Cades Cove camping offers an amazing chance to enjoy the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. I love camping, especially in the mountains. Also, Cades Cove Campground is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Whether you’re setting up a tent or parking your RV, you’ll love being surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. Wake up to the sounds of nature—birds singing, streams flowing, wind rustling through the trees, and the crisp, fresh air. During your stay, explore the trails, see the abundant wildlife, and learn about the history of Cades Cove. Cades Cove Campground is a fantastic spot for a memorable camping trip in the Smokies. So, here you go—all the information you need to plan a perfect Cades Cove camping adventure!
Cades Cove Campground: Location
Cades Cove Campground is right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, which makes it a perfect spot for a mountain getaway. Also, with its close location to Townsend (9 miles), Knoxville (30 miles), Pigeon Forge (22 miles), and Gatlinburg (27 miles), you’ll be near all the fun things to see and do in the Smokies.
- Address: 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882
- Phone Number: 865-448-4103
- Easily accessible from Townsend, TN, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge areas
Townsend is so close, it’s super convenient for grabbing a meal (Peaceful Side Social is my fave!) or extra supplies at Ace Hardware!
Campsite Information
I love this campground, and we enjoy camping here year-round, but fall is definitely my favorite time to camp in Cades Cove. With great camping sites and being tucked beautifully in the Smokies, Cades Cove Campground is a fantastic spot for camping. Additionally, with paved roads and easy access to restrooms, it’s perfect for everyone. Also, RVs (up to 40 feet) and trailers (up to 35 feet) are welcome.
- Total Campsites: 161 available
- Electric Hookups: 0 available (2 CPAP sites upon request/availability)
- ADA Campsites: 11 for accessibility
- Special Sites: 31 tent-only sites and 4 group sites for larger gatherings
- Reservations: Strongly recommended; book online or call 877-444-6777
Campground Facilities
Cades Cove Campground has everything you need for a fun and comfortable stay. Also, with restrooms and a camp store, your trip will be easier thanks to these conveniences. Here are some of the essentials you’ll find:
- Although restrooms do not have showers they DO have flushing toilets and sinks
- Drinking water available throughout the campground
- Picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite
- Seasonal camp store offering essential supplies
- Cades Cove Campground Store, open year-round, with camping and hiking supplies, souvenirs, and food options
- Firewood available for purchase; outside firewood must be USDA certified heat treated
Things to Do While Camping in Cades Cove
Camping in Cades Cove is all about unplugging and enjoying the great outdoors. So, plan to stop and sit by the fire, or grab a book and relax in a hammock. Here are some other fun things to do while you’re here camping:
- Take a nature walk
- Hike a trail and observe nature
- Enjoy fishing in the streams
- Go biking
- Drive around the Cades Cove 11-mile loop
Also, don’t miss exploring history in the Cove, joining the fun at Cades Cove Stables, or grabbing souvenirs and ice cream from the Cades Cove Store!
Hiking Trails Near Cades Cove Campground
Camping in Cades Cove allows you to be near some of the best hiking trails in the Smokies. Being in Cades Cove Campground will allow you to get up early and reach the trailheads before they get crowded. Cades Cove is full of fantastic hiking trails! So, be sure to carve out some time for exploring the trails and be sure to pack water, wear comfy shoes, and know your route. AllTrails is my go-to for trail maps. Here are some great trails in the Cades Cove area:
- Abrams Falls Trail – 5 miles round trip (a great family hike, moderate level)
- Gregory Ridge Trail – 11.3 miles round trip (get an early start for this one, strenuous level)
- Rich Mountain Loop Trail – 8.5 miles round trip (an early start is recommended, moderate level)
- Anthony Creek Trail – 16.5 miles round trip (you’ll need an early start for sure, strenuous level)
Cades Cove Riding Stables
Are you a horse lover? If so, Cades Cove Riding Stables offers horseback riding on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early to explore the Smokies on horseback! Carriage rides and hayrides are also available, providing a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of Cades Cove. Perfect for families and nature lovers, you’ll have a blast at Cades Cove Riding Stables, which is conveniently close to the campground area.
- Address: 10018 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882
- Website:Cades Cove Riding Stables
- Phone Number: 865-448-9009
For horseback rides, the minimum age is 6, height 4 feet, weight limit 300 pounds. Also, kids under 15 must wear helmets. Additionally, no cameras are allowed. Because of the requirements, hayrides or carriage rides are great options for younger children who don’t meet these guidelines.
Cades Cove Bike Rentals
Biking in the mountains is fun, and there’s something special about it to me. Whether you have your own bike or rent one, ride the Cades Cove loop or around the campground and enjoy the fresh mountain air as you roll along. Enjoy a day of biking the loop, afterwards, unwind by the campfire for smores! Find additional information for rentals HERE!
- Bike Rental Location: Next to the camp store
- Phone Number: 865-448-9034
- Open Daily: 9 AM – 5 PM
Bike rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis, and every Wednesday from May through September, the loop is closed to auto traffic for walkers and bikers—perfect for biking the loop.
Bear and Wildlife Safety
When visiting Cades Cove, it’s important to stay bear-aware and mindful of other wildlife, always maintaining a safe distance to ensure everyone’s safety. Let’s all stay safe so we can enjoy the mountains together!
- Keep a safe distance: Never approach or feed wildlife. Stay at least 150 feet away from bears and other animals.
- Store food properly: Use bear-proof containers and never leave food unattended.
- Dispose of trash: Use designated bear-proof trash cans and pack out what you pack in.
Always make sure your campsite is bear-proofed by not leaving food out! Also, by throwing away your trash in bear-proof bins. This keeps you and other campers safe while enjoying the great outdoors.
Essential Camping Safety Tips
Staying safe while camping in Cades Cove ensures a fun and worry-free experience for everyone. Before setting up, remember to follow these safety tips. Also, being mindful of these precautions helps create a safer environment for all campers.
- Fully extinguish your campfire before leaving or going to bed.
- Use designated fire rings and approved firewood only.
- Supervise children closely, especially around fires and water.
- Be aware of wildlife, and don’t feed or approach them.
- Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
In case of emergencies, contact Rangers at the station at the campground entrance. They’re there to help ensure your safety and provide assistance whenever needed.
Parking
Although the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove is FREE, parking passes are now required for those parking more than 15 minutes. Remember, camping at your campsite does not require an additional parking pass. Parking passes can be purchased at visitors centers. Also, at the kiosk at the Cades Cove entrance. Passes can also be ordered before your trip HERE.
Plan Your Adventure
Well, there you have it—everything you need to plan your trip to camp in Cades Cove. So, get ready and plan your visit. Also, on your way here, be sure to enjoy the many great things Tennessee has to offer. Whether you want to kick back and savor the sounds of the mountains or lace up your boots to explore the trails, Cades Cove camping is perfect for your visit to the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy your adventure and Happy Trekkn!
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