CATALOOCHEE GROUP CAMP

About CATALOOCHEE GROUP CAMP

Overview 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.Recreation 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.Facilities 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.Natural Features 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

How to Get There

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..

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to CATALOOCHEE GROUP CAMP

Heading to CATALOOCHEE GROUP CAMP? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)