Convenient, inexpensive, and fun, camping is one way for families to get in touch with nature. The Cades Cove Campground is at the entrance of the cove, and there are various camping areas located along designated hiking trails. The Cades Cove Campground offers numerous amenities: over 150 campsites (some are wheelchair accessible), trailer accommodations, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hangers. There’s even a campground store for those items that never made it into the backpack or suitcase!

Fishing is an excellent way to pass the time and get a taste of the local bounty. Although no trout stamp is necessary, a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to enjoy the year-round fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of the local outfitters are happy to supply fishing licenses, and fishing regulations are available at the visitor centers and ranger stations. Current brook trout restoration programs make it illegal to possess brook trout, the only trout native to the Smokies.