Cardens Bluff Campground
Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
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As of September 2026, Cardens Bluff Campground is a campground in Tennessee with 37 campsites. Cardens Bluff Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Cardens Bluff Campground for availability and alerts watchers when a site opens up.
- Cardens Bluff Campground is located at 36.3097° N, 82.1153° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 5
Cardens Bluff Campground reservations and next available dates
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September 2026
Campsites at Cardens Bluff Campground
- Tent 31
- Standard 6
- Accessible 7
- Hookups 3
What an RV fits
- 20 ft1 site
- 30 ft1 site
- not listed35 sites
Longest RV each site takes, as the booking site lists it. Bars start at zero.
Amenities
- restrooms
- showers
- potable water
- boat ramp
At a glance: Setting: Mountain.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, photography, stargazing.
All sites at Cardens Bluff Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the CARDENS BLUFF CAMPGROUND loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Max RV | Hookups | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 002 | Standard | 5 | - | - | - |
| 003 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 005 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 006 | Tent | 5 | - | - | Accessible |
| 007 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 009 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 010 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 013 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 014 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 015 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 016 | Standard | 5 | 20 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 017 | Tent | 5 | - | - | Accessible |
| 018 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 019 | Tent | 5 | - | - | Accessible |
| 020 | Tent | 5 | - | - | Accessible |
| 021 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 022 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 023 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Max RV | Hookups | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 024 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 025 | Standard | 5 | - | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 026 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 027 | Standard | 5 | - | - | - |
| 028 | Standard | 5 | - | - | Accessible |
| 029 | Standard | 5 | 30 ft | - | Accessible |
| 030 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 031 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 032 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 033 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 034 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 035 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 036 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 038 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 039 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 040 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 041 | Tent | 5 | - | - | - |
| 042 | Tent | 5 | - | Electric, Water | - |
About Cardens Bluff Campground
Overview
Cardens Bluff Campground is now re-opened as of Thursday 9/3/26. If you have reservations starting Thursday 9/3/26, or after, your reservations are still active and good to go. 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.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
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 registered campers only.
Natural Features
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.
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.
Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →
Cardens Bluff Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Cardens Bluff Campground?
Cardens Bluff Campground is rated "Very Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Cardens Bluff Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Cardens Bluff Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Cardens Bluff Campground have?
Cardens Bluff Campground has 37 campsites.
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