13 of 41 campsites have Proximity To Water

All campsites have Is Equipment Mandatory

6 of 41 campsites have Accessible Occupant Message

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3

004 - HOST

Site 5

Site 6

Site 7

Stairs leading down to site with picnic table and firering

Site 9

Site 10

Stairs leading down to campsite with picnic table and firering

Site 13

Site 14

Site 15

Site 16

Site 17

Site 18

Site 19

Site 20

Site 21

Site 22

Site 23

Site 24

Site 25

Site 26

Site 27

Site 28

Site 29

Site 30

Site 31

Site 32

Site 33

Site 34

Site 35

Short walk into site

Site 38

Site 39

Site 40

Site 41

Site 42

Site 43

Campsite 43

Rock walls at Cardens Bluff Campground

Cardens Bluff Campground

Sign at Cardens Bluff Campground

Bathroom at Cardens Bluff Campground

Watauga Lake

Bathhouse at Cardens Bluff Campground

Parking at Cardens Bluff Campground

Entrance Sign at Cardens Bluff Campground

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There are 43 campsites within Cardens Bluff Campground. Each section of the campground has flush toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with eight showers for use by registed campers only.   </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>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.</p>

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.

CARDENS BLUFF CAMPGROUND - 023

Great Facilities and Amenities

campfire allowed

checkin time

checkout time

driveway entry

firepit

firepit

hike in distance to site

max num of people

max num of vehicles

pets allowed

picnic table

shade

Permitted Equipment

tent-0ft

Campsites

001

002

003

004 - HOST

005

006

007

008

009

010

012

013

014

015

016

017

018

019

020

021

022

023

024

025

026

027

028

029

030

031

032

033

034

035

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039

040

041

042

043