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Cataloochee Group Camp
Public Campground

Cataloochee Group Camp

Waynesville, North Carolina
4.6 (22 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Cataloochee Group Camp

Campground in North Carolina.

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cataloochee Group Camp offers a remarkable gateway to one of America's most treasured natural landscapes. Located in North Carolina, this public campground serves as an ideal base for experiencing the rugged beauty, rich history, and abundant wildlife that define this region.

The Cataloochee Valley itself is a place of extraordinary natural splendor. Surrounded by the ancient peaks of the Smoky Mountains, the valley floor stretches out with pastoral charm, featuring historic homesteads and barns that whisper stories of Appalachian heritage. The area is particularly renowned for its elk population, one of the most successful wildlife reintroduction programs in the nation. Early morning and evening visits often reward visitors with sightings of these magnificent creatures grazing in the meadows, creating unforgettable photographic moments and a genuine connection to the natural world.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the opportunities are boundless. The valley provides excellent hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, from easy walks through historic sites to more challenging mountain treks. Fishing opportunities abound in the pristine streams that flow through the valley, where native brook trout inhabit cool mountain waters. Mountain biking, scenic drives, and wildlife photography are popular activities that showcase the region's incredible biodiversity and geological drama.

Beyond the immediate campground area, visitors enjoy convenient access to the broader Great Smoky Mountains National Park ecosystem. The region's charming mountain towns offer authentic local culture, crafts, and cuisine that reflect genuine Appalachian traditions. Local artisans create handmade goods, and family-owned restaurants serve hearty meals that have nourished mountain families for generations.

This location appeals to families seeking educational experiences about American history and nature, to serious outdoor adventurers pursuing backcountry exploration, and to anyone yearning for authentic mountain tranquility far from urban crowds. With a strong 4.6-star rating from fellow travelers, Cataloochee Group Camp demonstrates its appeal as a premier destination for those seeking meaningful connection with the natural world and Appalachian heritage.
4.6

Rating

22

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Waynesville is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

North Carolina weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Waynesville.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Waynesville. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Cataloochee Group Camp Reviews

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Old Man Overland

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Old Man Overland

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... 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.

G
Old Man Overland

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Old Man Overland

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... 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.

G
Old Man Overland

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Old Man Overland

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... 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.

G
Willis Norman

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Willis Norman

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.

G
heidi Ebbert

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by heidi Ebbert

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!

G
heidi Ebbert

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by heidi Ebbert

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!

G
heidi Ebbert

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by heidi Ebbert

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!

G
Patricia Dunford

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Patricia Dunford

My favorite place to camp In GSMNP. We met the most awesome couple from Atlanta & had an elk bed down in our camp!

G
Patricia Dunford

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Patricia Dunford

My favorite place to camp In GSMNP. We met the most awesome couple from Atlanta & had an elk bed down in our camp!

G
Samwise Corbin

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Samwise Corbin

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 i... 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.

G
Samwise Corbin

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Samwise Corbin

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 i... 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.

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