Cardens Bluff Campground, TN - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Cardens Bluff Campground is located in the Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest (32 min east of Johnson City, TN) with an elevation of 2,031 feet. There are a total of 40 campsites including 36 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. 4 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $12.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (108)

4.4 out of 5

5 star		72%
4 star		9%
3 star		6%
2 star		8%
1 star		5%

@AmandaB8644117 · Camped on Jul 6, 2025 at Campsite #22

We have been coming to Carden's Bluff for years. This last trip was wonderful. Camp ground was quiet. The current host are wonderful.

@AnnaC7369977 · Camped on Jul 3, 2025 at Campsite #29

Love this particular loop of Carden's Bluff. I have camped on 25, 27, 28, 29. Enjoyed all of them. My only problem is the trail around the water edge has not been maintained. (That is how you get to the water if you are not camping on #26 or #27.) There is a heavy amount of poison ivy on the trail and some trip hazards from long gone trees. Carrying a float or kayak is difficult, much less leading children.

@JessicaK101721 · Camped on Jun 27, 2025 at Campsite #10

The campgrounds and the campsite were good. The problem came with a thunderstorm the first night. A tree fell, blocking the path to the car from the camp site. We moved it and told the host what happened. We explained that we would not be staying for the second night as planned and was told the boss would take care of the tree. There was no offer of a refund for the night we didn't stay. This is a campground that we have stayed at many times and did not have a problem, but this stay was disappointing.

@JessicaS159432 · Camped on Jun 21, 2025 at Campsite #19

Loved this campground. Super close to lake access for swimming and whatnot. Bathhouse was just a short walk from site 19. Will definitely be back. Campers were a little rowdy into early Saturday morning but nothing that some ear plugs couldnt handle. We know people were having a good time making memories.

@KarenV4447889 · Camped on Jun 20, 2025 at Campsite #32

Friendly hosts, good maintenance of facilities.

@TiffanyWEA2F59 · Camped on Jun 19, 2025 at Campsite #39

Campground is great! You can tell that the hosts are very active and maintain a great atmosphere.There is a little bit of a walk to carry your equipment from the car to the site. So be prepared with something with wheels. Coolers and a wagon would roll fine. But our canopy tent bags didn't roll too well on the gravel. Other than that - the site is perfect. It's large enough for a 6-8 person tent and plenty of room over by the picnic table for everyone to eat and hang out.

@SonephethBF48C · Camped on Jun 14, 2025 at Campsite #35

Great camp sites and wonderful host.

@VincentLC2AE5E · Camped on Jun 12, 2025 at Campsite #28

Great campsites . Not too close to anyone

@MekalaP511AEA3 · Camped on Jun 12, 2025 at Campsite #41

Amazing campground it was super clean and beautiful lake views

@ChrisM9524349 · Camped on Jun 6, 2025 at Campsite #36

Excellent experience, with the exception that the bathrooms need improvement. The bathroom near us was damaged and not able to be used.

@KathleenM78273 · Camped on Sep 14, 2024 at Campsite #39

Needed to switch campsites. Camp hosts were very helpful and responsive and we were camped in an excellent location. Absolutely beautiful!

@JasonK9381533 · Camped on Aug 15, 2024 at Campsite #17

Bad neighbor on site 20. Would not leave us alone, and claimed to know the camp host. Camp host was informed and "spoke with him" but changed little. Should have been handled better, i.e. he needed to leave. Wouldn't stop trying to talk to us late at night, and peered into our cars and tents multiple times. There was also a mix up with how long we had reserved our sites for. I paid online for 3 nights but only was credited for 2 nights. I won't be returning to this campground. Have to drive everywhere, and parking is horrible.

@JillJ3193191 · Camped on Jul 25, 2024 at Campsite #40

Family reunion and wedding. We had sites 38-41 perfect sites for a family reunion. Site 41 has access to the lake. Fish Springs is a great Marina to rent pontoon, canoes, kayaks for a fun lake day. Scotts farm market in Unicoi has yummy home made ice cream. Nanny Jill and family

@MeganT1925526 · Camped on Jul 12, 2024 at Campsite #3

When we arrived there was the previous persons stuff still at our site. We could not get a hold of anyone on the phone. Positive note: The host was able to relocate us to another camp spot but we would have been really upset if things ended up to were we could not have camped and were sent home. We had a great trip but the start was a bit rocky.

@DavidB5075483 · Camped on Jul 10, 2024 at Campsite #23

Amazing camping experience. The lake and the views were incredible. Clean bathrooms and showers. Would recommend staying at site 23, 29, or 37-40 for lake access.

@KentB4829114 · Camped on Jul 1, 2024 at Campsite #26

There's not a bad camping spot in the whole place, even spots to accommodate those with handicaps, with an abundance of trees, shade, and great views. And though many spots were taken, I never felt crowded, too close to any other campers. The restrooms were well maintained, with plenty of hot water for a good shower. I've been here before and hope to return!

@CharlesG874789 · Camped on May 24, 2024 at Campsite #16

Love camping here this is the 2nd time staying in this spot. I've camped in this campground over 30 times I've had fun every time. Just having fun and spending time with family and friends.

@RichardNA7B802 · Camped on Oct 1, 2023 at Campsite #25

We love Cardens Bluff and look forward returning many times in the future! One of the things weve loved is the quiet in the evening. This last time we had to ask 2 different neighbors to dial back their noise level. Perhaps it needs to be communicated to campers that this is a quiet site, at least in the evening

@Alexandra808A8 · Camped on Sep 30, 2023 at Campsite #30

This campground is the best! It has great spots on and off the lake, bathrooms within a reasonable distance to the campsites and the camp hosts were very kind and knowledgable.

@DanM7848405 · Camped on Sep 22, 2023 at Campsite #41

Beautiful location. We were only there for one night, but really enjoyed the camp.

@EmilyR2265278 · Camped on Sep 22, 2023 at Campsite #16

What a wonderful place to run away to! Right on beautiful Watauga lake as well. Tons of hiking and places to visit were all over. Roan Mountain State Park is really pretty, but there's no service and trailheads aren't marked well. I had the AllTrails app and memorized a map before I went - it helped. Everyone needs to go to Sycamore Shoals State Park - it's dope - you'll feel like you accidentally went back in time. Make sure to hit up the Patriot's Point river walk! When I went, the museum and everything was free - not sure if it's like that all the time, but I did buy a coffee cup to give them some cash. It's so worth it. The bathrooms at the campsite were super nice and clean. I felt very safe everywhere I went as a female camping alone.

@RebeccaB760095 · Camped on Sep 20, 2023 at Campsite #25

Relaxing, beautiful campground.

@KevinC5577695 · Camped on Sep 18, 2023 at Campsite #9

Great experience and wonderful host who work hard to make sure everything operates as expected and they keep the campgrounds exceptionally clean.

@DavidH4978786 · Camped on Sep 3, 2023 at Campsite #16

Nice camp sites & bathroom/shower facilities were clean

@SamanthaP64A59 · Camped on Sep 1, 2023 at Campsite #34

A great spot to see the lake and be away from the road but it does have a steep incline to climb up to the site

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Cardens Bluff Campground, TN - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Cardens Bluff

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (108)

4.4 out of 5

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