I'm a strange camper. Not only am I traveling on a motorcycle that likes to stay on pavement, but I also like to swing from trees when I sleep.  Many campgrounds do not accommodate either hammocks or motorcycles.  I can't blame them, they're aren't many of us out there.  But when you find a campground that fits everything you look for, it's a joy. 

Flaming Arrow Campground sits just outside the Cherokee reservation.  It's tucked away between a few shady hills, has a pool, and an ultra clean bathhouse with hot showers and good water pressure.  There are spigots of potable water located through the campground, and fire rings are each campsite along with a picnic table.

The great joy for me was the availability of a tent site with an easy place to slide my shiny and heavy motorcycle beside my campsite (T-3) and also two trees that were spaced and located to make it easy for me to hang my hammock and get a fantastic nights sleep. 

The price was right, and the facilities in good shape.  Firewood is available for purchase.

Just a few miles between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Waynesville, NC sits a perfect spot to park your bike and sling your hammock (or put up your tent).  Jay, the owner, says the campground has been run by his family for 19 years and the pride and passion show in every detail  I stopped in for a night over the July 4th weekend and surprisingly the campground wasn't packed.  I think the rustic cabins were all taken, but there were plenty of sites left for tent camping.  It was a great, friendly mix of every kind of biker looking for a getaway. 

Going beyond the functional offering of a decent campsite, they offer a lounge with hot coffee, clean showers, campfires, and a few things for sale from the office in case you forgot something essential.  I'm also informed they often provide some dinner and breakfast offerings for a small fee.  A wifi connection was available which was good for me because my phone service wasn't available to tell my significant other that I was all tucked in safe and sound. 

I took a site by the creek and allowed the sound of rushing water to be my lullaby all night.  After setting up my kit, I took out a book and sat in one of the many porch swings to read as chickens scattered around the lawn and let me know I was welcome as long as I left them some bugs.  Aside from the occasional car passing down the two lane mountain road you wouldn't know you were anywhere near a paved surface.  Tightly packed gravel surfaced paths lead around the campground so you can park your bike beside your pillow for the night.  Although, do exercise some common sense and be careful of the dew soaked grass in the morning (This is a tip from the owner). 

This site is definitely on the "must do again" list.