Cardens Bluff Campground, Unicoi, TN

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. 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. There is a fee of $12.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campsite Reviews (98)

4.3 out of 5

5 star		71%
4 star		9%
3 star		6%
2 star		8%
1 star		5%

@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

@AmandaL2055066 · Camped on Sep 1, 2023 at Campsite #31

Absolutely loved it, and can't wait to go back! I took my two dogs and 8 year old son. We camped in site 31, which had parking beside the road, a staircase down to the camping area, and another short hike down to the water. If you have mobility issues of any kind, definitely not the site for you. Putting food / supplies in the vehicle after meals turned into a workout from the climb up, but I was also the only adult. We took the kayak, and fishing poles. Water access from this site is sketchy. My son and dogs were able to handle it (my 7 year old dog was less than thrilled), but smaller children would need help navigating the drop and steep / sharp rocks to the water. Incredible views though. Waking up that first morning (we got in after dark the first night), and seeing what we had, it is incredibly beautiful. It's west facing so the sun doesn't spill into the site until later in the day.

@AddisonW524700 · Camped on Aug 21, 2023 at Campsite #38

Beautiful place to sleep and wake up. Running water, close parking, just a great spot to spend on the lake

@RobertC4745893 · Camped on Aug 18, 2023 at Campsite #38

I've camped at a couple of sites before -the loop containing sites 23-29- and the area was well-maintained. However, the area along the road, on the West side of the park, is in serious disrepair. The men's restroom has no sink, rock walls and steps are crumbling, and shingles on the "kitchenette" are rotting or missing. Two sites along there are permanently closed due to erosion. Otherwise, the sites are nice, with views of the lake. Generally the park is nice and I will camp there in the future, albeit back on the loop.

@DavidS3927304 · Camped on Aug 8, 2023 at Campsite #16

There are only a few RV sites at the campground, boondock only. Facilities are great. Clean restrooms/showers. Roads are narrow and a bit rough is spots, but easy to traverse with our small Nucamp 320s.

@RachelB1663487 · Camped on Aug 4, 2023 at Campsite #9

The trail walking up to campsite was covered in poison ivy.

@MadelineC38558 · Camped on Jul 28, 2023 at Campsite #10

The best part of our stay was our incredible camp hosts! Sheri was so helpful and kind and I would stay anywhere she is hosting!! Loved the kale views and campsites as well. 10/10

@AdrienneGB30A9 · Camped on Jul 23, 2023 at Campsite #25

We just LOVE Watagua Lake. The camp hosts are wonderful.

@TimP6782071 · Camped on Jul 21, 2023 at Campsite #1

Had a great time. Clean bathhouses, grounds were clean. Looks like the hosts are doing a great job taking care of the area.

@TimP6782071 · Camped on Jul 14, 2023 at Campsite #3

Campground was clean and beautiful. We enjoyed our stay. Park gate closed at 10 so this kept rift-raft from driving thru. We told the host to keep up the good work to make it great for families to enjoy.

@KentB4829114 · Camped on Jul 7, 2023 at Campsite #6

There's not a bad spot in this place - lots of trees, sites are not too close to each other, nice bathrooms, hot showers, and great lake setting.

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