“discover the rich history of this verdant valley”
Overview Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.Recreation The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.Facilities Cades Cove Campground is open year round and combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. During peak season (May - October) a camp store provides visitors with basic necessities as well as bike rentals. Events like Interpretive Programs in the nearby amphitheater and Bicycle Only Days on the loop road provide visitors with a fun and unique experience. During the off season (November-April), the campground is walk-up with the exception of sites C38-C61 which are available to reserve in advance.Natural Features Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271. Nearby Attractions The park 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 few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.Charges & Cancellations https://recreation.gov/rules-reservations-policies
Reviews of Cades Cove Campground
36 people have reviewed this location
Ratings Summary
Cell Coverage
Verizon 4G/5G
Confirmed by 12 users | Last reported on November 22, 2023AT&T 5G
Confirmed by 4 users | Last reported on August 12, 2021T-Mobile 5G
Confirmed by 2 users | Last reported on May 09, 2022Reviews
I also enjoyed Cades Cove. There are some great scenic views available where you can pull over to take pictures... I, however wasn't particularly interested in getting out at all of the settlement stops. There's old chuches and dwellings which you can see from the road, and that was fine for me. I went early April and if you go early in the morning around 9 or 10 you won't hit traffic, however around 12 you will see an increase. Must do Abrams Falls
Very beautiful.. But as others have said, busy even if it's not a weekend during fall season. Expect to take your time even if you weren't planning on making somewhat of a day of it. Bring a camera, lots of great pics if you have some patients to get the shot in high traffic areas
We really enjoyed the drive through Cades Cove. Absolutely beautiful, lots of places to stop and observe both nature and settlements (churches, cabins).
But it could really use two lanes. One slow driver on the 1 lane loop means you could add hours on to your trip. And from what I hear, it's pretty much always busy.
I went in March while the weather was still slightly chilly and there was heavy traffic when I went as well. Expect to spend most of the day there. Still, I had a wonderful time though. The place is absolutely beautiful and full of history. Lots of trails for hiking, biking, etc. Seen plenty of wildlife as well (although I was a little disappointed I didn't get to see a bear). Perfect place for a nature/history lover.
It's a wonderful place. Visited in early march so traffic was low but in summer it is a busy place I'd imagine, because it is beautiful and well worth the drive. Hiked to both Abrams and Laurel falls, Laurel was 45 mins round trip (paved so strollers are common) Abrams falls took about 2 hours round trip and less crowded.
Step back in time, and ready yourself for a beautiful drive and historic information.
Very heavy traffic, so take your time. Worth the visit of you love God's creation.
Cades Cove can get crowded in the summer, but this is one of the best places to see wildlife in the east. We saw half a dozen black bears and cubs, elk, deer and more.
There are no showers nor hookups here, but the facilities are well kept, the staff friendly and helpful and there is lots to see and do in the area. One of our favorites is tubing. Head towards Townsend and for not much money you can rent a tube and get free shuttles all day long to tube down the river.
No cell service.
Nightly Rate: $20.00
Days Stayed: 2
Site Number: -
RV Length: 20 ft
We arrived at Cades cove on Sunday afternoon, May 7. The gate house was closed but we were able to find a site and self register.
There are no hook ups. There is water at the dump station.
Most of the sites have been recently repaved with concrete and are nearly level. Some of the sites are short and would be tight for larger rigs. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.
The B loop of the campground was about half full. The C loop was nearly empty. Probably due to generator restrictions.
Reservations are not accepted until 5 15.
The road to Cades cove is narrow and winding. Be patient.
Nightly Rate: $11.00
Days Stayed: 3
Site Number: C 59
RV Length: 30 ft
This was our first camping trip with our new camper. We stayed in early April. It was not very packed we will do it again for sure.
Nightly Rate: $6.00
Days Stayed: -
Site Number: 80
Cell Coverage Rating
AT&T
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Cades Cove Campground
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Last Nightly Rate
- 15.0
- Longest Vehicle Length Reported
- 35 ft
- Lowest Nightly Rate
- 6.0
- Max Length
- 40 ft
- Max Stay
- 14
- Sites Count
- 164
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Paved Sites
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Fifty Amp
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Full Hookup
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Pull Through
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Tent Sites
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Dump Station
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Big Rigs
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Open Seasonally
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Age Restricted
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Back In RV Sites
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Boondock
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Cabin Sites
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Dispersed Sites
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Equestrian Sites
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Firewood
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Fulltime Residents
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Group Tent Sites
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Laundry
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Mobile Homes
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Permit Required
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Potable Water
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Propane
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Public Water
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Pull Through RV Sites
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Reservations
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RV Sites
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Sewer Hookup
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Showers
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Sites
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Standard Tent Sites
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Trailer Permitted
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Vehicle Wash Permitted
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Water Hookup
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