Cades Cove Campground

Great location for all season camping! Now, some things that I didn’t find in my research and I want to make sure you are fully in the know if it’s your first time. 1. You’ll lose cell phone serious about 45 minute to an hour away from the campground. Make sure you have your directions started before then so they’ll be available offline. Because of this, make sure your group (if applicable) has a spot to meet if you’re meeting there prior to check in. There is a camp store (closed during winter) by the parking lot where you can stand by for wifi and make calls and texts if needed. 2. There are no showers by the camping spots. However, the bathroom is heated during the winter. This was such a nice surprise during our 20° camping trip. The water is cold though, so bring bathing body wipes if you’re tent camping. 3. Cades Cove Loop is right next door so this is great during winter. I can imagine the traffic getting to the campground during Spring, Summer and Fall isn’t great because of this. There’s one road into the area. 4. You will see animals. This is great. During winter some deer and turkeys calmly walked by our site. 5. SKIP the picnic area bathrooms. Due to how many people go there, these were terribly smelly and dirty. They clean once a day it appears at the campground (early AM), so I would imagine the same schedule next door at the picnic area.

Beautiful setting, spots were roomy, stayed at A04 very close to the bathrooms. The bathrooms were basically clean but fair share of bugs. No showers. Nights got a little rowdy but most calmed down by 11pm.

The campground itself was nice. However, the quiet time hours are not enforced. A group of 10 reserved the 2 campsites next to mine. They stayed up till 2AM partying, screaming, laughing, and playing music. They resumed this behavior at 6AM. It disturbed the entire campsite. Neighboring campers asked for them to be quiet to no avail. I will not be returning.

Stayed c loop in december. This means the rv loops are closed and they are authorized to use, and run generators, in the tent loop. So as info, if you want to stay for a cold weather camp just be advised you'll be hearing the generators. 30 bucks per night, sites are close together but well kempt. Sites come with tent pad, bench and fire ring (with grate). I also saw a handicap accessible site with a hanger and elevated ring. Plumbed restroom nearby, heated, running water. Clean. Lots of trash disposal boxes. Wifi for emergency calls/whatnot can be obtained by going to the ampitheater behind the camp store and connecting to the nps service. Firewood is sold at store, but is expensive at around 10 bucks a bundle. Cheaper at the IGA (see posted map). Sites do not have bear boxes. Because the sites are picked clean, recommend bringing a stool or log as a lot of sites don't have seating near the fire (benches pretty far away). No hanger poles on sites other than one noted observed. Wildlife observed at campground was pileated woodpecker, turkey, squirrel. First night heard pack of coyotes in distance. Second night heard barred owl callibg and caterwauling. It's a good little campground for being smack dab in the middle of the park. Lots to see. On the pricier side it'd be top tier with some additional accoutrements like a hanger or a bear box. Will be back definitely!

We love camping at Cades Cove Campground. There is no electric, sewer, or water. You may run a generator during certain hours in the designated area of the campground. Make sure you are in the correct area because they do reinforce this. You will also see many bears. So please follow all food regulations along with securing your garbage.