- Cherokee
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Within a 30-minute drive from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
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RV/tent sites (dispersed)
1 site
High demandInstant book
Dogwood Daze
87%
(93)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
87% Recommend93 ratings · 75 reviews
I had a purely positive experience at Dogwood Daze. I initially booked one night while I was moving across the country in my little honda civic. I found the site as well as the nearby town and nature so welcoming and relaxing I decided to stay an extra night before moving onto the next leg of my long roadtrip.
Lisa was so personable and welcoming, she even jumpstarted my cars battery after it died and recommended a local autoparts shop to get a replacement (which was long overdue).
Sure the neighbor's dogs bark alot, but as a dog owner myself its pretty easy to tune out. Plus her dogs were so friendly and playful with my older dog Indie, I could tell it was his favorite stop in our two week long trip. Indie got to shake out all his stiffness from sitting in the car and romped around all morning with his new friends off leash.
I saw some reviews saying how the campsites were not flat, which is technically true, but two of the sites are nearly flat and once I set up with my tent and sleeping pad I couldn't feel any incline at all.
Besides staying with my best friend in his apartment in Atlanta, this was the most restful camp stop I made in my trip from west coast to east.
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Rodrigo T.
1 month on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· April 2026
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
Hosts are nice, but there is really only one, truly flat tent camping spot. Hound dogs at the neighbors are loud.
That said can’t beat the price.
C
Chris S.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
Can’t be beat for the price and close proximity to the park! I felt safe, the spot where I slept was flat and peaceful. Lisa is the kindest host and I’m so happy I chose to stay on her land! Thanks Lisa!
Ally E.
2 reviews
The land was clean, well kept, and spacious. The portapotty was clean which was a happy surprise! There were PLENTY of lovely trees for hammocks which made the stargazing even more phenomenal. The fire pit was helpful and there was plenty of good wood to use. There are also multiple fire pits so don’t worry you won’t have to share! The hosts were amazing! They even helped us start a fire when we were struggling (ask her about the dragon’s breath). As three solo female campers, we felt very safe and protected to camp outside. Check out their trail!! Perfect for night time walks :) 10/10 HIGHLY recommend!
K
Kathryn S.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
16 ft car ·
Dogwood Daze
Simple and easy to find, great place to stop in and rest for the night
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Riley W.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
15 ft campervan ·
Dogwood Daze
Perfect for what I needed. Just a place to camp for the night on the longer trip.
R
Rob C.
9 reviews
Overall, it was a rough one. Dogs in the same property were barking all through the night, pretty much non stop. My dog was a bit uneasy about it. Neither I or the other campers got much sleep at all. Fishbowl effect a bit unnervy. Cool scenery though. Wandering Great Dane woulda been nice to know about beforehand
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Chase C.
5 reviews
The host communicated well in advance. When we arrived at the location, it was very hard to find a flat spot. Most of the land is a slight decline that poses enough of an issue when sleeping in a tent. The firepit was also the same. A picnic table was provided but due to the grade of the land all parties had to stand up from the table when someone left as to not tip the table was over. We had our laughs about it. The portapotty needs some cleaning maintenance. The biggest issue was the dogs in the nearby homes. They barked nonstop during the day and at night. It sounded like 6 hound dogs in one area barking for hours in the middle of the night. This was just one set of dogs. Lots of dogs barked all day and all night. We were extremely tired due to lack of sleep. I will say that this was not the owner’s dogs so I don’t know what they could have done about it. However, owners did let dogs out at night at dinner time, so you did have to watch your food you were cooking. Don’t get me wrong. We are dog lovers but the noise was insane. The setting and experience in general was an obstacle and definitely not one with nature and quietness. I found myself apologizing to my family more than once for my choice.
Carisa M.
10 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
Nice spot to set up a tent even with a last minute booking. Good parking and access to facilities.
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Max H.
3 years on Hipcamp
I enjoyed camping on this property .The price and location are a big plus . The water pump works great . The fire wood burns well . The dogs and neighborhood were charming . The sloped lot makes setting up a tent a challenge so do it carefully . The shower stall was a great place to use my buckets of water to wash myself . It might work sometimes ?
E
Eric K.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· June 2025
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
The whole site was on a hill that made our sleeping bags shift towards the end of the tent anytime we adjusted. There were dogs barking all night and then their roosters crowed in the early morning. The pit toilet was on the cleaner side and the water was good too.
J
James N.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
The owners were personable and the site was neat and clean. Nice having the shower available.
G
Garry B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
11 ft campervan ·
Dogwood Daze
Dogwood Daze was a beautiful spot to stay in our truck camper for the night! We live in rural Appalachia so we felt right at home with the roosters crowing in the morning. If you're not used to it, bring earplugs! Had everything we needed for a great price.
Peter M.
4 reviews
Amazing spot! Excellent location and amenities. Thankful for the safe parking, outhouse and shower availability, fire pit and nice stretch of land to relax on. Would absolutely recommend this for any campervan or tent traveler!
J
John T.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
The hosts are lovely people! The property is nice and big and their animals are too cute. Plenty of free firewood too!
Kailey G.
3 reviews
It's a little tricky to find your way to the actual site, especially after dark, but if you follow the signs and the pictures she's posted on HipCamp, you shouldn't struggle much.
I parked at the edge of the embankment in the flattest area I could find (near the large tree once you first enter the open area of the driveway). There are nice views, but you're also somewhat between many distant dwellings. For me, this is no issue. The people who live here never stared long or bothered me in any way. I adventured during most of the morning and day and returned in the evening to relax and sleep.
They offer free firewood and a nice campfire area, with a grill and picnic table. There's also a shower house (closed when it's too cold), an outhouse, and a garbage can. I will stay here again if I return to the area.
Marcus B.
8 reviews
This was an absolutely beautiful camping spot! There were not a lot of flat places but that is to be expected for camping in the mountains. This is a REALLY good deal, especially as someone from out of town who doesn't have a lot of money but still wants a safe place to land. I was passing through late at night and Lisa was a prompt and a friendly communicator, even though I booked very last minute. It's a privilege to be hosted in Appalachia. Thanks for having me <3
S
Storm W.
13 reviews
Mixed feelings
· September 2024
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
It was a lil hard to find, a sign pointing to the right spot would’ve helped. Ended up on someone else’s property. It was extremely peaceful once we got to the right spot
Brennon C.
3 reviews
It’s got everything you need! Peaceful and Appalachian country. Lisa was a great host! Advising and answering any questions you may have. I’ve read reviews complaining about spots not bring flat. Well ya’ll, it’s in the mountains… place your heads in the direction of the incline, you’ll sleep A OK. Roosters in the morning are absolutely faint and pleasant. Solar shower was refreshing. If you are an experienced camper, looking for a sweet spot by surround trails/parks, this is for you! Can’t beat the price! Would stay again. If spacious and you aren’t crowded up in the RV parks. Again, if you are looking for everything under the sun, just rent a room. Side note: if you go to the National Park lookouts and complain about their compost bathrooms, go home. Appalachia is beautiful and so are the locals. Respect it. Thanks Lisa! Pup friendly as well.
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Je'cee B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
Great spot, super convenient for the national park nearby! Arrived in the dark, not hard to find at all if you follow the directions! Camped during a thunderstorm and the stay was still great!
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Erin D.
24 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
16 ft car ·
Dogwood Daze
It's a great place to stay and relax, the family is warm and welcoming
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Michael M.
16 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
I enjoyed the campgrounds and would go back. Lisa's property is in a beautiful place and her and her mate were very helpful and even came and got us when we were lost
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Rick M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
As two women traveling alone with their dog, we felt pretty safe here. Directions were precise and location was easy to find. If you know how to properly set up your tent and position your bedding on a slight incline, then you'll do just fine. If you don't know how to drive your car up a slight inclined gravel road, you may find yourself having some difficulties. Also, if you expect 100% silence then this properly isn't the best place for you. Living in the county, I'm used to all farm animal sounds and barking dogs (the morning symphony of roosters and dogs is the norm for us). Plenty of wood was available for use. There is a solar shower, but we didn't use it since we didn't stay long (and we left out earlier than planned the following morning since I experienced a heatstroke from hiking in another area - we made sure to let host know why we were late getting back to camp so they wouldn't worry). If we're ever in the area again, we'll definitely stay.
Laura G.
6 reviews
Mixed feelings
· June 2024
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
A nice place with nice people but as others have said, there’s no flat ground.
John E.
10 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
Directions and check-in instructions were very clear! We had a great stay and felt very welcome and comfortable. There were lots of bugs so bring your bugspray!
Gabrielle B.
6 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
14 ft pop-up camper ·
Dogwood Daze
Exactly what you should expect for a cheap place in rural Appalachia. Nice people. Left me alone. Good spots.
If you pronounce it “App a lay cha” it’s probably not for you. If you say “App a la cha” it’s probably right up your alley.
Evan B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· December 2023
Tent ·
Dogwood Daze
Lisa is a joy, great at communicating and so accommodating. Plus the spot is perfect!
K
Kaia T.
2 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· December 2023
15 ft pop-up camper ·
Dogwood Daze
Poor signage. Loud dogs, spotlights from surrounding houses. No level ground. Tight turnaround.
M
Michael R.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2023
16 ft car ·
Dogwood Daze
Lisa was so kind and thoughtful! The temperatures dropped to the 20s during my stay. Lisa reached out to check on me and offered me extra blankets and the opportunity to sleep in one of the empty campers on her site so I couod stay warm.
She is extremely hospitable and her space is the perfect location to access the Smokies and the surrounding towns. For the price, you can't beat the location or the offered amenities.
I would highly recommend and would certainly stay at Dogwood Daze again :)
M
Melissa W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Like others have said it is hilly but you are in the mountains and the dogs did bark upon arrival. Even with that it was a clean and quiet place to stay overnight. Water is available along with a porta pot and a solar shower. She offers games to loan and offers a “honor system” snack and drinks. Would stay again while traveling through.
P
Pam S.
3 reviews
Location
Cherokee, Jackson, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Lisa J.
Joined in July 2021Things to do nearby
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