
164
Total Campsites
Campground
161
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
11
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About CADES COVE CAMPGROUND
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 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. 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. 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. contact_info This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information. 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
- 164 total campsites listed.
- 161 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 11 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (130).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes CADES COVE CAMPGROUND special
Cades Cove Campground is the beating heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, situated in one of the most visited valleys in all of America. The broad, green cove is ringed by forested mountains and dotted with historic log cabins, churches, and grist mills that tell the story of Appalachian settlement. With 164 sites nestled beneath towering hardwoods, this campground places you steps from the legendary 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, where white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and coyotes are regularly spotted. The loop is best experienced at dawn, before the crowds arrive, when morning mist clings to the valley floor and wildlife moves freely through open meadows. Beyond the drive, excellent hiking trails lead to Abrams Falls, Gregory Bald, and Rich Mountain for panoramic views. The cove also offers some of the finest cycling in the Smokies, with vehicle-free mornings on select days. Cades Cove draws over two million visitors annually for good reason, so strategic planning is essential. The campground is open year-round, with peak demand from June through October and during fall color season. Reservations fill months in advance for summer weekends. Spring offers wildflower displays and thinner crowds, while winter camping delivers rare solitude in one of the park's most iconic landscapes. Few campgrounds anywhere match the blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and living history found at Cades Cove.
Campsite Inventory
164 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
130
Reservable
8
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
31
Reservable
1
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
2
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
BBQ
Yes
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good, Prime
DRINKING WATER
Drinking Water
DUMP STATION
Dump Station
Double Driveway
No, Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, Parallel, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, N/A, Severe, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
20, 24, 29, 31
Driveway surface
Paved
EMERGENCY PHONE
Emergency Phone
Electricity Hookup
5 amp
FIREWOOD VENDER
Firewood Vender
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
865-448-4103 FOR AVAILABILITY AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION 877-444-6777
Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to CADES COVE CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for CADES COVE CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for CADES COVE CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at CADES COVE CAMPGROUND?
CADES COVE CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (130), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (31), MANAGEMENT (3).
Where is CADES COVE CAMPGROUND located?
CADES COVE CAMPGROUND is in Tennessee near Townsend. Coordinates: 35.6025, -83.7767.
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