We will be in Cherokee a few days before and over Labor day weekend. Based on this forum recommendations were looking at Either River Valley or Happy Holiday CG's. River valley does not have a river site available which is what we wanted, also no wifi, which we can live w/o. Problem is there is not much to show on their website. Happy Holiday has a lot going on...maybe too much for us ( no kids, just 2 adults ) they have a Bluegrass gospel thing going on that weekend, which we a not really into. Looking for input if someone has been to both or another choice close to Cherokee. Thanks BTW we will be in Hickory Nut Falls CG and Rose Creek CG's (both for a few days) before getting to Cherokee

Recently stayed at River Valley.With a rainey stay, we were happy with not being on River side, due to muddy conditions. We were in the PAVED section, right on the end, where our door over-looked the River. Not sure if an end site can be reserved.There is a section of Paved sites when first pulling into the campground, then along the river sites, and then a section of more shaded not paved sites the back half.River Valley is outside of Cherokee about 3.5 miles on Big cove Dr (several other Campgrounds out that way and River Valley is the nicest in our opinion in that area). Easy drive back into Cherokee and to the Park, or Blueridge parkway.The campground is nestled down off the road, making a cool little nook right next to the river. Up-Keep was good, and we had no issues and will definitely use them again. All amenities worked, level sites, etc (did not visit the restrooms).....A short drive further down Big Cove is one of the bigger waterfalls in the area: Mingo Falls (a Little hike, to get to base of the falls, but well worth it).Pic of Mingo Falls in this recap:Smokey Mtn Trip PicsHave a great trip, it is a great area.MarkiemarkPS: Not sure if you are staying until the weekend after Labor Day, (use to be a big motorcycle ralley/get together in Cherokee that weekend) Also over the Mtn Gatlingburg/Pigeon Forge weekend after Labor day is Shades of the Past Street Rod show (one of the larger shows in the Southeast). Great if you like Hot Rod/Street Rod shows, BUT VERY CROWDED TRAFFIC JAM CITY!!!

We stayed at the KOA in Cherokee. It was very nice.

We stayed at KOA and enjoyed it.

We like River Valley because there is not a lot going on. Clean and quiet.

River Valley if you like quiet. There's been a LOT of rain in that area and creekside might be a problem with overflow and mud from the creek. Happy Holiday is nice too, but if you're into quiet and waterfalls go with River Valley.

Which to choose in Cherokee NC | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

campkrazy
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013
Just returned from Yogi in Cherokee. We stayed 9 days site 18 large river site. Its quite bc when you are on the river it drowns out all of the background noise. We.love it there woukd not stay any where else. They have wifi.
riven1950
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Thanks for all of the comments and info. We have decided to stay at River Valley which sounds like a quite place and also convenient to Cherokee. Not sure Labor Day is the weekend we want to spend at one of the busier CG's. Thanks again!
RoyB
Explorer II
Jul 26, 2013
Cherokee NC and on south up in the high country of NC is on our camp list as well...

Haven't been there in awhile now and more and more new places are now popping up. We actually haven't been to Cherokee since the Casinos opened up there except just passing through maybe.

Want to head on down into the NANTAHALA and PISGAH Natl Forest and do some camping off the power grid locations. PISGAH probably has the best getaways...

Used to run those roads several times a year in my working days running between here and Charleston SC but did not do any long term camping there... It seems all roads go through Gatlinburg for us no matter where we head out for...

Roy Ken
Markiemark32
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Pulled my pics of River Valley and posted a little review :B

Check It

Markiemark
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
We stayed one night at the KOA and it was very poorly run and no one was available to check us in. Sign said to call the posted number but no phone available and no cell coverage. Another rig came in and no one around. We had called and they told us when they would be leaving and we got there 1/2 hour before they were suppose to close. We couldn't use the WiFi because there wasn't anyone there to give us the password. They charged a resort fee and we had none of the benefits they advertised so my DW badgered them for a refund of the resort fee. Basically the place sucked.
jillianamaya
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
I have been to Happy Holiday CG and loved it but I couldn't compare as second one I never happened to visit. CG has awesome scenic beauty and golf course.
wbwood
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Stay at Yogi's place. It's on the river with sites on the river. Sort of a rustic area, but we really enjoyed it there and would go back.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2013
River Valley if you like quiet. There's been a LOT of rain in that area and creekside might be a problem with overflow and mud from the creek. Happy Holiday is nice too, but if you're into quiet and waterfalls go with River Valley.
Bob___Ann
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
We like River Valley because there is not a lot going on. Clean and quiet.
macsplinter
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
We stayed at KOA and enjoyed it.