Cabin camping near Fontana Dam, North Carolina provides access to the southern portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 5,000 feet. The area receives approximately 80 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation and numerous waterways for recreation. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 60-65°F at night.
What to do
Water activities on Fontana Lake: Visitors staying in cabins near Cheoah Point Campground can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on the clear waters of Fontana Lake. "The location is really beautiful. The tent sites are nice, especially the ones on the point. Wish there was better water access without having to leave the campground," noted a visitor to Cheoah Point Campground.
Motorcycle riding on nearby routes: The region offers popular motorcycle routes including the Tail of the Dragon with 318 curves in 11 miles. Simple Life Mountain Retreat provides accommodations specifically for motorcyclists. "Nice place. I'd definitely go back. It's clean and priced well for the area. The people that run the place are awesome. It's ideal for motorcycles but they're welcoming to all campers," shared a guest at Simple Life Mountain Retreat & Campground.
Cades Cove scenic drive: Located about 25 miles from Fontana Dam, this popular attraction offers wildlife viewing and historic buildings. "The main attraction for most is a driving tour loop that starts & ends right at the campground. You drive around a valley with rivers running through and you're surrounded by mountains. Tons of wildlife, even saw a bear from a distance," reported a visitor to Cades Cove.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Many cabin camping options near Fontana Dam feature locations alongside rivers and streams. "Sites are well spaced, so you are not on top of your neighbors. Lots of trees and shade. There are still some trees, and some shade, the sites are relatively level, and the staff is friendly," mentioned a camper at Mountaineer Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds in the region offer amenities designed for families. "The playground is beautiful and the kids loved it. There is a community firepit with rocking chairs around it, and it looks like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine. The bathrooms were FABULOUS. SERIOUSLY," enthused a visitor at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Proximity to national park entrances: Many cabin options provide convenient access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "It's right before the entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park. Townsend is called the peaceful side of the Smoky Mountains," noted a guest at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. Another camper added, "It is right outside one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains and about 20 minutes from Cades Cove."
What you should know
Varied bathroom facilities: Bathroom access and quality varies significantly between cabin options. "The cabins themselves have a full bed and sleeping loft. The loft is very large," reported one visitor at a nearby campground. At Greenbrier Campground, a camper noted, "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."
Limited cell service: Many areas near Fontana Dam have restricted cellular coverage. "We have Verizon and we barely had one bar which meant we could barely send a text. The bathrooms are so-so because they were only cleaned once," explained a visitor to Cheoah Point Campground.
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions and crowds change dramatically by season. "November is when the leaves are changing. Temps cool at night, moderately nice during the day...got snow at Clingman's Dome however during the day!" shared a Cades Cove visitor. Reservations become essential during peak leaf viewing season in October.
Tips for camping with families
Bicycle rentals for kids: Some campgrounds offer bicycle rentals for exploring nearby trails. "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be. On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate," explained a visitor to Cades Cove Campground.
Swimming areas for hot days: Some cabin locations offer designated swimming areas. "The swimming hole was a blessing durning the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," reported a visitor to Greenbrier Campground. Several sites along the Little River provide safe access points for water play.
Indoor recreation options: For rainy days, look for campgrounds with indoor recreation facilities. "Best kept secret was the free arcade room in AC with couches to boot," mentioned a Greenbrier Campground visitor. Some larger campgrounds also offer craft activities and organized events during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Some RV sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. "The only surprise was unlovely site, our neighbor had to loan blocks to set camper," noted a visitor to Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. Many campsites in the mountainous terrain require leveling blocks even for cabin stays.
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours and generator usage limitations. The designated generator-free areas at Elkmont Campground provide a quieter experience. "Despite being one of the busiest campgrounds it was also very well maintained. Everything was in great condition from my table to the site itself, no stray weeds or anything," shared a visitor to Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Dump station locations: RVers should note the limited dump station availability. "The nearest dump station is a seasonal one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn't open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round," mentioned a camper familiar with the area. Planning ahead for waste disposal is essential for longer stays.
