Yogi in the smokies

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.

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.

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!