Camping sites near Cherokee, North Carolina range from 1,500 to 5,500 feet in elevation, creating distinct temperature zones across various campgrounds. Most campsites open from April through October, with higher elevation locations like Balsam Mountain operating on a shortened season due to colder weather. Night temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer months at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing access: Smokemont Campground provides excellent trout fishing opportunities along the Oconaluftee River. "I parked at the smokemont car camping area, then packed into one of the backcountry sites for a weekend of blue line trout fishing on the Bradley Creek headwaters, feeding into the Oconaluftee River. Smokemont has nice facilities, with good trails and water access," notes Gary B.
Historic explorations: Walk through time at Cataloochee Campground, where several historic structures remain. "The elk are a beautiful site to behold in the early mornings. Be careful out there though, a black bear walked through our site while we were fixing dinner. Didn't bother us, but it was a nice little scare," shares Chelsie A. The campground sits near multiple preserved homesteads, a school, church, barns, and an old cemetery.
Sunset viewing: Hike to specialized viewing areas from Balsam Mountain Campground for stunning mountain vistas. "Just up the road from the campground is a nice sunset viewing spot, a couple of benches a few hundred yards off the parking area. Perfect spot to wind down after a day of hiking and fishing," explains Robbie B.
What campers like
Stream access: Camping beside flowing water ranks as a top feature at most Cherokee area campgrounds. At Greenbrier Campground, "Sites are narrow and fairly close together, although they've done an excellent job of maintaining the heavy trees around the river and on the 'treelawn' area which separates each site. This helps to make a narrow space seem deceptively private," reports Erin H.
Private bathrooms: Several campgrounds offer upgraded bathroom facilities. "The bath house appeared to be newer, and will trump your home facilities in many cases! Within the bath house, there are several private doors leading to your own 3 piece bath with shelving and granite counters with outlets, and a stunning double shower," notes one camper about Greenbrier Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning elk sightings are possible at Cataloochee Campground. "We spent 5 nights and watched them early am and afternoons every day. They will get up close-and personal. The rangers keep a watch out, tho, and try to warn u if they are coming too close," explains Jodie K.
What you should know
Access challenges: Several campgrounds require navigating narrow mountain roads. For Deep Creek Campground, "The thing about Deep Creek Campground is that it's pretty unusual. Although sites say they are for tents or RVs, some are very odd and only have parking space for an RV on the road, and your table and other areas are above or below."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "We stayed for one night, on a weeknight in early December. The campground was completely deserted (one other camper came in the evening, there were only two of us there!). Most of the campground is shut down during that time," reports Carly E. about off-season camping at Smokemont.
Basic facilities: Most national park campgrounds lack showers. "No showers or hot water. That's fine. We had the Elk," notes Jodie K. about Cataloochee. Tent campers should prepare for limited amenities including no electrical hookups in most national park campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA offers multiple water-based recreation options. "All kinds of stuff for the kids. Two pools, jump pillow and pad, banana bikes, play ground and three ponds for fishing," notes Robbie T.
Noise considerations: Family campers should select sites away from road noise. "The tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)," shares Jennifer L. about Cherokee KOA.
Weather preparedness: Pack extra layers even for summer trips, as mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly. "Despite traveling during the last weekend in March, we encountered very wet and cold weather for the region, and a warm meal was a welcome bonus," explains one camper about spring conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with level sites and adequate size for your rig. "Sites 79, 81 and 82, for example, are great for an RV, especially if it's not longer than 18 feet. And bring levelers; you will need them!" advises Susan G. about Deep Creek.
Parking logistics: Some campgrounds have unusual parking arrangements. "Large campground with paved roads and drives. Rocks line the driveway of each site, close enough to require careful placement to leave room for stairs and slides," notes Tod S. about Smokemont Campground.
Length restrictions: Check road access limitations before booking. "Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves. Though many campsites will accommodate large rigs, motorhomes over 32' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended due to the access road."
