RV camping near Fontana Dam, North Carolina offers mountain terrain experiences across elevations ranging from 1,700 to 5,000 feet. The region's forested camping areas follow seasonal patterns with most campgrounds operating from March through November, though weather can be unpredictable with mountain thunderstorms common in summer months. Cell service varies throughout the area with stronger signals on ridgelines and weaker coverage in valleys.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Little River Campground & RV Resort provides access to trout fishing with minimal crowds. "We arrived late because of a blowout, so they left us a map and instructions at the front door of the office. The campground was clean, there was plenty of room, the sites were level, the hookups worked like they were supposed to, and we had zero problems. We went there to escape the crowds and enjoy the Smokies," noted one visitor.
Water activities: Anchor Down RV Resort features lake activities just steps from campsites. "The beach area they've constructed on the lake is INSANE! So so nice! There's a giant blow up slide leading into the lake," reports a camper. Swimming areas and beach access provide cooling options during summer heat.
Mountain driving: Mountain roads near Nantahala RV resort & Campground connect to scenic overlooks and hiking trails. "We needed a spot and found it by search on internet leaving Tallulah Gorge afternoon. Great spot, just for the night and near the rafting area and check in for that early next morning," explains one camper about the convenient location for outdoor adventures.
What campers like
Creek proximity: Up the Creek RV Camp offers sites with running water sounds for natural sleep aid. "This is a small, quiet campground just outside the craziness of Pigeon Forge. There are no real amenities, so you need a self contained camper. It is dog friendly, clean and has many creek side sites," mentions one reviewer appreciating the natural setting.
Less congested location: Little River Campground provides access to amenities without crowds. "The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend," notes a visitor describing the strategic location.
Site spacing: Hidden Waters RV Park & Campground offers more breathing room between sites than many other parks. "This is a beautiful little campground! Carter was extremely accommodating & made sure I had everything I needed. The sounds of the running water from the creek was extremely relaxing and I slept great. The campground is very quiet and serene," explains one camper.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Honeysuckle Meadows RV resort experiences significant seasonal population changes. "Lots of snow birds here so very quiet. Does have a pool but didn't see a playground. I would say very good for adults, but would work for families if they didn't need to have a playground," notes a camper about the winter demographics.
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds require careful setup due to terrain. "The sites on the hill are not level at all. I had to move my camper 3 times before I could get it into a position where all the stabilizers were on the ground and the camper was level. A bit frustrating after a long drive," explains a Honeysuckle Meadows visitor.
Campground accessibility: Some parks lack onsite management during certain hours. "We arrived to find a peaceful setting but no office or management on site. We were left to find our own sites using our reservation confirmation," reports one camper at Nantahala RV resort.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak timing: Camping with children works best on weekdays during shoulder seasons. "Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there," warns a Little River camper during a holiday weekend.
Consider campground activities: Creekside RV Park offers family-friendly options but with some limitations. "We are a family of 4 with an 8 and 10 year old. We spent 5 nights here in June 2022. We really enjoyed the clean and well maintained characteristic of this place. Everything works and the bathhouse is nice. Cons- lack of games/activities directed at children. Sites were pretty tightly packed too," notes a family reviewer.
Bathhouse proximity planning: Request sites near facilities when camping with children. "Definitely would return without the kiddos. Tip- there's only one bathhouse, so if you plan on using that a lot, work with the office to make sure that will work for you," advises a Creekside RV Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Noise considerations: Select interior sites away from roads for quieter stays. "The spots along the fence line are HORRIBLE! The road noise is awful and there's construction on the other side of the road that begins in the early morning and lasts till late afternoon. Leaving your windows open to enjoy the fresh air is NOT an option," cautions a Creekside visitor.
Streaming limitations: Some campgrounds restrict high-bandwidth activities. "I can't say enough great things about this campground. It was so peaceful and quiet. My kids loved playing by the river. Only draw back is their no streaming WiFi policy. I'm fine with giving up technology for a week but camping with a 5 and 6yo is challenging without streaming capabilities," notes a visitor to Up the Creek RV Camp.
Laundry planning: Many parks have limited laundry facilities. "No on-site laundry services, so we had to go into town to use laundromat (nearby town of Townsend is adorable but no laundromat)," reports a camper at Little River Campground & RV Resort.
