Townsend, TN
Cades Cove Campground
Cades Cove Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers 160 campsites that can be reserved in advance—no permit draw required—making it one of the most accessible options in the park for planning ahead.
The campground accommodates tents, RVs, trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, vans, and other rigs, with 9 ADA-accessible sites available. Both tent-only and standard sites give you flexibility based on your setup and preferences.
Located near Townsend, Tennessee, Cades Cove is known for its scenic loop road, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. If you're booking a group visit, Cades Cove Group Campground is also available within the same area, or consider Abram's Creek Campground or Cosby Campground as nearby alternatives if your preferred dates fill up.
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Common Questions
What campers most often want to know about Cades Cove Campground.
Do I need a permit to camp at Cades Cove Campground?
No permit is required to camp at Cades Cove Campground. You can reserve a site in advance through the standard reservation system.
How many campsites does Cades Cove Campground have?
Cades Cove Campground has 160 total campsites available. The campground offers both tent-only and standard sites to accommodate different camping styles.
Are there ADA-accessible campsites at Cades Cove?
Yes, Cades Cove Campground has 9 ADA-accessible sites available for reservation. Contact the park or check availability when making your reservation if you need an accessible site.
What types of RVs and vehicles can I bring to Cades Cove Campground?
Cades Cove Campground accommodates tents, RVs, trailers, pickup campers, pop-ups, fifth wheels, vans, caravans, and other camping equipment. Some sites are tent-only, so confirm your site type when booking.
What is there to do at Cades Cove?
Popular activities include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road, and wildlife observation. A notable day hike from the campground is the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls, accessible from the Cades Cove Loop Road.