About this campground
Waterrock Knob is our highest elevation visitor center on the Parkway. Known for its beautiful long-range views of several major mountain chains in the Appalachians, Waterrock Knob is uniquely suited for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The small visitor center introduces visitors to the area's rugged terrain and tremendous scenic resources, including the Great Smoky Mountains that are visible from here.
Getting there
From Balsam Gap (MP 443), 7 miles south of Waynesville, NC or 12 miles north of Sylva, NC, on US-23/75, enter onto the Parkway, heading Parkway south, for about 8 miles. Turn right on the access road (MP 451). If you are coming from the south, near Maggie Valley or Cherokee, Waterrock Knob is about 4 miles north of Soco Gap (MP 455).
Nearby federal campgrounds
- BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUNDGreat Smoky Mountains National Park8 mi
- Oconaluftee Visitor CenterGreat Smoky Mountains National Park10 mi
- TOW STRING HORSE CAMPGreat Smoky Mountains National Park10 mi
- ROUND BOTTOM HORSE CAMPGreat Smoky Mountains National Park11 mi
- CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUNDGreat Smoky Mountains National Park12 mi
- CATALOOCHEE HORSE CAMPGreat Smoky Mountains National Park12 mi
Explore more North Carolina camping
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (Milepost 451.2) doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby North Carolina campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse North Carolina camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.