Parks/ Campgrounds Cherokee NC area

[StreamGlider]

Our first long trip in our 25' International this summer. Had initially thought we'd set up in Smoky Mountains NP but looks like there are no RV spots there.

We'll have a motorcycle in truck bed and once set up in the region we will ride all of the great roads out there that we can.

Are there any recommendations on camping areas that are in the area? We will be there 7-10 days so we want sewer and all other hookups. Laundry would be nice. But we really want the feel of being camping in a park and not a "community".

Any suggestions?

[xrvr]

Top of Georgia AS park.

[Mrjkq]

I believe there are at least three campgrounds in Smoky Mountain NP, I was just there this past September. While there we stayed in "Up The Creek" campground located in Pigeon Forge, TN which is very close to the national park. It is without a doubt the perfect place for what your looking for. We backed up to a creek with a beautiful woods view, full hookups concrete/stone patio round wire table & 4 chairs and a fire pit. The cg is relatively small & reservations are a must as its always full especially in the summer. There is a full service laundry just down the street. Google it for more info.

[OTRA15]

I am hoping to visit the Smokeys in the Spring. These threads have some helpful information:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...-a-142437.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ns-125667.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...rk-132001.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f382...sc-139181.html

[TheDuke]

Originally Posted by StreamGlider

Our first long trip in our 25' International this summer. Had initially thought we'd set up in Smoky Mountains NP but looks like there are no RV spots there.

We'll have a motorcycle in truck bed and once set up in the region we will ride all of the great roads out there that we can.

Are there any recommendations on camping areas that are in the area? We will be there 7-10 days so we want sewer and all other hookups. Laundry would be nice. But we really want the feel of being camping in a park and not a "community".

Any suggestions?

The most luxurious campground is the KOA in Cherokee. We have stayed there many times over the years. They have the new luxury spots that are all concrete with patios, furniture and fireplaces. These are our favorites. They also have lesser priced spots, if that is what you are looking for. They have a restaurant, pools and are right beside the river. You can go tubing and fishing. If you are there in the summer, I highly recommend that you go to the outdoor drama "unto these hills!" You will definitely need reservations for the summer months. Lots to see and do. Also very educational about the Cherokee Indian and the "trail of tears!"

[JaynEss]

We live a couple of hours east of the park and camp there often. Up the Creek is a great suggestion. We also have used Tremont Outdoor Resort, Home in Townsend, often referred to as the quiet side of the park. If there was anyway that you could deal with camping without hookups for a couple of nights, we think Mile High Campground between Maggie Valley (a biker haven) and Cherokee, Mile High Campground | A Mile High Above the Rest, we have seen elk many times in the campground and the views are unbelievable. July temps in the 60's and low 70's with a jacket needed at night.

[kfrere]

The campgrounds in the GSMNP are beautiful but do not offer the hookups you seek. Camping in warm weather anywhere in Sevier County (Pigeon Forge, Severville, Gatlinburg) will give you the hookups you are seeking but the madness of the crowds and traffic will drive you insane. We live here and know the back roads and we still get very frustrated. But, we love the tourist dollars.

I highly recommend you look into Anchor Down RV Resort in Dandridge, TN. The campground is stellar, the views of the mountains and lake are gorgeous, the location is out of traffic and bedlam, and from there you can easily explore the entire region.

You might also consider going to the quiet side of the mountains and staying in Yarberry Campground (a TVA campground) right on the Tennessee River outside of Lenoir City, TN. It has been recently updated, and being right on the water is very nice. This location also puts you closer to the better motorcycle rides which are found outside of the Tellico Plains region - such as Cherohala and The Dragon. It also puts you on the side of the GSMNP where Cades Cove is located.


I'm guessing you plan to drive the Cherohala Skyway (a must ride) and The Dragon (a death trap with 318 turns in 11 miles). You'll ride the Dragon no matter what I say but keep in mind that people die there on a regular basis - mostly flatlanders who think they can accept the challenge, or casual riders who get taken out by other idiots on the road. Take it slowly and pull over frequently.

This is an amazing area in which to live and we thank God every day we do. But, the GSMNP, with over 9 million visitors a year, is the most visited national park in the country and you really feel it come warm weather when the masses arrive. Just slow down and enjoy!

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by StreamGlider

Our first long trip in our 25' International this summer. Had initially thought we'd set up in Smoky Mountains NP but looks like there are no RV spots there.

We'll have a motorcycle in truck bed and once set up in the region we will ride all of the great roads out there that we can.

Are there any recommendations on camping areas that are in the area? We will be there 7-10 days so we want sewer and all other hookups. Laundry would be nice. But we really want the feel of being camping in a park and not a "community".

Any suggestions?

It has been several years since we were there, but there are several nice campgrounds with full hook-ups and creekside spots in Maggie Valley. Someone referred to it as a place for bikers but we did not have that experience.

[tsunami]

Try west of Murphy NC. There's a nice, well kept RV park there. It's a hike between Murphy and GSMNP, but it's s great ride on a bike through the Nantahala gorge. Stop at Nantahala Outdoor Center for a bite to eat and if the waters flowing, to see the kayaker.


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[SeeMore]

As a biker myself, I agree with kfrere wholeheartedly. Anchor Down and Yarberry are the best for doing the major cycle routes and missing the crowd. Those choices eliminate late night casino visits in Cherokee, otherwise, most every other entertainment option is close enough.

[Kathys quilt]

I am no longer a biker and after my wife saw a man that a 911 call had her following until the troopers could get there, saw the ----- run over from behind a couple turning left into a gas station that left the passenger face less and the driver's head crushed and dead... long story short I am now a hiker/RV camper. Our home camp ground is in the North GA mountains three miles below Helen on GA 75 and about the same to the north on 75 is an AS park often talked about on Forums. The North, North East and North West is nothing but mountains. This is the area of the AT and many other great hiking trails so one can hike for a day on trails like Yanah Mountain to the 9 months or so on the AT. One of the big things for me is to see and meet all the different bikers that flood into the area. Groups with their BMW bikes to us old Harley riders. In all the years we have been there we, my wife and I, have not seen or heard of an accident that a bike was a part of to include the pedal type and there are many of those there also. It seems to be a safer parts of the mountains than West side of the National Park with no records to prove it. I say all of this to invite every one to give the area a try. There many mountain RV parks and I mean mountain. It is the area of the Fox Fire books and full of local attractions that more adult. But in all farness, Helen it's self is a night mare on weekends and holidays with one major road in or out and that is GA 75. When much younger, I biked every road in the area with my military friends from Fort Jackson, SC. We would leave on Fridays after work and get back late on Sunday night no matter what the weather held. Bikers you will love it. People like my wife and I who just love RV camping a week or two at a time for 9 months a year, or just the weekenders, you will love the area with its views, its so very nice people and the slower pace. Yes even us in our 60's can enjoy kayaking the "Houch" and it's class 3 rapids to areas with no rapids just good paddling and taking all the wildness into your heart. By the way its has now been proving that we who go out into nature live more fulfilled lives, and much happier lives. So great camping this new year to you all.

[StreamGlider]

With all due respect I didn't need to hear about that accident and the grzzly details. I've been riding over 40 years and have myself experienced the rash of the road and the dirt track. We don't like to talk about such things, and as a former rider I'd think you'd know better.

Enough said about that.

Thanks for the info about Helen.

Respects,

[xrvr]

I agree, comment was unnecessary and off topic.

[StreamGlider]

Made reservations at Yarberry. Very excited and can't wait to get up there!

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm loving this forum!