About Cades Cove Campground
Cades Cove Campground sits in a historic valley surrounded by mountains, with 159 sites ideal for spotting wildlife like deer and bears. It's open year-round with some walk-up sites in winter; reserve ahead for peak season. Enjoy the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road for biking (vehicle-free Wednesdays) and trails like Abrams Falls. Each site has a table, grate, and nearby restrooms with potable water.
Safety Considerations
Bears and wild turkeys roam freely; secure food in vehicles overnight and use provided trash receptacles. Generators allowed only 8-10am and 6-8pm per NPS rules. Lightning storms are common in afternoons; seek shelter in vehicles, not tents. Poison ivy abounds along trails; learn to identify via NPS resources. Hypothermia drops temperatures quickly in fall; monitor forecasts. Adhere to firewood regs: buy heat-treated bundles from concessioners at Cades Cove.
Essential Gear
Bring a durable tent like the Big Agnes Copper Spur, bear spray from Counter Assault, and a camp stove (Coleman Classic) since open fires may be restricted. Include gaiters for muddy trails and a satellite communicator like Garmin inReach for spotty cell service.