Camping in Cherokee

family camping in tent

sleep beneath a tapestry of stars

It’s details that can make your vacation very memorable, and campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains strive to provide unique experiences guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime. Kids can get the time they need to burn off their vacation excitement and grown ups can get the time they need to relax and release the stress of every day life when you escape to the Smoky Mountains.

What to Do When Camping in Cherokee, NC

Camping in Cherokee means you have an endless number of activities, attractions, and vacation plans to choose from every day. You’re sure to find something for everyone.

Two people, a man and a woman, are setting up a tent in a sunny, grassy park during the Cherokee Spring season. Both are wearing backpacks and casual outdoor clothing.

Explore Cherokee History in the North Carolina Mountains

Aside from all your favorite camping activities you’ll have a wide range of options for what to do when you stay in a Cherokee, North Carolina Mountain campground. Cherokee is the ancestral home of all Cherokee and the current home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. There are 11,000 years of history and culture to discover. Treat yourself or your family to any of these one of a kind activities you can only find in Cherokee:

  • “Unto These Hills”: an unforgettable outdoor drama performed live all summer long at the Mountainside Theater.
  • Oconaluftee Indian Village: travel back in time to a Cherokee village in the 18th Century
  • Museum of the Cherokee People : one of the finest collections of artifacts from the long and storied history of the Cherokee, a must for those interested in Cherokee heritage and history.

Anglers Love Camping in Cherokee

Plan an amazing vacation trout fishing in and around Cherokee, North Carolina. In the Qualla Boundary fishing is allowed from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. So you can wake up, jump out of your tent and fish the whole day. If you prefer pond fishing, some campgrounds in Cherokee have fully stocked fishing ponds right out in front. There are 30 miles of clear, clean, beautiful waters that run through Cherokee. Plan a camping trip so you can take full advantage. And for extra fun, plan your trip around one of the many tagged fishing contests and tournaments scheduled throughout the year.

Two people, a man and a woman, are setting up a tent in a sunny, grassy park during the Cherokee Spring season. Both are wearing backpacks and casual outdoor clothing.
couple after waking up in a tent in the morning drinking coffee

Special Amenities to Look for in Smoky Mountains Campgrounds

Are you trying to find the perfect place to stay this vacation, a place that has something for everyone? You’ll find plenty of campgrounds in and around Cherokee near the Smoky Mountains that provide great amenities such as:

  • pool areas
  • hiking and mountain biking trail access
  • stream, creek, or river access
  • night time events such as bonfires
  • kids activities during the day so children can socialize
  • a centralized location near a downtown
  • discounts and deals on local attractions

How to Find the Best Smoky Mountains Campgrounds Near Cherokee

Research is key when searching for the best campgrounds in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Cherokee for your weekend getaway or family vacation.

Consider the following tips as you research:

  1. Visit our Cherokee Campgrounds Listings
  2. Research the various activities you can participate in locally in Cherokee, Waynesville, Sylva, Murphy, etc
  3. Read camping and travel magazines online and in print
  4. Read TripAdvisor reviews and reviews on campground websites
  5. If the campground has a Facebook or Twitter account check them out and see what people are saying about the campground
couple setting up a tent for camping with trees in the background
tree line drawing

Are you ready for adventure?

A culture, a people, and a place that’s actually a sovereign nation, Cherokee is located right in the heart of Western North Carolina. It’s also base camp for hiking in the Great Smokies, arts and crafts shopping, native elk herd viewing, hours of fishing fun, and home to a history that spans millennia. Ready? Let’s go.

Fire Mountain Trails
fire mountain

Fire Mountain Trails

Oconaluftee Indian Village
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc.
Sequoyah National Golf Club
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
River Tubing
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River Tubing

Oconaluftee Islands Park
Fire Mountain Disc Golf
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Fire Mountain Disc Golf

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Cherokee Awaits.