bad. Camp site #3 at the group camp ground has a very strange layout, and the fire pit resembles that of a hobo fire. You also cannot move the table to fit under your shelter. The other two sites do not seem to suffer from these issues, just camp site #3. We've also had trouble with the camp hosts in the past, even though this time our host (Roy) was very nice and never forced any silly made up rules on us. Of course we will go back because we love it there, but it will not be at camp site #3.
My favorite place to camp In GSMNP. We met the most awesome couple from Atlanta & had an elk bed down in our camp!
Just an awesome spot! Group camp for five vehicles makes it low cost. We were in Site 2, which I thought was the best. Directly across from the entrance and by the river. The river is wide and great for getting in, about a foot deep, to cool off. No showers. Bathrooms super clean. Each campsite has trash bins. There is a football field sized grass flat field to play in. The pads are level, five per site. Large fire ring with grill attached. Extra extra large camp grill, but we did not use it.
Love this place. It's special. My husband and I go every year for the rut. This year didn't disappoint. We stayed at the campgrounds. Great place to relax and listen to the stream. Get your site months in advance!
Decent camp site with some hikes nearby, especially if you’re coming from the asheville side of the park. It’s a bit crowded—you will have another tent 20 feet away from yours. If you can get further into the park, there are better options, but this one is less than an hour from Aville.
