We enjoyed Creekwood Farm RV Campground in Waynesville, NC in the Maggie Valley area twice last summer/fall and liked it a lot. We had never been to Great Smokey Mountain, NP. (You may have already seen enough of the park from your previous TN trips.)
We had a site by the creek both times and felt it was worth the upgrade. The region, especially around Cherokee, can be very busy and bustling in the summer with all kinds of activities and attractions, but this campground was a quieter oasis.
The pluses for me: Convenient to the major highways and a short drive to Great Smoky Mountain NP for the waterfalls, hikes, etc you described. Plenty of restaurants and shops in Maggie Valley and Waynesville. I especially liked walking along the Main Street area of Waynesville to Nick & Nates Pizza and small stores.
It is a half hour up the highway to Asheville which is a great city to visit, including the beautiful Biltmore House, worth a day by itself.
You already realize that Blue Ridge stretches many, many miles from Virginia on down. Grandfather Mountain and more NC areas are further north from Asheville. Others may have some favorites in the Boone/Blowing Rock area to suggest.
Then there's the VA part of the Blue Ridge. For example, Shenandoah National Park and Valley, and sites in the region, including the Charlottesville area and Monticello.
All of those mountain destinations are popular all summer into autumn leaf season, so you are smart to book early.
