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Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday

Scenic Camping Near Cherokee, NC & The Great Smoky Mountains

Set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, and in the heart of Cherokee tribal country, the KOA in Cherokee, NC, boasts 360-degree views of the mountains, exciting activities for the whole family and an unforgettable camping adventure. Our quiet campground offers a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where you and your family can enjoy the best that nature has to offer. Cherokee KOA has a little something for everyone.

- Head out for adrenaline-fueled adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Test your fishing skills either at our family campground or at one of the thousands of fishing spots found throughout Cherokee.
- Set out for a day of fun in nearby Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. If it's quality time with the family you're after, you'll find it right here.
- Roast marshmallows around the campfire or enjoy some of our family-friendly activities, like an outdoor movie feature, our fun playground, swimming pools and more.

No matter what kind of camping getaway you're looking for, we offer a variety of ways to stay, including RV Sites and even Camping Cabins and Deluxe Cabins, some nestled along the Raven Fork River. If you're looking for a place to unwind as you listen to the rushing river or gaze up at the starry skies, book your stay at Cherokee KOA today.

What to Do While Camping in Cherokee, NC
Camping in Cherokee you have access to an endless number of activities, attractions and adventures. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to try something new or your family needs a more kid-friendly activity, you're sure to find something for everyone. Cherokee KOA is a great base camp to enjoy a Smoky Mountain vacation. We'll put you up close to all the action:

  • Enjoy a scenic drive of the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Take a trip over to the Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
  • Visit the local artisan shops
  • Try out an exciting new adventure like white water rafting or tubing
  • Head to one of the area's numerous hiking trails
  • And many more attractions in Cherokee, NC

Plus, we're just one hour from the world-class attractions found in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. These cities are known for their family-friendly attractions like Dollywood. We're also an hour east of Asheville, NC, and the luxurious Biltmore House and Gardens. There are also numerous museums located in Bryson City, only 30 minutes from our campground.

Staying in Cherokee, NC Means the Perfect Combo of Camping and Fishing
Whether you're a pro fisher looking for new challenges or an amateur who's just picking up a rod and reel, Cherokee, NC is an angler's paradise. In Cherokee, we're passionate about fishing. Cherokee has a 30-mile clear, clean and beautiful stream system that's always stocked with an array of trout. Plus, around every bend is another jaw-droppingly beautiful fishing spot. There are more than 40 shops throughout town, which can provide you with authorized fishing permits. Plus, area tackle shops can outfit you with novice or expert gear if you don't have your own. We've also put together a fishing guide for you if you're planning to fish during your stay!If you want to do a little trout fishing during your vacation, you do not have to look any farther than our cozy campground. KOA Cherokee campground is bordered on one side by the serene Raven Fork River and on the other side by three tribal trout ponds. Bring your rod and reel for some great fishing! Our fishing spots are the perfect locations to introduce your kids to this peaceful and fun-filled pastime. If you're an avid angler, be sure to plan your camping trip around one of the local fishing tournaments or contests. You might find yourself bringing home more than just the catch of the day.Book your stay at KOA Cherokee so that you can take full advantage of this East Coast fishing destination.Explore the Heart of Cherokee Tribal Country
A trip to Cherokee, NC, wouldn't be complete without exploring this area's rich Native American history. Cherokee is the ancestral home of the Cherokee people. In fact, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians still reside here. The area boasts 11,000 years of history and culture just waiting to be discovered by you and your family. Be sure to explore Cherokee's one-of-a-kind attractions, such as:


Special Campground Amenities You'll Love at the Cherokee KOA
Trying to find the perfect place to stay during your family vacation can be challenging. After all, it's the details that make a getaway memorable, so you need a place that has something for everyone. Fortunately, there are endless things to do at Cherokee KOA campground! We strive to provide you with experiences guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime. Your kids can burn off their abundance of vacation energy, and parents will get the time they need to relax and release the stress of everyday life. You don't even need to leave our campground to find great amenities such as:
  • Themed weekends
  • Indoor or outdoor pool and hot tubs
  • Playground
  • Outdoor movie theater
  • Bounce pillow
  • Game room
  • Kamp K9® off-leash dog park for your furry friend
  • And the Campfire Grill where you can grab a bite to eat

If that isn't enough, there are plenty of activities not far from the campground. Be sure to call our office to get your tickets in advance for exciting pursuits like:
  • Horseback riding
  • Tubing rentals
  • Zipline canopy tours
  • And whitewater rafting

Camping Sites Available at KOA in Cherokee, NC.
Whether you are just here for a few days with the kids or need space for a big group, we have plenty of ways to stay at Cherokee KOA:

RV Parks Near Cherokee, NC
If you're planning a road trip in your RV to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee KOA is the perfect place to drop in and stay a night or two or 10. Our RV park has all those big-rig friendly amenities that ensure your stay is as cozy and comfortable as possible. Pull-Thru and Back-In RV Sites make parking your RV a cinch. Our Deluxe RV Sites have cozy fire pits and full hookups, including water and 50/30 amp plugs to get your rig up to full power. Even our standard RV Sites have water and electric hookups that will get you road ready and raring to go. 

Tent Camping in Cherokee, NC
To introduce your kids to the joys of camping, there's not a more beautiful or serene place in the country than Cherokee, NC. Tent camping is the more traditional way to escape into the great outdoors, and our Cherokee County campground has two excellent tent camping experiences to choose from. 

For those looking to rough it, our standard Tent Sites are nestled among the towering trees with a pad of grass you can call your own during your time with us. We also offer Deluxe Tent Sites, with water and electric hookups and a KOA PatioTM perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal. 

Smoky Mountains North Carolina Camping Cabins
If you love the idea of camping but hate to leave all your creature comforts behind, Camping Cabins give you the best of both worlds. Our rustic log cabins don't have bathrooms, but they do include a roof over your head and a cozy bed where you can rest after a day of adventuring in Cherokee, NC. Deluxe Cabins are perfect for family getaways and include kitchens where you can rustle up some grub. Their full bathrooms are a great option for those who don't like the idea of communal commodes. 

Book Your Stay Today at Cherokee KOA
Each of our campsites at Cherokee KOA offers campers lovely sites with beautiful views, a convenient location and friendly service. Book Your Stay Today at Cherokee KOA. We would love to be a part of your family vacation here in lovely Cherokee, NC, so book your campsite today. If you love the Smokies, make sure you extend your trip to our other Smoky Mountain properties at Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Holiday or Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday.

User Reviews

Mary Ann Medeiros

November 02, 2025

Great campground! Staff were helpful in recommending areas of interest. Clean and well maintained. Bonus: indoor pool during cool weather! My dog loved his private dog park. We loved the fire pit with bench and table and chairs (much nicer than a basic picnic table! Stayed at many KOA’s and this was one of the best!

Casey Brown

October 26, 2025

We love this campground. It’s family friendly, the staff is excellent, and the campground maintenance is kept up and grounds in excellent condition. Plenty of activities for all ages and it’s peaceful at the same time. We arrived late on Thursday night and Brandon caught us coming in and was so kind to guide us to our spot even though it was after hours. Highly recommend. I can’t comment on the rooms as we stayed in a camper site.

Erik Scherer

October 12, 2025

Overall I had a great experience and that's why I'm leaving a five-star review. Great staff, amazing location, and right on the water which is beautiful. I will make some comments below about the cabin I stayed in but if you don't care about that just ignore. I rented a cabin right on the river which was awesome for sure. Had my own porch and grill. But the cabin itself was filthy, I walked in and it smelled of dog and I could see that there was some leftover dog food ground into the floor. I also found some dog fur and the refrigerator wasn't very clean. I tried to call but it was after hours and since I was only staying two nights I decided to just live with it, I spent most of the day traveling the area so wasn't really a big deal. But hopefully for the future they clean the cabins a lot better between guests.

Amanda Leigh

October 09, 2025

Just got home from here today. The ladies in the office/store are Amazing! However, there should he a minimum of 3 ppl in there so someone is available to help with ringing up products bought and fishing license while the others are checking people in and handling all rentals. The campsites are roomy, and roads are wide for 2 way traffic,love that! The cabins need a lot of work. The windows in mine were disgusting and others there with cabins were complaining of bugs,mold, and filth. Screens broke on doors, broken blinds, spider webs,no pathway lighting for the front cabins with shared decks. I saw 2 carts of cleaning ladies run up the road ONE time while I was there for a total of 3 days. And they weren't gone long enough to clean anything before coming back thru and disappearing into the dumps toward the back of the campground that people live in. This property is beautiful, there is so much for kids to enjoy, and the entire place has so much potential if managed right. I'm not sure why the cabin cleanliness hasn't been addressed when I've noticed people have been complaining of this for the past few years in reviews. My grandkids love it here, so I will return hoping for better but I'll bring my cleaning supplies just in case.

Demi Noren

August 06, 2025

** Great Campground, But Cabin 223 Was a Health Hazard** We just got back from a stay at this KOA. The campground itself is absolutely beautiful and well-maintained. The activities for kids were fantastic, our family loved the bounce pillow and safe biking areas. The river access was a huge plus, perfect for the kids to fish and explore. It’s a great spot for families looking to enjoy nature and stay active. Unfortunately, our experience in cabin 223 was extremely disappointing. The cabin was filthy. There was visible mold in the shower, on the curtain, behind the kitchen sink, and even inside the provided shampoo and conditioner dispensers (which still had very old product in them). Thick dust covered the blinds, ceiling fan, and walls. The bed had a huge dip in the middle, making it extremely uncomfortable to sleep on. We were shocked by the lack of cleanliness, especially considering the otherwise high standards of the campground. It’s clear the cabin had not been properly cleaned or maintained in quite some time. We would absolutely return to this KOA for the activities and the beautiful setting, but we will never stay in those cabins again unless we know they’ve had a serious improvement in cleanliness and upkeep.

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