26
Cherokee National Forest › Watauga Ranger District › Tennessee
› Unicoi County
› Unicoi
› Cardens Bluff Campground
› Campsite #26
Campsite #26 at Cardens Bluff Campground, TN
$12
Tent Site #26
| Walk-In | 5 people |
| 2 | good |
5/14
6/29
Campsite #26 Features: Walk-In access, Parallel parking, Fire ring, Picnic Table, Tent Site, Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (5)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 60% |
| 4 star | | 0% |
| 3 star | | 20% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 20% |
@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!
@MatthewL485 · Camped on Aug 19, 2021 at Campsite #26
Beautiful campground, well maintained.
@AliciaF447 · Camped on Jul 18, 2021 at Campsite #26
No way to cancel by phone or online due to rain storm and lightening making lakeside camping impossible.
@TheodoreS558 · Camped on May 15, 2021 at Campsite #26
We love camping there!
@StevenA362 · Camped on Apr 26, 2021 at Campsite #26
We stayed at site 26 (late April). One of the few sites you can access the water from. It faces West so if it’s a hot day you’ll know it. Plenty breezy as it’s on a point. Good shade once the leaves are out.
So many people fish Watauga Lake, especially at night, that there is a constant stream of bass boats roaring past this site. And I mean all the way until 3:00 AM. I don’t have any issues with power boats but this is not a peaceful campsite. On two nights around midnight we looked out our tent door and saw a boat cursing the shoreline using an electric trolling motor shinning a spotlight along the shore. I can only assume they were looking for things to steal because someone stole my minnow bucket that I had floating in the lake. I noticed it missing the next morning and the rope had been cut.
There is so much to do nearby. The town of Elizabethton is 20 minutes away. There are quit a few National Forest trailheads close by, and a really amazing place to day hike is in the Doe River Gorge, which is owned by the Doe River Ministries. You can get permission to hike on the old rail bed that goes through the gorge at the camp office. There is no charge, but access may be limited due to campers during the summer. Call first. The Roan Highlands are about a half hour or so away that offer hiking on the AT on 5000+ ft balds with awesome views. The fishing in the lake is excellent with the predominant species being Walleye, Trout, and Bass.
Overall this is a very beautiful campground, but the noise from the power boats, especially after you have gone to bed is pretty annoying. If you camped away from shore it would probably be less noticeable especially after the leaves have come out. Bring ear plugs if you camp near the water. I reported the theft to TN Fish and Wildlife but have yet to hear back from them.
So many people fish Watauga Lake, especially at night, that there is a constant stream of bass boats roaring past this site. And I mean all the way until 3:00 AM. I don’t have any issues with power boats but this is not a peaceful campsite. On two nights around midnight we looked out our tent door and saw a boat cursing the shoreline using an electric trolling motor shinning a spotlight along the shore. I can only assume they were looking for things to steal because someone stole my minnow bucket that I had floating in the lake. I noticed it missing the next morning and the rope had been cut.
There is so much to do nearby. The town of Elizabethton is 20 minutes away. There are quit a few National Forest trailheads close by, and a really amazing place to day hike is in the Doe River Gorge, which is owned by the Doe River Ministries. You can get permission to hike on the old rail bed that goes through the gorge at the camp office. There is no charge, but access may be limited due to campers during the summer. Call first. The Roan Highlands are about a half hour or so away that offer hiking on the AT on 5000+ ft balds with awesome views. The fishing in the lake is excellent with the predominant species being Walleye, Trout, and Bass.
Overall this is a very beautiful campground, but the noise from the power boats, especially after you have gone to bed is pretty annoying. If you camped away from shore it would probably be less noticeable especially after the leaves have come out. Bring ear plugs if you camp near the water. I reported the theft to TN Fish and Wildlife but have yet to hear back from them.
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