Map showing campground location near Cherokee, North Carolina

Camper submitted image from Yogi in the smokies

Yogi in the smokies

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

The sound of the Raven Fork River runs through camp all night at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Cherokee, North Carolina, though reviewers note that road noise from the adjacent highway carries into riverside sites as well. Open from April through November, this family-oriented campground sits within a short drive of downtown Cherokee and draws repeat visitors who plan around activities rather than solitude. Sites range from shaded tent spots to full-hookup RV pads accommodating rigs up to 50 feet, with electric, water, and sewer connections available. WiFi is on-site.

River-facing sites fill quickly. As Scotty W. puts it, "Sites along the river go fast, so make your reservations early." Some of those waterfront spots are uneven and root-heavy, so it's worth walking them before pitching a tent. The campground includes a pool, playground, arcade, camp store, and organized kids' activities ranging from a gem-mining experience to themed seasonal events around Halloween. Trout fishing, tubing, and access to a swimming hole round out the on-water options.

The general store stays well-stocked, and bathrooms receive mixed but generally adequate marks across reviews. Maintenance has drawn some concern in recent years, with longtime visitors noting gradual signs of wear. Gravel has been added to camp roads, which previously ran rough. For campers exploring campgrounds near Cherokee with a different setup, Cherokee Waterfall Campground and Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins are both nearby alternatives.

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Map & DirectionsYogi in the smokies is located in North Carolina near Cherokee

RV Park

Directions

Located 15 mi from Maggie Valley, NC & 40 mi from Gatlinburg, TN. Located near the Great Smoky Mtn National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. Do not use GPS device, please follow directions from website.

Address

317 Galamore Bridge Rd
Cherokee, NC 28719

Coordinates

35.47417231 N
83.31449282 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/21/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 8/21/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/21/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/21/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 8/21/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/21/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18284979151

Drive Time

57 min from Asheville, NC
1 hr 40 min from Knoxville, TN
1 hr 47 min from Morristown, TN

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Yogi in the smokies

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the extensive family activities and well-maintained facilities, with Yogi Bear theming and river access being frequent highlights. Some visitors noted site condition concerns and signs of wear, but most found the staff helpful and amenities clean.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Scotty W.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 6, 2025

We return here often!

This is the "meet up" point for us and many of our camping friends. The sites are fairly level and they have added more gravel to the roads. The bathrooms are kept clean and most necessities can be found in the camp store. We usually pull our camper, but we have stayed in cabin 116.

Cabins 116 and 117 have dishes, cookware, etc. furnished.

135 and 135A are Jack and Jill sites, which we have used often with close friends. Sites along the river go fast, so make your reservations early.

If you can get by with 30 amp service, site 25 allows you to face your camper towards the swimming hole.

**UPDATE** We just returned from 2 weeks here (Aug 2025). We have been coming here for decades, but it is showing signs of neglect more and more each year.

Site134A

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Joy B.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2021

Our Favorite!

This is in our top 5 campgrounds to visit! We have stayed here multiple times both in RV sites and in the cabins. The staff is super friendly and helpful. River sites stay booked so plan ahead if you want one of those. We enjoy the swimming hole but beware, the water stays COLD even in the summertime. Mingo Falls is nearby and we like visiting the casino in Cherokee as well.

Month of VisitJune

Myron C.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Great Campground for Families with Children

I have never stayed a more kid friendly campground than this one. There are craft activities for children and even a“mining” experience. The children’s recreation building is adjacent to restrooms, the arcade, and a playground. The recreation director was working with some children when I visited the rec room. The signs throughout the campground are themed around Yogi Bear, and there are“statues” of Yogi and the ranger, as well as a playing field known as“Boo Boo Meadow.”

The camp store has everything campers need in case they forgot something, and the pool is next to it. Ice cream is also a featured item.

As far as campsites, the sites are shady and there is a variety of spaces for different types of camping. Our tent was close to the bath house, but we weren’t bothered with traffic. A lot of the campers had RVs with their own bath rooms. With the Raven Fork River running beside the campground, the sounds of the river could be heard all night. However, it is also close to the road, so road noise could also be heard.

Just be aware that if you get a campsite next to the river, scout it out first. Some of the sites are not level and full of roots. Other tent sites have gravel, which is not ideal for tents that are not free-standing.

Overall, this is a great campground for families with small children, but some of the sites are not ideal. I highly recommend this campground.

Site18

Month of VisitJune

(23) View All

Erin C.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Synchronous a Fireflies in late July

This is a wonderful family campground with lots of activities for kids including tubing, trout fishing, swimming, and an arcade. But the most amazing part was that we saw Synchronous fire flies in late July. It was a once in a lifetime experience!

Site118

Month of VisitJuly

Jaimie L.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2020

Camping on the river

I used to visit this Yogi many times as a kid. It is a little more run down and needs a little TLC, but I would visit again in a heartbeat. Most of the waterfront sites are for small rigs/tents, but there are some for RVs/ larger pull behinds. The roads throughout the campground are a little rough and need attention. The river is so nice and calming. The staff were nice. The restrooms were mediocre, but did the job. We stayed in site 126 in 08/2020.

Lisa L.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2020

Best campground for kids and family’s

This is a wonderful campground for kids and families. We always stay around Halloween. They have the best activities for kids. Costume contest, trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating is one of our favorites. There is also a haunted house which is really cool. The general store is always meticulously clean and well stocked. The bathrooms and facilities are always clean. We love waking up to the sound of the river in the morning. We will continue staying here around Halloween for years to come if we are so lucky.

Month of VisitOctober

Kim G.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Campground in the trees with flowing water

Such a beautiful place. Lots of activities for children of all ages. Well kept swimming pool and bathroom areas. Lots of options on lodging. Short drive to downtown Cherokee, North Carolina. River access. Even has the start of a hike that goes to a Mingo falls.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Yogi in the Smokies campground?

Yogi in the Smokies is widely regarded as a beautiful, family-friendly campground with exceptional amenities for children. It features a well-maintained swimming pool, numerous recreational activities including tubing, trout fishing, arts and crafts, and an arcade. The campground has river access and waterfront sites, though roads can be a bit rough in places. While some areas might need minor maintenance, the friendly staff and family atmosphere make it a popular destination. Many families return regularly, particularly enjoying special seasonal events. The campground's proximity to downtown Cherokee, NC is another advantage for visitors wanting to explore the area.

Are there photo galleries available of Yogi in the Smokies campground?

While specific photo gallery information isn't detailed, you can likely find official photos of Yogi in the Smokies on their website and social media channels. These would showcase the campground's amenities including the swimming pool, river access, playground, arcade, cabins, and camping areas. The campground features scenic spots worth photographing, including river sites and access to hiking trails leading to Mingo Falls. For the most comprehensive collection of current photos, visit their official website or contact them directly.

Does Yogi in the Smokies in Cherokee NC offer cabin accommodations?

Yes, Yogi in the Smokies offers cabin accommodations. The campground has multiple cabin options that provide an alternative to traditional tent or RV camping. Cabin 116 is specifically mentioned as one that visitors have enjoyed. The campground provides various lodging options, making it suitable for guests who prefer cabin amenities while still enjoying the campground experience. These cabins are popular and may need to be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons and special events like Halloween when the campground hosts numerous family activities.

What are the prices for camping at Yogi in the Smokies?

Specific pricing information for Yogi in the Smokies isn't detailed in available information. The campground offers various accommodation options including tent sites, RV sites (including waterfront locations), and cabin rentals, each with different price points. For the most current and accurate pricing, contact the campground directly or check their official website. Prices likely vary by season, site type, and during special events like their popular Halloween activities.

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