Cherokee National Forest spans over 650,000 acres across east Tennessee with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Campgrounds in this area typically offer varying levels of RV access, from primitive sites to full-hookup options with 30 and 50-amp service.
What to do
Fishing at Douglas Lake: Anchor Down RV Resort in Dandridge provides access to excellent fishing opportunities. "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 one visitor, highlighting amenities beyond just fishing.
Hiking nearby trails: Mountain Stream RV Park in Marion, NC serves as a base for exploring nearby natural attractions. "We did Chimney Rock & Linville Falls, both absolutely beautiful!" notes one camper who enjoyed day trips from their streamside site.
Local attractions: When camping near Cherokee National Forest, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. As one camper at Three Peaks RV Resort notes, "On any given day, you could take a mountain hike, go mining for your own gems (real gems!), drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, go tubing in the nearby Toe River, and all manner of other adventures."
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer water-based activities. "There is a swimming pond (2 acre stocked) for adults or seniors," reports a camper at Around Pond RV Park, while another mentions "pond area, chickens, ducks, swans" as features of this location.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: The sound of running water enhances the camping experience at some locations. At Mountain Stream RV Park, a camper shares, "The sound of the stream was so peaceful and relaxing. My husband did yoga every morning while I hung in my hammock and watched." Another notes, "Beautiful level sites backed right up to Buck Creek where we enjoyed catching trout straight from our campsite."
Community atmosphere: Several RV parks foster a sense of community. "The owners cook so other campers can get to know each other," explains a visitor at Mountain Stream RV Park, while another elaborates, "Each Saturday evening, Kevin serves up his special home cooked bar-b-que under the shelter at no additional cost, and many campers bring sides to share."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a priority. At Creekwood Farm RV Park in Waynesville, NC, one visitor notes, "Spotless bath house with private shower, toilet, sink," while another states it's "beyond clean, staff is beyond friendly and accommodating."
Convenience to attractions: Many campers appreciate proximity to area activities. "Good location. Very easy to get to from I40," reports a Creekwood Farm RV Park visitor, while another adds it's "in a great location to explore the quieter side of the smokies, Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Cherokee, Blue Ridge parkway."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Some popular campgrounds require advance planning. A visitor to Anchor Down RV Resort advises, "Call and put your name on a waiting list for the dates you need. If they have cancellations, they call the people on the list instead of releasing the dates on the website!"
Site conditions vary: Not all sites are equal in terms of privacy and setup. "The sites are small, the gravel is thin, and they are muddy," reports one camper at Mammoth Ridge RV Park, while another notes it's "a hodgepodge of half executed thoughts and rework, on a shoestring budget."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and WiFi can be unreliable in mountainous areas. "Cell service is almost non-existent, but you can use the wifi for calls if necessary," explains one Mountain Stream RV Park visitor.
Airport noise: Some campgrounds experience noise disruption from nearby airports. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, a camper notes, "There is a lot of airplane noise as it is close to airport."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational areas. At Anchor Down RV Resort, "They have a swimming pool and lake. Great place to spend a whole week," according to one family, while another mentions, "Every Saturday in October, campers decorate their site and hand out candy to the costumed campers! My kids LOVED that."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer features specifically for children. "A nice big creek runs behind most of the campsites. There's a playground for the kids," reports one visitor to Mountain Stream RV Park.
Space considerations: When camping with families, space between sites matters. At Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, a camper notes, "The best thing about the park was the riverside sites," though they caution, "sites were muddy due to all the rain."
Seasonal events: Special events can enhance family camping experiences. One visitor to Anchor Down RV Resort shares, "We have already booked for this next October and plan to make it a tradition!" referring to their Halloween festivities.
Tips from RVers
Site access: RV drivers should plan routes carefully. "When you come off the interstate you have to make an extremely hard right to get into park, not possible with a big rig...had to go up to the office/shop and turn around," warns a camper at Wilson's Riverfront RV Park.
Leveling considerations: Level sites make setup easier. At Around Pond RV Park, a visitor appreciated that their "site was gravel and completely level," while another at Creekwood Farm RV Park mentions "level concrete pads for easy set up."
Hookup quality: Full hookups vary in reliability. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, a camper notes, "We found out after we arrived that due to the temps we were not supposed to use the water connections," highlighting the importance of checking seasonal restrictions.
Site spacing: RV sites offer varying degrees of privacy. "Sites are close together," reports a visitor to Asheville's Bear Creek RV Park, while another notes, "This is good campground if you are staying for the night passing through, or if you came to see Asheville and you will not be spending a lot of time at your camper."
