Camping near Cherokee offers diverse terrain from valley floors at 2,000 feet to mountain sites above 5,000 feet. The area features old-growth forests and numerous flowing creeks throughout most campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with higher elevations experiencing cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Smokemont Campground provides excellent trout fishing opportunities in 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," reports Gary B.
Historical buildings exploration: Cataloochee Campground offers access to preserved structures. "There are historic structures in the area--a school, a church, barns, old houses, etc," notes Myron C. The area contains significant pioneer history, with another camper mentioning, "My 4th great grandparents are buried in the Hannah cemetery here, as well as a Hannah cabin is on site."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings at Cataloochee Valley provide excellent elk watching. "We took our small camper and stayed during the Elk Rut and it was incredible!" shares Natalie M. For the best viewing, arrive before sunrise or visit during fall rutting season when bulls are most active.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Greenbrier Campground offers unusual bathroom amenities for the area. "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," explains Erin H.
Creek-side camping sites: Moonshine Creek Campground features sites directly along flowing water. "Our tent campsite was very secluded, included a fire pit, picnic table, over looking deck, running water and electric. Loved hearing the running creek from our tent site," says Shannon T., while another camper notes the campground is "laid out so that almost every site is creekside."
Less crowded camping options: Cosby Campground provides a quieter alternative to busier park campgrounds. "The Cosby campground tends to be a little quieter than Cades Cove or Elkmont, but I like it that way!" says Jessica L. Another camper confirms this benefit: "Most sites are walk up, so you don't need a reservation, and there are probably 100+ sites, so even during the busiest of times you can find a good site."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. For Balsam Mountain Campground, "If you venture further onto Heintooga Rd, be warned that it's 14 miles one-way, unimproved, and can be very rutted and hard on low clearance vehicles," notes Christina Z.
Weather variations: Mountain elevations cause significant temperature differences. "Being over a mile high, temperatures can be cool, even in summer, for a great relief from temperatures in lower elevations," explains Robert W. about Balsam Mountain. Pack accordingly with layers even in summer months.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. "This time of year (end of July/beginning of August), the temps up there never get above 70 or 75, and the lows were in the low 50's," reports Christina Z. Check opening dates as most Great Smoky Mountain campgrounds operate April through October.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas for kids: Deep Creek Campground offers water play opportunities. "The creek is so refreshing," notes Nick C., while another camper mentions, "During warmer months, children can play and swim in the clear and smooth stoned river."
Bathroom considerations: Campground bathroom facilities vary widely. "The bathhouse for this area has two toilets and two showers. Each is completely private. There are outlets and sinks in all four," reports Rebecca at Moonshine Creek, while some national park campgrounds have basic facilities with "no showers or hot water," according to Jodie K.
Animal encounters: Wildlife sightings excite children but require supervision. "We had elk walk through one morning," shares Veronica S. about Smokemont. At Cataloochee, a camper warns, "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."
Tips for RVers
Site layout challenges: Indian Creek Campground provides RV-friendly options but requires planning. "We stayed here in August for just under a week in Premium site 8. Right on the creek," notes Rich S., who advises larger rigs to "get ready to de-stress" in the wooded setting that "keeps temps down all day."
Size restrictions: Mountain roads limit RV access to certain campgrounds. Cataloochee notes "motorhomes over 32' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended due to the access road." Other campers advise checking site maps carefully as "rocks line the driveway of each site, close enough to require careful placement to leave room for stairs and slides."
Hookup availability: Dog friendly campgrounds near Cherokee vary in amenities. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA offers "full hookups" while Smokemont provides more basic options. Several reviewers note the importance of calling ahead for dog-friendly sites with appropriate hookups, as not all loops or areas permit pets or provide water and electric connections.
