Gateway to the Smokies
Hosted by Michael · Whittier, North Carolina
2 units · RV, Tent · 2 acres
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Within a 30-minute drive from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
from
$35
/ night2 sites
Select a unit
Filter by
Tent pitches
1 unit
#1 Creekside (tents only)
92%
(70)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Picnic table
from
for NaN guests$35
/ nightMotorhome/tent pitches
1 unit
High demandInstant book
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
95%
(91)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
from
for NaN guests$45
/ nightfrom
$35
/ night2 sites
Reviews
94% Recommend247 Ratings · 141 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Well maintained and easy to find spot with directions provided by host. Campsite is also extremely close to many different activities and stores/gas stations. The street noise and light pollution are definitely a huge downside if are looking for a peaceful campsite in the woods or the chance to see any stars. I woke up multiple different times during the night su
C
Caitlin C.
3 reviews
Mixed feelings
· November 2025
Tent · With pets ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
All in all it is a great campsite. The site was clean and fit our needs perfectly. I unfortunately did not anticipate the road noise to be so bad as well as light pollution from the Dollar general across the road.
Kyle H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Michael’s Hipcamp was perfect for our weekend of hiking in the Smokies. We had a beautiful spot to put our tent with plenty of privacy. The fire ring was great for our needs, and we loved the thoughtfulness of the grill, even though we didn’t use it. I’m always happy when there is a picnic table at a tent site, so having one was definitely a bonus:). We did hear traffic because it is close to the highway, but it didn’t bother us. (Also, it doesn’t “feel” like you are close to the highway.) Overall, this was a very good Hipcamp experience and we recommend!!
A
Amy O.
3 reviews
Michael came through for me for a last minute request on my impromptu road trip! The spot was perfect for what I needed - a convenient and affordable spot to put my tent and get a good sleep. The tent pad was level and comfortable and 2 picnic tables let me spread out my stuff. I will say the site is right off the highway but I'm a sound sleeper and it didn't bother me. The sound of the creek was nice.
M
Megan S.
1 month on Hipcamp
Great space for camping! It is right off the road so there is some traffic noise but the stars were incredible!
S
Savannah B.
2 reviews
Tent camping for 2 nights. Great elevated spot, perfect for telescoping the night sky (amateur tip: the wee pre-dawn hours are best). Site is conveniently located to all the area has to offer with plenty of space to camp or glamp. Michael was a great host as well. Site was very well groomed and comfortable. My son and I had a great time!
B
Billy Y.
4 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· October 2025
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
spot was pretty but right next to the highway with very little to dampen the sound or headlights
M
Mackenzie M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
We had an amazing time! Would definitely stay again!
S
Shawn J.
4 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
6 m campervan ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Great private spot. Convenient location which was right on the way for our adventures. The grassy camp spot was surrounded by forest and felt nice and secluded aside from the road noise nearby.
S
Stephanie P.
9 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
Overall, it’s a great spot! It’s a very pretty site with good shade and sun coverage. The creek was easily accessible, clean, and beautiful to listen to. The tent pad was large enough for 2 2-person and 1 3-person backpacking tents. The port-a-potty was incredibly clean and a nice included feature. We also loved using the picnic table. Sure, there was some road noise but we expected that going in (especially on Labor Day weekend).
L
Lynnae B.
5 reviews
We had a great time at Michael’s #2 Hilltop site. The open, grassy area was perfect for our two children and dog to run around and play. Michael was very helpful and quick to respond to my messages. The only thing to consider is the highway being so close to the site. Other than that, I would highly recommend this site.
Samantha H.
7 months on Hipcamp
We loved the amount of room we had for our RTTs. The fire pit was nice, many of the gas stations in the area have wood bundles if you need it. Great spot if you are hiking or in and out for other activities because its close to the road, downside is the road noise. The spots are still somewhat private. Cant see from the road or other site. Porta-jon was down the hill from our site and the path is slick when it rains. Would consider using camp toilet if we stayed here again just to avoid slipping.
T
Trinia D.
6 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
The site was great and the host was very accommodating. We were driving up Friday night from Atlanta and hadn’t decided on a spot yet. We found this place on the way up sent the request to book it and he responded right away and was very helpful with answering questions and giving us the info to access the property. Will definitely book again!
A
Asa M.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
7 m campervan · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Very nice area. Close to town. Would definitely stay again.
T
Tim M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With kids ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
Really pretty spot. Nice amount of shade all day to keep cool wen u want to. Also plenty of sunshine and privacy if u want to lay out. Creek is right there if u wana cool ur toes off. Dollar General 2 min away if u need supplies.
K
Killer G.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
3 m Class B ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Directions were super clear and helpful. Site was very clean and well-maintained. There is some road noise but it didn’t interfere with sleep at all. This was a much more enjoyable option than any campground. Will return!
A
Amanda C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Awesome spot :) we ended up taking the hill because the river was booked and loved it. I'm actually glad we ended up there because you get a bit more privacy and a giant field all to yourself
Also: unrelated, but don't try going down the Tuck in a flatwater kayak 😂
D
Dylan S.
8 months on Hipcamp
Another wonderful stay and wonderful year!! Like I’ve said before, do not let the closeness to the road deter you from booking. It gets extremely quiet at night and the creek is so serene. We are planning to come back already!
A
Alexandria B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
4 m Class C · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
We loved how open it was and had a nice bit of shade too. The outhouse was clean and it was nice to have the stream right there. The whole area was clean. I did have a hard time finding the road at first but it was super convenient to go to both Bryson or Cherokee and Smoky Mountains. Thank you
S
Sue S.
6 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
This creekside tent site was a good one night stopover on our way to the Smoky Mountains. Site was as described, and the creek was a nice place to soak your feet and cool off.
A
Angela B.
8 months on Hipcamp
Beautiful camping sites and well maintained. Even though it is close to the highway it is very secluded and quiet. Michael was an outstanding host, and we really enjoyed our time at his sites. The creek was a huge plus!
T
Tami H.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
4 m travel trailer · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
We stayed here for a couple nights and we loved being off the main highway that takes you into Cherokee. Very secluded and big open site on the top of the hill. Does get a little bit of road noise but nothing too crazy. Will definitely hit it up again when back in the area
Middaugh O.
7 reviews
Mixed feelings
· April 2025
Nature Meets Convenience: Pleasant
5 m campervan ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
We recently stayed here in a campervan (RAM Promaster 3500) and overall, it was a pretty good experience! The area was clean, and the host was friendly and really helpful. The natural surroundings were beautiful, making it a great spot and not too far from nice outdoor activities (we went paddle boarding at a lake 20-minutes away).
However, I was surprised by how close it was to bright lights and busy traffic, which made it a bit noisy in the evening. If you’re looking for a true escape into nature, this might not be the ideal spot.
That said, if you don’t mind a little noise and lights, it’s a nice place to camp. I’d recommend it for those who enjoy a mix of nature and convenience!
Jason S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
Great location right by a flowing stream. I thought the highway right next door would be too loud but the water drowned out almost all of the noise. The site is great! The lights from the Dollar General across the road were pretty bright but I would imagine in the summer and fall that won’t be a problem.
A
Abby F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Did some car camping and my friends were tent camping, overall we enjoyed the property. Plenty of woods to collect dead wood from for fires and a nice cold creek at the bottom of the hill to soak your feet in and relax. Not far from the Smoky Mountains and a quick drive to all the nearby towns.
T
Trevor T.
4 reviews
Mixed feelings
· April 2025
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
Overall good experience. Unfortunately the road is very close and louder than expected. The sounds of the creek was nice when the traffic was low.
A
Aicha S.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
5 m car · With kids ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
We stayed here on a trip to the Smokey’s. The land is well kept, private, and only a few minutes from the park. The highway is nearby so you’ll get the vehicle noise and lights from businesses. This will likely lessen during full foliage but never be absent. Either way we prefer the feeling of our own camp site rather than large campgrounds which this provided and we all slept fine.
J
John G.
4 reviews
False advertising!! Very disappointed and left a day early. If you’re looking for a camping experience outdoors ; this is NOT IT. Your approx 20 feet from a MAJOR highway. Cars and 18 wheelers driving by constantly. No sounds of outdoor at all. The campsite is lit up til way after 11PM from the dollar general right across the road. Way too close to town and businesses go NOT at least provide power to “campers”. Wouldn’t call this a “camp site” at all. Not secluded. Not private at all. 10/10 would not recommend.. it felt like we pulled over beside I40 and made camp.
K
Kathy S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
It was a neat expierence. Super Easy access to the place and was easy to find. Dollar general and a gas station was a super short walk away. The only downside was being so close to the main hwy, but I knew beforehand it would be loud. Michael is very responsive answered any questions I had. I was able to fit 2, 3 person tents and 1, 2 person tent inside the square. With room for another to fit.
S
Samuel C.
1 year on Hipcamp
I loved my stay at this site Michael was very accommidating and attentive , he is very knowledgeable in the area as far as things to do . He told me about The Smokie Mountain Railroad a 4 and half hour ride through the mountains it was amazing it capped off a great week .
Overall it was a great experience.
A
Alfred C.
4 years on Hipcamp
Location
Whittier, Jackson County, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Michael G.
Joined in September 2019Response rate: 100%
Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
Campers also viewed...
Popular searches in North Carolina
- Whittier
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.