8 Best Campgrounds Near Cherokee, North Carolina

Camping in Cherokee, North Carolina is big business, and there are quite a few campgrounds in the area to accommodate all of its visitors.

While most campgrounds close up during winter time, all are open early in spring so anglers can catch the first runs of fish through area creeks. There are several activities available at these campgrounds too, beginning with simply viewing the wonders of nature that abound in the area.

Read on to learn about some of the best campgrounds and RV parks near Cherokee, North Carolina.

Smokemont Campground

Smokemont Campground offers 142 sites in a heavily forested area, so you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful stay, surrounded by Mother Nature’s bounty. The south side of the campground has a huge grassy field that’s very popular with guests for simply lounging away the day and viewing all the gorgeous scenery, or for playing sports and conducting activities.

There is also a riding stable less than a mile from the campground that many guests take advantage of during their stay. Riding through the hills of the area has become a favorite activity for many visitors.

Address: Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities: Sites provide sinks, drinking water, bathrooms, fire rings, and grills for cooking outdoors. Hiking and horse trails are close by and easily accessible.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Smokemont Campground.
Why You’ll Love It: The beautiful nearby mountains, rivers, and streams make this a natural wonderland, which is why it can be the subject of tons of photographs. In the springtime, the area is blanketed with all kinds of wildflowers, and in the autumn, the colors of the trees can be breathtaking.

Indian Creek Campground

Indian Creek Campground is located at the southern tip of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the scenery is downright spectacular. The campground itself covers 88 acres, much of which is heavily wooded, and where there are three separate mountains for viewing, photographing, and hiking.

There are 74 sites available, including cabins, full hook-up sites, and sites for tent camping. Fish get stocked regularly in Bunches Creek, so with a little luck, all the fishermen in your group will come away happy with the experience. This is a small, privately-owned and operated campground that you’ll surely find to your liking.

Address: 1367 Bunches Creek Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities: Full hook-up sites have water, sewer, cable, and electricity. Other sites offer water and electricity for campers.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Indian Creek Campground.
Why You’ll Love It: The proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the biggest reasons people visit this campground, but the fishing is consistently good as well since fish are regularly stocked in the local creek.

Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA

There’s a lot to love about this outstanding KOA facility, starting with the excellent trout fishing the campground is known for. Many special activities are also arranged, for instance, movies under the stars, where campers can enjoy their favorite films outdoors in comfortable lawn chairs.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, guests can get a 360-degree view of these spectacular mountains, a sight that stays long in memory. You’ll be able to stay in a tent, RV site, a regular cabin, or a deluxe cabin to get the most out of your stay at Great Smokies KOA Campground.

Address: 92 KOA Campground Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities: Cable television, snack bar, firewood, swimming pool, fishing, hot tub/sauna, group fire pits, and new outdoor pool
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Great Smokies KOA Campground
Why You’ll Love It: You’ll love all the amenities provided at this campground, since it has all the comforts of home and then some. After an active day hiking or fishing, you’ll be able to relax and spend some time in the hot tub or new pool to revive your aching muscles and simply unwind.

Flaming Arrow Campground & RV Park

Flaming Arrow Campground near Cherokee, NC — Credit: Flaming Arrow Campground

Flaming Arrow Campground is ideally situated so that you can enjoy several activities during your stay, as well as the camping experience itself. It’s only a mile away from the town of Cherokee, NC, it’s two miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and it’s four miles from the entrance to Great Smoky National Park.

There’s always something to do at this campground since it’s equipped with facilities for playing volleyball, horseshoes, fishing, swimming, ping pong, basketball, tetherball, and cornhole. The roads throughout the campground are paved so you or your kids can enjoy skateboarding, roller skating, biking, and scootering too.

Address: 283 Flaming Arrow Drive, Whittier, NC 28789
Amenities: Cable television, laundry facilities, swimming pool, fire rings, picnic tables, free Wi-Fi, bath houses with private dressing areas
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Flaming Arrow Campground
Why You’ll Love It: You’ll love the fact that so many recreational opportunities are available – you’ll be able to do a different activity every day. In addition, its proximity to the casino, the town, and the national park makes it ideally situated as a base for your activities.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

At this campground, you’ll be able to stay at a tent site, a deluxe cabin, or an RV site to enjoy all the scenery and activities available. You might even get to experience a visit from Yogi Bear or Cindy Bear since they pop into the campground from time to time.

There are all kinds of activities to partake in near Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, including visits to Mingo Falls, the Museum of the Cherokees, Ocanaluftee Indian Village, the Sequoyah National Golf Club, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and the ’Unto these Hills’ outdoor theater. This campground has won several awards in the past for customer service, activities provided, and all-around excellence.

Address: 317 Galamore Bridge Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities: Heated pool, stocked trout fishing, bath houses, craft center, camp store, playground, basketball court, outdoor theater, pedal carts
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Jellystone Park
Why You’ll Love It: In addition to the magnificent scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll be able to get involved with all kinds of nature hikes, fishing, and other outdoor activities. If you like a good scare, you might really appreciate the Trail of Terror weekends at the campground.

River Valley Campground

Although primarily an RV site campground, River Valley does also provide tent camping facilities for guests. It’s located on the Raven Fork River, and the sound of the flowing water brings a wonderful natural feeling to the campsite. It also provided opportunities for fishing and other water activities. Since it’s right near the town of Cherokee, you’ll have access to the Cherokee Museum, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Address: 2978 Big Cove Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities: Showers, bathrooms, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and electrical/water hookups
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground
Why You’ll Love It: Visitors to this campground routinely rave about the beauty of Raven Fork River and were thrilled to see the bountiful wildlife, which includes bears, deer, and elk.

Standingdeer Campground

The Standingdeer Campground is situated right near the town of Cherokee, NC, and that means you’ll have easy access to a great many of the most exciting activities in the region. You can visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, the Cherokee Museum, the Oconoluftee Indian Village, or the Sequoyah National Golf Club.

If you’re a fisherman, you’ll appreciate the fact that the streams near the campground are stocked with trout by the Cherokee Fish & Game organization. Here you’ll be able to get full electrical hook-ups for RVs and campers or you can rough it and do some tent camping.

Address: 4886 Big Cove Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities: Electric/water hookups, hot showers, fishing, numerous outdoor activities, easy access to many area attractions
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the facility
Why You’ll Love It: This is a very affordable campground, with easy access to all the area’s most exciting and popular attractions.

Wolf Campground

Wolf Campground offers tent camping, RV sites, and small cabins that you can rent during your stay in Cherokee. Located adjacent to Route 19 and the river, you’ll have easy access to area attractions and you can enjoy some water activities when you’re staying at the campground for the day.

Address: 427 Birdtown Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities: Hot showers available, fishing and water activities, hiking trails, easy access to the town of Cherokee
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the Wolf Campground
Why You’ll Love It: At any time, it will be possible to have an elk wander through your campsite, and there are also bears and deer to provide photo opportunities. Proximity to the Oconoluftee River provides a great taste of nature, as well as some great fishing opportunities.

Explore Other Campgrounds in Western North Carolina

Cherokee is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of campgrounds and activities to suit every preference. However, Western North Carolina is also home to many other gems worth exploring, such as Asheville, Boone, Highlands, Brevard, and Franklin.

These cities provide their own unique experiences, with a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and scenic beauty. So while Cherokee may be a great starting point, don’t forget to broaden your horizons and experience all that this magnificent region has to offer. Happy exploring!