Cardens Bluff Campground

4.4·117 reviews
·Cherokee National Forest

Overview

Cardens Bluff Campground has closed for the season. At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. There are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided. Day use areas are located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to answer questions and assist with your visit.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have parallel)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 60')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 5)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (15 of 41 campsites have Shade)

Natural Features

Rock walls at Cardens Bluff Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Bathroom at Cardens Bluff Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Entrance Sign at Cardens Bluff Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Parking at Cardens Bluff Campground - Credits: US Forest Service
Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area, a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic Trail within its boundaries.

Recreation

Cardens Bluff Campground - Credits: US Forest Service

Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff. Watauga Lake provides notably clean water for recreating. 

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-Up to 30ft

  • rv-Up to 30ft

  • trailer-Up to 30ft

  • pop up camper-Up to 20ft

Nearby Attractions

The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry hiking.

Additional Information

Campsites