Indian Creek Campground — Hotel in Big Cove Community

My family and I have been staying here for the past 3 or so years and have really enjoyed it. This year me (the great aunt), my sister (nana), our mom (the great grandmother) and the little 9yr old Birthday Girl came back here for our family tradition camp, in the same campsite we had the last time we camped with our dad/husband/Great Grandfather while he was still with us. We lost him this last yr and this was supposed to be a fun together time for us but instead it turned out to be an uncomfortable and kinda scared by the host guy. 1st morning we were there me and my sis were preparing to cook breakfast and I got in my car to warm my back up cause it was hurting, a slow sad song that my dad like came on and I turned the radio up and rolled down the window for not even a minute so my sis could hear it and rolled my window back up and radio back down. Next thing I knew a man was beating on my window and yelled for me to turn the radio down, I did what he asked and didn't back talk or anything but was confused because its was like 930am and I didnt have a neighbor to one side of me and the other neighbor was between me and the office and they had already talked to us and everything. Him asking me to turn it down after it was already turned down wasnt the problem about 10mins after this happened he went on his FB and just bashed me talking like we were having a kegger listening to Slayer at 7AM and I have never seen a adult camphost act like this before. We stayed our next 2 nights with no complaints or anything and I never said anything until the day I checked out cause my mom is handicapped elderly lady who just lost her husband of 54yrs and I had everything set up for her and couldn't get removed or anything but the rest of our stay he watched us from his porch with his arms crossed and drove his cart by and thru our site in the AM when he thought we were still asleep. Frankly I was scared of how he was acting. Now before he approached me the 1st morning, the night before my sister and mom were down about 2 campsites and were talking to this Army Veteran lady who had a support dog and she had been camping here for 6yrs but she said she wasnt coming back because this same guy was harassing her over her support dog and she said he had gotten rude and scary with her and he actually drove by when my sister and mom were talking with her and her daughters. I personally think he targeted our campsite because he seen them talking with her and after he said something that morning to me he rushed to his internet and started bashing and saying untruthful things and when I confronted him on line he deleted my comments and blocked my whole family and that lady so nobody can hear what really happened. This is a beautiful campground but I suggest to go somewhere else unless you like to be stalked, stared at, your site being driven thru while your supposed to be asleep, being monitored who you befriend or talk too and being just overall bullied by this camphost who acts like it's his prison instead of a family loving campground.... I just feel like he is an unsafe person to be around and I feel if you do ever get in confrontation with him it would get ugly. There are many more beautiful campgrounds in the area..... I camp out every week here in the Smokies at different campgrounds and I have never left a bad review anywhere but this camphost just was plain out right scary and...

I was one of the campers waiting at the office door Saturday morning because of the inconsiderate and unskilled manner in which the offensive party arrived at 11:50pm last Friday night. The multitude of repeated attempts to back in a camp trailer with an obnoxiously loud diesel truck proves they have no business pulling a relatively small camp trailer since it was such a challenge to get it into the available space, nor did they ever bother to address the unnecessary and excessive loud talking and disturbing noise levels of the kids in the party; the kids are teens and should have known better or been reminded but that was never a consideration by the supposed adults in the party. The loud noises to level the camp trailer were extremely disrespectful and were a direct violation of the rules they agreed to (as we all did) when they originally made their reservation. After being tortured for well over an hour, I came out at 1:45am only to continue to hear what continued to sound like a loud party. The guy made a half-hearted apology the next morning ("Hey, sorry about last night man."), which he likely expected to satisfy the situation while he apparently believed he was entitled to do whatever he wants without consequences with no true effort to ever be considerate or neighborly.

Here's the truth about this campground. This was our first visit (definitely not going to be our last!!) and our first impression was that of amazing since everything was so well-kept and looked as if nobody had camped in our spot for a long time (14A, one of the most popular sites). I even attempted to find small pieces of trash or improperly discarded cigarette butts on the grounds, but I couldn't find any anywhere. Andy does such a great job caring for the grounds and his dedicated efforts are genuinely appreciated. We didn't have the opportunity to meet the entire staff, but are appreciative of them as well. While I didn't want to report rude and callous neighboring campers who apparently have no knowledge or concept of camping etiquette, they left me no choice. Jon (owner) was extremely understanding and apologetic with exemplary follow-up throughout the weekend. His delightful wife was engaging and just as understanding and accommodating. It's sad that there are those like the offensive party who put themselves above all others and openly display such inconsiderate behavior, hopefully they'll take this experience as a learning moment but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

I read other reviews that complained about not having wifi throughout the campgrounds, but camping shouldn't be about being online yet wifi access is readily available near the pavilion if needed. Others said the sites were too close together, but camping used to always be about being neighborly and it should remain that way; unfortunately some people don't agree and yet it's also certainly acceptable to desire privacy, basic camping etiquette yields to others.

This is a beautiful campground with owners who genuinely strive to make the experience as enjoyable as possible despite those who ignore the rules or decide the rules don't apply to them. If you're considering camping here, come up and enjoy yourself and the splendor of the location...you'll be...

We have been coming to this campground for over 20 years. Each year, my family invests thousands of dollars here during our annual trip by reserving 5+ cabins and RV sites. Unfortunately, after our most recent experience, we will no longer be returning.

In recent years, the campground has come under new management. Since the owners cannot officially “own” the land due to Cherokee tribal rules, they have left day-to-day operations in the hands of inexperienced family members while they focus on establishing another campground in Bryson City. Sadly, the quality has declined drastically under this arrangement.

The cabins, bathrooms, laundry room, and overall grounds were in the worst condition we have ever seen. Multiple complaints were made during our stay, and while we were told the owner would arrive later in the week, no issues were addressed when he finally showed up. Instead of taking responsibility or even checking on the cabins, he quickly left again, leaving customers feeling unheard and dismissed. The sudden scramble by staff to clean only right before his arrival made it clear that our concerns were not taken seriously. This level of customer service is unacceptable—especially for loyal guests who have supported this campground for decades.

Issues with the cabins included: • Cabins not being properly cleaned. Floors appeared not to have been mopped in over a year, and cleaning seemed to be left to very young, inexperienced staff. • In Cabin 26, a mouse got into all the food. When reported, staff simply said mice are “common in rustic cabins.” The air conditioning unit was also leaking and there was black mold all down the interior wall. • In Cabin 28, the oven did not work the entire week, and the sink leaked water all over the living room floor. • In Cabin 49, the AC unit had mold inches deep inside, which our group had to clean out ourselves after staff showed no concern.

After 20+ years of loyalty and countless memories made here, it is extremely disappointing to see the campground fall to this level. Until management takes responsibility and invests in proper upkeep, staffing, and guest satisfaction, we cannot recommend this campground to anyone.

We truly hope the owners recognize the value of long-term loyal customers and take immediate steps to restore this campground to the welcoming, well-maintained place it once was. Sadly, we will be taking our business—and our annual family tradition—elsewhere, just as you all...