The Cullowhee area sits at approximately 2,100 feet elevation in North Carolina's southwestern mountains, with seasonal temperatures varying from 30-85°F throughout the year. Access roads to campgrounds often involve steep climbs with elevation changes of 1,000+ feet, especially when heading toward Blue Ridge Parkway camping areas. Winter visitors should note that most primitive camping options become unavailable from December through March.
What to do
Tubing adventures: at Deep Creek Campground where "tubing is within walking distance" and the creek offers refreshing water. As one visitor notes, "Good campground. Would be crowded in peak season due to proximity of sites to one another. It is very close to the creek, which is very scenic."
Motorcycle museum visits: Stone Bridge RV Resort provides convenient access to the "Wheels Through Time" motorcycle museum. A visitor explains, "Some people go to 'Wheels Through Time,' a nationally famous motorcycle museum, and some people just like driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is only five to six miles from the campground."
Remote trout fishing: In more secluded locations like Indian Creek Campground, you can fish right from your site. One camper shares, "Our front yard a creek where we could fish sitting right by our picnic table and fire ring." The campground is located on Cherokee land where fishing permits are required.
Ghost town exploration: Near Elkmont Campground, visitors can explore abandoned vacation homes. "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."
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: Many campers highlight the soothing sounds of running water at Moonshine Creek Campground. A visitor explains, "My site was right next to the stream and little covered bridge. It sounded like it was always raining."
Wildlife encounters: Early risers at Smokemont Campground might spot elk. As one reviewer notes, "The campground is along a creek, and there were some sites right along the water. Nice little trail across from our site that we explored. You must buy heat treated wood locally (we found some easily in nearby Cherokee)."
Off-season solitude: Winter camping offers a completely different experience. At Balsam Mountain Campground, "Wildlife is present and being over a mile high, temperatures can be cool, even in summer, for a great relief from temperatures in lower elevations." The elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer heat.
Proximity to mountain biking: Davidson River Campground offers immediate access to mountain bike trails that start "literally across the davidson river from the campground." Another visitor confirms: "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures."
What you should know
Limited tent sites at commercial campgrounds: While RV sites are plentiful, tent camping options can be restricted. At Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA, "There are 4 different cabin options, tons of rv spaces but less than a dozen tent sites in this HUGE mega park."
Close quarters at many sites: Several campgrounds place sites very near each other. At Stone Bridge, "The sites are extremely close together. Extremely close. The pull through sites, though, are so close the sewer hookup is literally right beside the next site's picnic table."
Winter road closures: Higher elevation areas become inaccessible. One camper at Smokemont notes, "The road through the park shut down the night we were there due to snow and ice in the higher elevations, so keep weather in mind when visiting in the colder months."
Varied shower availability: National Park campgrounds typically lack showers. At Balsam Mountain, "There are two sets of restrooms and a dishwashing station. There's no electricity, so no lights or hot water, so be ready to rough it a bit."
Tips for camping with families
Stream play areas: At Happy Holiday RV Village, "The creek runs through the middle of the campground with places to play in the water. You can put your chair in the water and just relax by your site."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer extensive recreation options. At Cherokee KOA, facilities include "a swimming pool, a playground, an activities pavilion, and a stage for bands." They also offer "bike rentals, shuttle tours to the mountains, fishing, giant checkers and game boards."
Consider tent site locations: At Deep Creek, "The tent-only camping does not look like a lot of fun. You have to park your car in the lot and walk your gear to your pad. The pads are almost on top of each other with no trees or privacy to separate you."
Budget for activities: Beyond camping fees, plan for activity costs. When visiting Davidson River, note that "There are miles and miles of hiking/running and mountain biking trails in the surrounding area, as well as numerous waterfalls. The campground is less than a mile from The Hub bike shop/Pisgah Tavern, a great bike shop offering rentals."
Tips for RVers
Site selection challenges: At Davidson River Campground, "Sites vary from primitive to group sites with restrooms and pavilions. No showers or services in Pisgah National Forest."
Winter camping availability: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Happy Holiday RV Village operates year-round. The campground provides "plenty of activities and everyone is always friendly and helpful."
Leveling requirements: At Deep Creek, "bring levelers; you will need them!" Sites can be uneven throughout the region, especially at older campgrounds.
Driving concerns: Mountain roads present challenges for larger rigs. At Balsam Mountain, RVs "would have to park on the road ABOVE our campsite." Another visitor adds, "Most sites are a bit close, but as long as campers observe quiet hours (10 PM - 6 AM) and are aware that generators are allowed (60 dB max) to be run from 8 AM to 8 PM, all should be good."
