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Mountain landscape at Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains

Haywood County, North Carolina

Built for those who
choose the mountains
over the crowd.

Cataloochee Campground is a private mountain retreat nestled in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains — where the only schedule is the sunrise and the only neighbor is the wild.

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Cozy cabin at Cataloochee Campground
1,500 Acres of private land
2,800' Elevation
40+ Miles of trails
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Our Story

A place the
mountains remember

Cataloochee is more than a campground — it's a valley with a name that carries the weight of history. Named by the Cherokee, meaning "place of the deer," this remote hollow in the Great Smoky Mountains has drawn those seeking solitude for generations.

Today, Cataloochee Campground preserves that spirit. No Wi-Fi. No crowds. Just pine-scented air, morning mist rolling through the coves, and the occasional glimpse of the valley's free-roaming elk herd. We've built simple, sturdy lodging for people who don't need a resort to feel at home.

Cataloochee Campground
Est. in the heart of the Smokies

Valley view at Cataloochee Campground
Morning mist in the Cataloochee valley

Accommodations

Sleep deep

Every site is placed with intention — far enough from the next for privacy, close enough to the trailhead for adventure.

RV camping site at Cataloochee Most Popular

RV & Tent Sites

Spacious, level sites with full hookups for RVs and shaded pockets for tent campers. Each site opens to forest or meadow views.

  • Water & electric hookups
  • Pitch-side fire ring
  • Proximity to trailheads
Rustic cabin at Cataloochee

Mountain Cabins

Hand-built cabins with wood-burning stoves, queen beds, and screened porches. No TV — just the sound of wind in the pines.

  • Wood-burning stove
  • Full kitchenette
  • Private deck
Primitive camping in the wilds

Primitive Sites

For those who want to disappear. No hookups, no roads, no signals — just a flat spot, a view, and the mountains.

  • Off-grid experience
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Stargazing cleared sites

What Awaits

The valley
does the rest

Cataloochee is one of the most biologically rich valleys in the entire Appalachian chain. That means the wildlife is abundant, the trails are untouched, and the silence is genuine.

Elk Viewing

Free-roaming elk graze the valley meadows. Dawn and dusk offer the best sightings — binoculars recommended, patience rewarded.

Trail Access

Dozens of miles of trails wind through old-growth forest, past waterfalls, and along ridgeline overlooks with views to the horizon.

Four-Season Stay

Wild azaleas in spring, fireflies in summer, flame-colored maples in fall, and crystal-clear cold mornings in winter. Each season reveals a different valley.

Elk grazing in Cataloochee Valley
Mountain trail through Cataloochee forest Sunset over the Cataloochee ridgeline

Find Us

In the
Smokies

Address

Cataloochee Entrance Rd
Haywood County, NC 28785

Office Hours

Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat – Sun: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Aerial view of Cataloochee Valley and surrounding mountains

Reservations

Your site
awaits

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a week-long immersion, we'd love to help you find the right spot. Call us or fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

1-828-497-9270
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