Cardens Bluff Campground
Located on a bluff overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers more than 40 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.
Cardens Bluff Campground Map
General Information
- 4/27/2026 - 10/13/2026
- This campground does not have any Long-Term Camping programs.
- Camping in any location is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper and party must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning for another stay.
Cardens Bluff Campground is closed for the season. Please remember to follow the Food Storage Order when you are anywhere on the Cherokee National Forest. The Food Storage Order can be viewed on the Cherokee National Forest website and also the Recreation.gov website on the Cardens Bluff webpage under the Need to Know section. Gates are open at 7am and close at 10pm. Guests are asked to leave the area before the gates are closed for the evening.
- Campsites are limited to not more than 5 people and 2 vehicles overnight.
- There is no alcohol allowed in the campground.
- Camping in any location is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper and party must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning for another stay.
- No burning of plastic or other non-wood products except local wood in campfires.
- Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, in your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times, or suspended in the air, unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
- Pets must be on a maximum 6 ft. leash at all times, and pick up after them.
- It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all campground specific rules and regulations which are also posted at the campground.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $12 per night
Camping is $12 per night.
Contact Phone: 423-735-1500
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.3121
Longitude: -82.1165
Directions
From Elizabethton take US 19E/321 South 5 miles to Hampton. Turn left on 321/67 travel 3 miles to the campground, and entrance will be on the left.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Flush toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
