Located about six miles north of the Cherokee, NC, entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this 142-site campground stretches out for about a quarter-mile along both banks of the of the clear, mountain-fed Bradley Fork River.
We arrived mid-afternoon on a Friday at the end of April and were surprised that we could find a private site directly on the river.
What surprised us even more -- given that the national park itself was quite crowded on this Friday -- was that the campground did not fill up. My guess is that no more than one-third of the sites were occupied, and even streamside campsites remained the next morning.
Individual sites in Smokemont are spaced 75 to 100 feet apart, lending plenty of privacy. We stayed in a loop designed for motorhomes and RVs. It had paved, level driveways, which are always appreciated when you're traveling with an RV.
After settling in, we took a late-afternoon walk along one of the many hiking trails adjacent to the campground. Our walk took us through stands of tall white pines, rhododendrons and mountain laurels. We had the trail to ourselves even though we were within a quarter-mile of the campground.
Smokemont's bathrooms have flush toilets and wash sinks for dishes. RV'ers will find a dump station, but no electric hookups. Cellphones don't work, and there was no TV reception. So aside from being shut off from the outside world (or maybe because of it) it doesn't get much better than this.
Smokemont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Map & Address:
Route 441,
Cherokee, NC 28719
Amenities:
Number of Sites: 142
Dump Station
Cellphones didn't work here when we visited this facility
Operating Season:
Year-round
Description of Sites:
Sites are level and are spread among three loops, all of which are directly adjacent to the Bradley Fork River. One of the loops is reserved for campers and motorhomes.
Nearby Attractions:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park; The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village and Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, located in Cherokee, NC, provide cultural and historical information about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Weather Report
Forecast for
Cherokee, North Carolina: Dated: 327 AM EST TUE DEC 02 2008Expires: 615 PM EST TUE DEC 02 2008
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Hi: 35°F Lo: 21°F
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Pop: 20%
Pop: 70%
Current Conditions at nearby: Franklin/Macon County Airport, NC Updated: 241 AM EST TUE DEC 2 2008
Campgrounds Guide 
