Cabin camping near Cherokee, North Carolina provides access to the Great Smoky Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 6,600 feet. Temperatures typically range from 40-70°F in spring/fall and 70-90°F in summer, with higher elevations cooler by 10-15 degrees. Mountain weather can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.
What to do
Creek fishing spots: Indian Creek Campground offers direct access to fishing from your cabin site. "My kids loved meeting his pets and watching the trout. We stayed in a tent site on the creek, and it was lovely," reports one visitor to Kirkland Creek who enjoyed the streamside location.
Historical sites exploration: At Elkmont Campground, visit the nearby Daisy Town ghost town. "One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you've set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails. Follow the signs for additional parking and you'll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes."
Waterfall hiking trails: Multiple cascades are accessible within short hiking distances. "Camp staff was very helpful! Sights are close but looking at other campgrounds it's very comparable. Showers, restrooms and laundry were all clean! Some seasonal campers and everyone was friendly!" notes a visitor to Happy Holiday RV Village about the easy access to nearby trails.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Greenbrier Campground offers individual 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."
Creek sounds: Many cabins sit alongside mountain streams for natural sound barriers between sites. "Our site was right next to the stream and little covered bridge. It sounded like it was always raining," shares a camper from Moonshine Creek Campground.
Family activities: "Me and my family has been to this campground a few times now and it is hands down my favorite! We live 6 hours away but frequently visit the area through out the year. We have tent camped back home but wasn't sure with bears and the kiddos as they are always scared of sounds at night lol," describes a visitor to Greenbrier about their cabin experience.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Food storage regulations are strict throughout the region. "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons," notes a reviewer from Elkmont.
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities operate April through October, with limited winter options. "The loft is very large, 3 10-12 yrs old as well as 3 3-4 yrs old fit up there nice and comfy," reports a camper describing the sleeping capacity at Moonshine Creek during peak season.
Wi-Fi limitations: Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground offers better connectivity than most. "When we were there, it was nearly sold out but still quiet. Would love to go back in the summer and tube. If you forget something, the campground store is great. They do have fire wood AND the Wi-Fi was strong enough for us to stream Netflix / send emails."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule morning hikes before afternoon storms. "Great hiking opportunities and close to Gatlinburg if you run out of supplies," mentions a visitor to Elkmont Campground about balancing outdoor time with contingency plans.
Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds offer controlled water play areas. "The creek was nice for the kids to play in. The pond is not for fishing or swimming," advises a Moonshine Creek camper about appropriate water activities.
Child-appropriate accommodations: Kirkland Creek Campground offers family-friendly cabin layouts. "Amazing site and campground. The campsites were neat and were cared for very well. We chose a primitive site secluded from all other campers since we tend to be a bit noisy. This worked out perfectly since you couldn't hear anything but the rushing water in the gorgeous stream next to us."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Cabins near RV areas can be tight. "The sites are close together BUT so skillfully incorporated into the architecture that you really don't notice. Cute cabins to rent and secluded tent sites, all with a stream running through the middle of the campground," explains a visitor to Moonshine Creek.
Delivery services: Many campgrounds offer amenities brought to your site. "You can buy kiln dried wood for use—the store has it and delivers it to your site. It needs splitting so consider bringing an axe," suggests a camper from Indian Creek when discussing cabin conveniences.
Seasonal road access: Some cabin locations have challenging approach roads in winter. "Long and windy road to get to the area," notes a visitor to Cades Cove about travel considerations when accessing more remote cabin facilities.
