Cataloochee Group Campground Introduce
Looking for "camping near me" that can accommodate a group and offers access to the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Consider Cataloochee Group Campground, located in Cosby, TN 37722, USA. This campground provides a specific focus on group camping and offers a range of amenities and environmental features that might be perfect for your next outdoor adventure with friends or family.
When searching for "camping near me," the environment is often a key factor. Cataloochee Group Campground is situated within the renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This location promises a rich natural environment characterized by diverse forests, mountain streams, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. While the reviews don't explicitly detail the immediate flora and fauna around the campground, being within the National Park assures a setting of significant natural beauty. You can likely expect to be surrounded by the scenic landscapes that make the Smoky Mountains a popular destination for nature lovers.
The primary feature of Cataloochee Group Campground is its suitability for group camping. One reviewer noted, "Group camp for five vehicles makes it low cost." This indicates that the sites are designed to accommodate larger groups traveling in multiple vehicles, potentially making it a more economical option for group outings compared to individual campsites. This is a significant feature for local users planning a trip with a larger party and searching for "camping near me" that caters to such needs.
In terms of specific services and features, the reviews provide some valuable insights. One reviewer mentioned being in "Site 2, which I thought was the best. Directly across from the entrance and by the river." This highlights the proximity of some sites to a river, which is described as "wide and great for getting in, about a foot deep, to cool off." This river access is a notable amenity, particularly during warmer months, offering a natural way to refresh after a hike or other outdoor activities.
The reviews also touch upon the facilities available. It's explicitly mentioned that there are "No showers," which is important to note for those who prefer or require shower facilities. On the other hand, the "Bathrooms" are described as "super clean," which is a significant positive aspect for any campground. Each campsite is equipped with "trash bins," contributing to the cleanliness of the area. For recreational activities, there is a "football field sized grass flat field to play in," offering ample space for games and group activities.
Each campsite within the group area features "level pads, five per site," suggesting designated and prepared areas for setting up tents. Campfire needs are catered to with a "Large fire ring with grill attached," providing a focal point for gatherings and the option for cooking over an open flame. Additionally, there is an "Extra extra large camp grill," although one reviewer mentioned they did not use it. This suggests the potential for cooking for a large group.
One reviewer offered a perspective on the campground's layout, noting, "It’s a bit crowded—you will have another tent 20 feet away from yours." This is an important point for local users who prioritize seclusion when searching for "camping near me." While the group aspect inherently implies proximity to others within your group, the reviewer suggests that there might be less distance between different groups compared to more remote options within the park.
However, this same reviewer also pointed out a significant advantage for local users coming from a particular direction: "Decent camp site with some hikes nearby, especially if you’re coming from the Asheville side of the park. ... this one is less than an hour from Aville." This proximity to Asheville, NC, makes Cataloochee Group Campground a convenient option for those living in or near that city looking for a relatively quick "camping near me" getaway.
For local users browsing "camping near me" on platforms that might also sell outdoor gear or services, Cataloochee Group Campground offers the tangible benefit of an accessible and well-equipped group camping experience within a renowned National Park. While there isn't specific promotional information provided, the combination of group-friendly sites, river access, clean facilities, and proximity to Asheville makes it an attractive value proposition for certain types of campers.
In summary for local users seeking "camping near me," Cataloochee Group Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a group-oriented camping experience with level tent pads, fire rings with grills, clean bathrooms, and river access at some sites. Its location offers proximity to hiking trails and is particularly convenient for those coming from the Asheville area. While it can be somewhat crowded, its features cater well to groups looking for an accessible and relatively low-cost camping option within a beautiful natural setting.
Therefore, if you're a local resident planning a group camping trip and searching for "camping near me" that offers both natural beauty and practical amenities for larger parties, Cataloochee Group Campground is a strong contender. The positive aspects of river access, clean facilities, and group-friendly setup, combined with its location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its accessibility from Asheville, make it a worthwhile option to consider for your next outdoor adventure.
Cataloochee Group Campground Photos










Cataloochee Group Campground Location
Cataloochee Group Campground
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby, TN 37722, USA
Cataloochee Group CampgroundGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Cataloochee CampgroundCataloochee Entrance Rd
Little Cataloochee TrailheadWaynesville
Cataloochee Horse CampWaynesville
Backcountry Campsite #39Waynesville
Hawthorn Haven Cabins & Chapel515 Hawthorne Rd
Backcountry Campsite #38Waynesville
Backcountry Camp 41Caldwell Fork Trail
Pride RV Resort4394 Jonathan Creek Rd
Laurel Gap ShelterBenton MacKaye Trail
Mount Sterling Base Camp780 Flt Br Rd
Appalachian Pond Campground828 Qualla Rd
Smoky Mountain Glamping - Creekside Tent588 Qualla Rd
Cataloochee Group Campground Reviews
Decent camp site with some hikes nearby, especially if you’re coming from the asheville side of the park. It’s a bit crowded—you will have another tent 20 feet away from yours. If you can get further into the park, there are better options, but this one is less than an hour from Aville.
Aug 23, 2023 · Willis NormanJust an awesome spot! Group camp for five vehicles makes it low cost. We were in Site 2, which I thought was the best. Directly across from the entrance and by the river. The river is wide and great for getting in, about a foot deep, to cool off. No showers. Bathrooms super clean. Each campsite has trash bins. There is a football field sized grass flat field to play in. The pads are level, five per site. Large fire ring with grill attached. Extra extra large camp grill, but we did not use it.
Aug 16, 2021 · Old Man OverlandLove this place. It's special. My husband and I go every year for the rut. This year didn't disappoint. We stayed at the campgrounds. Great place to relax and listen to the stream. Get your site months in advance!
Sep 19, 2023 · heidi EbbertMy favorite place to camp In GSMNP. We met the most awesome couple from Atlanta & had an elk bed down in our camp!
Jun 25, 2022 · Patricia DunfordWe've been camping here for nearly 20 years as a family. We've seen a lot of changes, both good and bad. Camp site #3 at the group camp ground has a very strange layout, and the fire pit resembles that of a hobo fire. You also cannot move the table to fit under your shelter. The other two sites do not seem to suffer from these issues, just camp site #3. We've also had trouble with the camp hosts in the past, even though this time our host (Roy) was very nice and never forced any silly made up rules on us. Of course we will go back because we love it there, but it will not be at camp site #3.
Oct 18, 2017 · Samwise Corbin
More Camping Near Me
Cataloochee Campground4.0 (147 reviews)Cataloochee Entrance Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Little Cataloochee Trailhead4.0 (17 reviews)Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Cataloochee Horse Camp4.0 (12 reviews)Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Backcountry Campsite #394.0 (8 reviews)Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Hawthorn Haven Cabins & Chapel4.0 (13 reviews)515 Hawthorne Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Backcountry Campsite #384.0 (25 reviews)Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Backcountry Camp 413.0 (6 reviews)Caldwell Fork Trail, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Pride RV Resort4.0 (456 reviews)4394 Jonathan Creek Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Laurel Gap Shelter4.0 (6 reviews)Benton MacKaye Trail, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Mount Sterling Base Camp5.0 (4 reviews)780 Flt Br Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Appalachian Pond Campground4.0 (18 reviews)828 Qualla Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Smoky Mountain Glamping - Creekside Tent0.0 (0 reviews)588 Qualla Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA
Categories
Popular Camping Sites
Moose Creek Outlet5.0 (2 reviews)
Caroline Dormon Lodge5.0 (1 reviews)
Big Carp 4 Cabin5.0 (2 reviews)
Pennwood Crossing Manufactured Home Community3.0 (171 reviews)
Silver Creek Village4.0 (28 reviews)
Spanish Oaks Campground - Possum Kingdom S.P.4.0 (73 reviews)Most Searched Camping Sites
Trending Camping Blog Posts
10 Must-Visit Campgrounds in the Midwest for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Romantic Camping Spots for Couples: Perfect Getaways in Nature
Ultimate Guide to Off the Grid Camping in Remote Locations
How to Cook Over a Campfire Safely for an Enjoyable Outdoor Experience
Vanlife in Winter: My Personal Experience Living on the Road
From City to Camp: My Journey to Nature and What I Learned 
