Smoky Mountain Campground — Hotel in Bryson City

We were heading into unknown territory again which is always exciting but also a bit concerning. One never knows what we could run into. The rains have been heavy and almost daily in the mountains of North Carolina this year. The good news is on our way to Smokey Mountain Campground we get to stop for a bit in the charming small town of Sylva, have a good cup of coffee and a late breakfast, and hit the road again for a 12PM check-in.

Upon arrival the tubing center was extremely busy and there was nowhere to park the truck and trailer in order to check-in, and no signs directing where to even go, or even where the campground was. (The cramped campground sits directly behind the general store.) Eventually the vehicles were moved out of the way and we maneuvered around them to our campsite near the end of a long tunnel-like road. Camping rigs and tow vehicles on either side made the road a one-lane stress-filled almost-disaster. Near the end of the road our site 37 appeared and immediately promised to be the worst choice we could have ever made as there was hardly any room even for a 19’ trailer, not to mention the truck. The neighbor’s sewer hookup and hose at site 38 ended up being right in front of our chairs under the awning where we generally sit and relax, and the picnic table was on the other side of our trailer next to the picnic table on site 36. I might add that our water hook-up, sewer, and electricity was so far away that it was obvious we’d be forced to dump our gray water on the way out Monday.

We had waited to take a shower until after we set up camp and that was also a terrible disappointment. Only one shower and one toilet was working in the dilapidating vintage men’s restroom. (The women’s shower and toilet room wasn’t much better.) The shower’s privacy doors couldn’t close or secure as the hardware had long ago been broken off. There were no hooks or hangers for your clothes and towel as they had been broken off too and never replaced. No stool or bench to set your clothes on either. The large square tiles were also falling off the wall and the entire place looked like the owners could care less. Plus the clientele was sketchy at best; young kids with adult-sized electric bikes careening back and forth on the cramped and busy gravel road, and rough and rowdy party people everywhere. This is such a crappy campground.

Summering in North Carolina forced us to stay in RV parks so we could have dependable WiFi as cell service is often spotty or non-existent in the mountains. This campground at least had working WiFi but for $54 a night we still felt fleeced and disrespected. This is by far the worst RV park we have ever camped in. It very well could be the worst campground of our entire eight-year sojourn into the world of camping.

Nearby Bryson City was also a disappointment. Basically a tourist trap with good ice cream. The restaurants leave a bit to be desired. There are only two small grocery stores. One is an IGA. Jim’s Produce on Hwy 19 is excellent however. The county museum downtown is free and is very good as well.

The Mountain Farm Museum is about a half-hour drive northwest and well worth the visit. However the nearby small village of Cherokee was not. The Indian Village museum there charges $25 per person so we left without looking. There are a couple good hiking trails and waterfalls in The Smoky Mountain National Park a couple miles north of the campground. If we hadn’t had four beautiful horses grazing in the pasture outside our back window our stay would have been intolerable. But those magnificent creatures made...

The location is great, just about 5 miles from Bryson City and the Deep Creek entrance to the National park is just steps from the campground. They are friendly and have raft rentals onsite. You can raft down Deep Creek which flows right behind the campground. They have campsites that are on the creek. So you can raft right to your site, a great plus especially if you have kids with you. Campground is one way in and one way out. ||||There is a Camp store onsite but small with older stock (DG and Ingles are not far away). It does have limited supplies. Apparently, operated as a separate enterprise. Surprised they did not have a much in the way of branded apparel or nick-knacks. Which we love to buy. || But it did have the basics. ||||Now the cons. First, Bath houses were clean but are small, in every way. No hooks in the shower area, which are tight. There is a typical plastic chair in each of the two stalls to place your shower items. The restroom portion is also very small and tight. Not sure they were ever really cleaned during our stay. Notice posted asked for everyone to help keep clean. The trash was not emptied and those needed necessities were not restocked stocked over a full holiday weekend but they worked. Gravel is lacking in the creekside sites, if it rains it will be muddy. So be prepared.||||Dust, oh and how much dust? A lot in our opinion. Guests nor staff in golf carts respected other campers to drive slow to prevent the dust storms. We had to stop and wash our rig on our way out. ||||A plus, there are Full Hook-ups 20/30/50 amp, Water, Cable are available and are on shorter pedestals as well as sewer connections. No dump station onsite that we are aware of. The national park is near by with a campground and dump station, not sure of the charge. WiFi is only at the campstore.||||Overall we had a great time. We did have friends with us who rented one of the available "cabins," which actually is a older mobile home which did have a great back porch looking over the creek. It needed a little TLC inside but functioned as needed for our visit.. ||||In the end this campground was a bit expensive for the offerings but we all decided we...

We had an absolutely incredible and unforgettable time at the breathtaking Smoky Mountain Campground in Bryson City! From the very moment we set foot on the grounds, we were warmly greeted by the amazing Zack, who exuded hospitality and genuine care. And as if that wasn't enough, the manager, the remarkable Mark, personally checked in on us to ensure we were settling in ok. The campground sites were immaculately maintained and beautiful. But what truly took our breath away was the enchanting symphony of the nearby water, its soothing sounds serenading us day and night. Oh, and let's not forget about the "General Store"! It was a true convenience to find every forgotten necessity waiting to be discovered. And the cherry on top? The extraordinary Zack went above and beyond to deliver firewood right to our site with a smile and a wave.

Under the new and visionary management, the campground has undergone a series of remarkable upgrades and renovations. Zak and Mark, the dynamic duo, were a true delight. Always approachable, they greeted our every request with enthusiasm and grace, ensuring our every need was met swiftly and with a smile.

Without a doubt, we wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend Smoky Mountain Campground in Bryson City to anyone seeking the ultimate escape. Its perfect location strikes the ideal balance, being conveniently close to everything while still offering a secluded and remote ambiance.

Prepare to be enchanted, amazed, and utterly captivated by the Smoky...