Recreation area

Cades Cove Visitor Center

Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Townsend · Tennessee — managed by National Park Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

Roughly half-way through the Cades Cove Loop Road, pause to speak with park staff and visit various exhibits. Learn about Southern Mountain life and culture, and see a gristmill (operates spring through fall), the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures. Enjoy seasonal ranger-led activities and peruse the park bookstore and shop. Public restrooms available.

Getting there

Located halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road.

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Tennessee camping

Cades Cove Visitor Center doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Tennessee campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

Browse Tennessee 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.