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Cardens Bluff Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cardens Bluff Campground, near Hampton, Tennessee, is a solid choice for families and outdoor lovers looking to enjoy the beauty of Cherokee National Forest. With sites that offer easy access to Watauga Lake, it’s a great spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings and roasting marshmallows. Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including functional bathrooms and a water pump nearby, making it convenient for campers. One reviewer mentioned, “The campsite was beautiful and overlooked the lake,” highlighting the scenic views that many enjoy.

For those who want to explore, there are trails nearby that lead to stunning overlooks and access points to the lake. Some campers have found the area ideal for launching kayaks, while others appreciate the wooded surroundings that provide a bit of privacy between sites. Just keep in mind that the campground can get a bit noisy at times, so if you're looking for peace and quiet, it might be worth checking the crowd levels before you go.

Whether you're setting up a tent or bringing an RV, Cardens Bluff offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

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Location

Cardens Bluff Campground is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Elizabethton, TN take US 19E/321 south 5 miles to Hampton. Turn left on 321/67 travel approx. 4 miles to the campground entrance on the left.

Coordinates

36.3097222 N
82.1152778 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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1 Star

67%
17%
10%
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10%

4.5

out of 5

18 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2025

Lake side camping

This relaxing little camp site has such pretty spacious camp site. We went day of in September and found a spot on the lake no problem. Do bring cash as it’s cash only if you pay the day you show up. Camp host were super nice and the price was wonderful. There weren’t as many bathrooms as I would have liked due to most being worked on. There is really good cell service on the camp site.

Site39
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Bailey R., September 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Bailey R., September 17, 2025
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2022

Nice lake!

Booked site 13 online for the last weekend before the season ended in October 2021, but the hosts caught us at check-in and moved us to site 32, which was right next to the water. It was really nice and the kids could go splash around in the lake, which they loved. Several groups game by to launch kayaks. 

No firewood on-site, but found a guy selling wood a little drive down the road. Said "everyone from Cardens Bluff comes here." Logs were pretty green and big, but we chopped them down to a more workable size. Pretty hard to start a fire with (it had been raining a lot recently), but we made do.

Lots of yellow jackets! Thankfully no stings :) Bathrooms were nothing to write home about, but functional. Water pump right next to the site. Hosts were chatty and a little wacky, but kind and present.

A nice trip overall!

Site32
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2021

Ideal getaway to Watauga lake

This campground was perfect to bring a smaller RV to be right next to the Watauga lake Marina.

Bathrooms + a shower house was available. 

Gate to enter closes from 10pm - 7am and parking is limited if you have multiple cars. 

Overall great place to go with kids.

Site29
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Boone , October 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Boone , October 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Boone , October 2, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Noisy camp

Campsite was clean and bathrooms were clean. The noise in this campground carries and makes for a restless night. Ok for one night but would not stay again.

Site16
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Great last minute stay

We showed up last minute and we’re able to secure a site. Toilets/ wet baths are available, and the water was hot. There was a trail right across from our site that lead out to a scenic view of the water, is kayak accessible.

Site43
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Site on the water

Beautiful wooded campground with a few sites on the water. Perfect for canoeing. Showers were clean and bathrooms too.

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2020

TERRIBLE Campground Hosts

  • The female hostess went crazy on us last year when we were asking questions about the reservation process. Just very, very hateful. This year our 3rd person that was coming to camp with us got off work late & was pulling in at a few mins after 10. My daughter told the male host that shed be pulling in any minute and that she had driven a long way. He said “ the gate closes at 10pm, I don’t give a “s___” if she drove 10hrs! He proceeded to lock the gate right in her face as she pulled up. Rain pouring down and struggling to get her 2 dogs, tent, and bedding “around the gate” and into my daughters car, he came and “jiggled” the lock to make sure it was locked, I suppose. Two days after that he & the female hostess pulled up in their little golf cart & began getting hostile with me, then my husband who had came to visit on fathers day because we had taken more than 2 spaces at that point. There were about 6 open spaces and we were preparing  to leave and drive over to the beach area but the hostess starting literally screaming at us about the “2 vehicle rule”... she pulled out driving the golf cart looking back at me (while driving) cursing and calling me names! She honestly needs medication. I have never in my life experienced such people. We’ll never be back.
Site38
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2020

Nice little campground

Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites. The interior campsites are nice as well, with vegetation giving enough privacy between campsites. Access to lake is limited for the interior sites, but there are many spots within a 5-10 minute drive that are great for day use with access to the lake, and picnic areas.

Reviewed Nov. 4, 2019

Beautiful

As far as campgrounds go , it wasn't bad . Just something is it's a self service check in which I didn't know , and when I asked for help one of the camp host wasn't vary helpful but since I had a reservation I just needed to go to the site( which was not posted ) . Our neighbors had a generator going ( which is posted that it's prohibited) which was on for the 1st day before someone finally told them to turn it off . Our site was beautiful and overlooked the lake , but you couldn't get to the water from our site , there was about a 6 ft cliff so for kayaking you have to go down the road from the campground and pay $2.00 for a day pass . It's not a bad place to stay just don't know if I'll ever go back .

  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Catherine F., November 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Catherine F., November 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Catherine F., November 4, 2019
Reviewed May. 19, 2019

Beautiful Blue Lake in Mountain Valley

Amazing lake front camping. rock bed lake creates a dark blue color instead of the brown many lakes in the area have. Great place to rent a pontoon boat for the day and explore the lake!

  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Ian W., May 19, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Beautiful Place

I love this campground. They have a nice bathhouse and plenty of great sites right on the water. The camp hosts are helpful. it can get a little crowded in the summer months, but it’s a great place!

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2017

Stunning sunset

Only in for a night. Easy to find. Didn't see a bad site here. Tents only. Site 041 is the best - I was right on the lake. The weather was perfect so I slept with the rainfly off and the stars and still of the lake are wonderful.

Site041
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Robin K., August 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Robin K., August 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Robin K., August 20, 2017
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 11, 2017

Smelly, smokey bathrooms

This campground deserves five stars. The sites were awesome, and right on the lake. The hosts were fantastic. Everyone we met was awesome.

But the showers were disgusting - not because they weren't clean, but because other campers used them to smoke in, since there was no smoking allowed in the campground. The thick, stale smoke made the shower facilities unusable and this was very disappointing as it was quite hot in August and a shower would have made my stay more pleasant.

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2016

Favorite spot

I have camped here 3 times and I loved it every single time! If you get a spot close enough to the water it's easy water access for kayaking/swimming. Nice picnic tables and fire pits, most sites are drive up with a short walk. Bathhouse has lots of bugs & could be better but you're camping not glamping!

  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Angelica O., August 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Angelica O., August 27, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2016

Lake Watauga

Great camp sites right on Lake Watauga with nice little coves and private beaches. The Appalachian Trail runs by the lake and not far from the campsites. The public accesses around the lake gets crowded in the spring and summer but there are plenty of spots inside the park or just reserve a site that's right on the water. Our dogs loved this lake can't wait to go back.

  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Fain H., August 7, 2016
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Fain H., August 7, 2016
  • Review photo of Cardens Bluff Campground by Fain H., August 7, 2016
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2016

Lovely little lake

Lots of water to explore by boat, including coves to kayak into. Aside from the water, not much to do right at the campsite but convenient to many other parks and national lands. Campground juts out into water. Wooded sites, we got one of many with a great lake view and good privacy. Everything as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cardens Bluff Campground?

Cardens Bluff Campground offers picnic tables and fire pits at each site. The campground features a bathhouse with hot showers and toilet facilities. Most sites are drive-up with a short walk to your camping area. The campground has a self-service check-in system and is staffed by camp hosts who can provide assistance. Water access is available for kayaking and swimming, particularly from lakefront sites. While the campground provides basic necessities, there aren't extensive recreational facilities directly at the campsites beyond the natural attractions of the lake and surrounding area.

Is there a map available of Cardens Bluff Campground?

Yes, maps of Cardens Bluff Campground are available. You can find official maps through the USDA Forest Service website, as the campground is part of the Cherokee National Forest. Maps are typically posted at the self-service check-in area within the campground to help visitors navigate to their sites. For the most detailed and current maps, contact the Cherokee National Forest office directly. The campground's peninsula layout makes navigation relatively straightforward, with outer sites along the water and interior sites nestled in the woods.

What do reviews say about Cardens Bluff Campground?

Cardens Bluff Campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its beautiful lakefront setting on Watauga Lake. Campers particularly praise the outer sites with direct water views and access. The campground's wooded setting provides good privacy between sites, with vegetation creating natural separation. The bathhouse receives mixed reactions - some find it clean while others note issues with the shower facilities. Camp hosts generally receive positive mentions for being helpful, though experiences can vary. The quiet, peaceful environment is frequently highlighted, though some mention that sound carries between campsites. Overall, it's highly regarded for its natural beauty and lake access.

Where is Cardens Bluff Campground located in Hampton, TN?

Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula that juts out into Watauga Lake in Hampton, Tennessee. It's situated within the Cherokee National Forest in the northeastern part of Tennessee. The campground's unique position provides extensive shoreline access with the lake surrounding much of the camping area. It's conveniently located near the Watauga Lake marina and boat launch facilities. The Appalachian Trail runs nearby, making it a good base for hikers. The campground's scenic setting offers easy access to both water activities and forest exploration.

Are there good camping spots at Watauga Lake near Cardens Bluff?

Watauga Lake offers excellent camping opportunities, with Cardens Bluff providing some of the best spots. The campground extends onto a peninsula with numerous lakefront sites offering direct water access. Site 41 is particularly praised for its lake views. The outer campsites around the peninsula provide the most immediate lake access, while interior sites still offer a pleasant wooded experience with lake access within a short walk. The lake's clean, blue water creates a stunning backdrop for camping. For those wanting alternatives, the surrounding area has additional public access points and camping options, though they can get crowded during peak seasons.