Camping at Cades Cove Group Campground

Overview of Cades Cove Group Campground

Cades Cove Group Campground is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the park because of its beautiful scenery, rich history, and abundant wildlife. The group campground is designed to accommodate larger parties and is ideal for organized groups like scouts, clubs, or family reunions.

Reservation Information

• Reservations: Required. They can be made through the Recreation.gov website or by calling their reservation line.
• Group Size: The campground accommodates groups ranging from 8 to 20 people.
• Availability: The group campgrounds are usually open from March through October, though exact dates can vary each year.
• Stay Limit: There is typically a maximum stay limit, often set at 7 consecutive days.

Site Details

• Access: The sites are usually not directly accessible by vehicles, meaning that there may be a short walk from the parking areas to the campsite.
• Facilities: Each group site generally includes amenities such as picnic tables, a fire ring with a grill, and access to restrooms with non-flush toilets (vault toilets).
• Fires: Fires are allowed in provided rings or grills, though firewood gathering within the park is generally prohibited. You’ll usually need to buy firewood from an approved vendor or collect dead and down wood outside the park.
• Food Storage: Bear-proof food storage lockers are typically provided due to the active bear population. All food and scented items must be stored securely to avoid attracting bears.

Activities

• Hiking: Cades Cove offers numerous hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, including popular destinations like Abrams Falls and the Cades Cove Nature Trail.
• Wildlife Watching: The area is well known for wildlife, and visitors may see white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, and turkeys.
• Historic Sites: There are several historic buildings in Cades Cove, including log cabins, churches, and a working gristmill.
• Biking: The Cades Cove Loop Road is a popular place for bicycling, especially on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when the loop is closed to motor vehicle traffic.

Rules and Regulations

• Check-In/Check-Out: Campers must check in upon arrival and check out before departure at specified times.
• Quiet Hours: Generally enforced to ensure a peaceful experience for all campers.
• Alcohol: The possession of alcoholic beverages is typically prohibited in all Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds.
• Pets: Dogs and other pets may be allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed on certain trails.
• Wildlife: Feeding wildlife is prohibited. This is for the safety of both the animals and visitors.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Visit

1. Book Early: Cades Cove Group Campground is a popular spot, so it's a good idea to make reservations well in advance.
2. Prepare for Weather: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Bring clothing and gear suitable for a range of conditions, including rain and cooler temperatures at night.
3. Safety First: Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and remain aware of your surroundings, particularly during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
4. Leave No Trace: Follow leave no trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.

For the most current and detailed information, it is wise to check with the National Park Service or visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park official website before planning your trip.