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FLfamily's avatar
FLfamily
Explorer
Dec 31, 2013

Need Help Choosing NC Campground Near Mountains

I know there's a thread going about Boone, NC and I've read through it and researched, but I'm still unsure. We usually go to the Smokies in TN but next year we want to try NC (and Townsend KOA is booked the week we want). We've never been to NC and the Blue Ridge mountains so I'm pretty clueless about where to stay, but I thought someone here might be able to steer me in the right direction.

We don't necessarily want to be up in the mountain, but more at the base (like at Townsend, TN) so that we don't have to drive the motorhome up the mountain.
We like paved sites with full hookups (premium sites I suppose). On a river would be nice.
Within 30 minutes (preferably) to get to hiking trails, falls, sight seeing destinations, places like Grandfather Mt., etc.
Within 30 minutes to restaurants, we were able to drive to Gatlinburg or Pigeon for dinner from our Townsend location. So some place like that.
We don't have pets, so that's not an issue.

Mountain Stream looked like it was our type of campground but it looks too far away from hiking and mountain activities, although it's not too far from Ashville either which would provide restaurants. Does anyone have another suggestion?

Thanks!
Connie
  • FLfamily's avatar
    FLfamily
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    Something to think about, thanks! I'll take a look at Creekwood.
  • NCWriter's avatar
    NCWriter
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    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.

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