RV sites near Whittier, North Carolina provide convenient access to both the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest. Located approximately 10 miles east of Cherokee and 7 miles west of Bryson City, the area sits at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to 20-30°F at night while summer daytime temperatures reach 75-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hike to Mingo Falls: Just a short drive from Cherokee campgrounds, this 120-foot waterfall is accessible via a moderate 0.4-mile trail with wooden stairs. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, guests appreciate the proximity: "We were right on the river and hiked to Mingo falls. Bathrooms were not the cleanest I have seen, but not the worst."
Float the river: Many campgrounds offer direct creek or river access for wading, swimming, and tubing during warmer months. The creekside sites at Up the Creek RV Camp are particularly popular: "My kids loved playing by the river. It's close to all the areas attractions but far enough where it feels like you are camping in the wilderness."
Explore seasonal events: Fall and Halloween activities are particularly popular at campgrounds throughout the region. One camper at Jellystone Park noted: "We camped around halloween and the entire campground has trick or treating for the kids on Saturdays. Clean, friendly and really great for kids."
What campers like
Creekside accommodations: Many RV parks feature premium sites along creeks and streams, providing natural white noise and scenic views. At Creekwood Farm RV Park, campers noted: "There is also a creek running through the back of the property and there are many sites along the creek. The old barn and silo add to the ambiance of the campground."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of bathhouses and showers as standout features. One guest at Nantahala Tiny Homes & RV Park shared their experience: "Quiet creekside setting with level sites, clean restrooms and nice hosts."
Proximity without congestion: Several parks offer quick access to attractions while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. A reviewer at Up the Creek RV Camp observed: "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."
What you should know
Site reservations vary by season: While some parks take reservations year-round, others have limited availability during peak times. At Twin Creek RV Resort, guests noted: "We had a little bit of a rough start here with the reservation. But all of that was forgotten once we arrived. The place was not even close to capacity while we were there, and they kept us all spaced very well."
Some parks have strict noise policies: Quieter campgrounds may enforce stricter rules about generator usage and quiet hours. A visitor to Up the Creek RV Camp mentioned: "This is seriously the quietest campground I've ever been to. I wouldn't bring children to it (there's nothing for them to do there, anyway) but it's a very relaxing 'adult' campground."
Cell service and WiFi reliability: Digital connectivity varies significantly between parks and locations. One camper at Up the Creek mentioned limitations: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with activities: Facilities with pools, splash pads, or organized events are best for families with children. A visitor to Riveredge RV Park shared: "Our son had a ball playing in the pool and splash pad. After hours we went to the arcade and played. The bath house was super nice."
Check campground demographics: Some parks naturally attract more families, while others cater to adult campers. As one reviewer of Up the Creek noted: "We were the only family there with kids, and there is no playground. If you are looking for a super quiet place for a couple to go camping... this is the place."
Consider private bathrooms: For families with young children, individual bathroom facilities can make a big difference. A camper at Creekwood Farm RV Park appreciated: "The bathrooms were amazing, individual bathrooms, very roomy and oh so clean."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing accuracy: Always verify that your RV will fit in your assigned space before arrival. One camper at Jellystone Park warned: "Our site said it would fit a 32 ft camper and it really doesn't; we had a super hard time getting in and thought we might have to leave. So just beware that your site might not be as big as stated."
Road noise considerations: Many RV parks near main roads experience traffic noise, especially at sites along the perimeter. A reviewer at The Great Outdoors RV Resort noted: "Road noise from highway is constant (video attached) and location (a tow vehicle is a must)."
Arrival timing matters: Some RV parks have strict policies about check-in times. One camper at The Great Outdoors RV Resort shared this important detail: "The only issue I have is that if you are not there by 5pm, they will not park you so don't plan to arrive after work on a Friday and hope to spend the long weekend."
