Gateway to the Smokies
2 acres hosted by Michael G.
1 RV/tent site · 1 tent site
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.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Select a site
Filter by
Loading sites...
Reviews
94% Recommend228 ratings · 125 reviews
This campsite offers a mix of nature and convenience, with a nice creek to cool off in and close proximity to Cherokee and the Smoky Mountains. Campers appreciated the clean sites and friendly host, although some mentioned road noise and bright lights from nearby businesses as drawbacks. It's a well-maintained spot with the amenities you need, but those seeking a completely isolated nature experience might find the highway proximity less ideal. Despite the occasional noise, many found it a great base for exploration and relaxation.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
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.
2 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
14 ft 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.
4 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.
2 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.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
14 ft 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.
6 reviews
Mixed feelings
· April 2025
Nature Meets Convenience: Pleasant
17 ft 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.
2 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.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
16 ft 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.
3 years on Hipcamp
This was a scenic campsite. Unfortunately, it rained heavily the night i used it but it had all the amenities a camper needs. For ring, picnic table, grill. For me, it was sleep in Subaru night. No conditions to enjoy.
B
Brian M.
2 reviews
Great spot to see the surrounding cities. Very much tucked away but not far from the main road. Love the clean location, with easy access to local stores in case of midnight snack. Owner was quick to reply to any questions and very understanding.
I
Isaac M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Convenient location right by the highway, easy to get into Cherokee. Campsite number 1 was vacant, so had the place to myself. Nice flat area, easy to park the car. Accessible in my sedan for sure. Only real negative was the traffic noise, even late at night. You can also see lights from nearby businesses from the campsite.
L
L L.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Fantastic place to stay!! We will be back when we are in the area again!
S
Sarah S.
2 reviews
The site was really level, and the location made it the perfect base camp. Having a store nearby made camping a breeze. If you like camping in luxury, this place is for you.
Z
Zach C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
Views were good, had decent space for tent, and the walk is not far from the pitch site! Creek sounds and fire pit were great too!
J
Jessica B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Great location for my group of 5. Had plenty of space and the fire pit and grill were nice. Only downside is you can hear other cars at night as it’s near the highway, but otherwise it’s a great spot.
E
Evan L.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
16 ft car · With kids ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Very convenient but still private site. Would recommend.
Rob J.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
The site was as expected. Close to Cherokee and private but can hear some road noise. Host was most helpful and delivered firewood for since we were on motorcycles. Communication was quick and answered our questions. Portajon was ultra clean but had not been pumped for a while which made it undesirable. I would come back.
J
John C.
7 reviews
I had a great quick weekend stay in Cherokee. I stayed at site #2, located on the hilltop area of the property. The site was very flat and private, making it perfect for families needing space. The porta-potty was clean, although it was located on site #1. Michael provided clear directions and site information. The Fire Mountain bike trails are about 10-15 minutes away if you're interested. I would definitely return when in the area.
John G.
6 reviews
Not recommend
· August 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
We did not had a good experience as the camp was very close to highway and very noisy. Also it says it has toilet but it is very dirty. They do not have place to throw trash. Also do not step into the river next to camp.
D
Deep P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Great campsite near Cherokee! Only stayed a night, but would definitely stay longer in the future!
B
Ben B.
6 reviews
Great little spot! More room than you’ll ever need and flat ground for rv and rooftop tent campers!
S
Stephen S.
3 reviews
This was my 3rd stay here at Michael’s creekside tent location. My daughter and I had a great time again! She loves being able to have a private spot in the creek and I loved relaxing to the sound of it.
Tamra P.
2 reviews
Second time staying here, believe I will make it an annual occurrence well worth a couple of hour drive for such a secluded spot. Although secluded is is very close to a dollar general, gas station, and most importantly one of those store for adult beverages. Perfectly flat spot, tons of room to set up and relax. Everytime I’ve gotten the urge to go trout fish in Cherokee this is where I’ve booked.
B
Brandon C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Directions to access the campsite were as described. Made getting into Smokey Nat’l park easy the following morning!
Robbie J.
3 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%Response time: Within an hour
Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
Campers also viewed...
Related Searches
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.