- Whittier
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Gateway to the Smokies
Hosted by Michael · Whittier, North Carolina
2 sites · 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.
Select a site
Tent-only sites
1 site
#1 Creekside (tents only)
93%
(77)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Picnic table
RV/tent sites
1 site
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
94%
(105)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Reviews
93% Recommend185 ratings · 156 reviews
This campsite offers a blend of convenience and natural beauty. Campers appreciate its proximity to the Smoky Mountains and the ease of access to nearby towns and amenities like Dollar General. While the site is well-maintained and offers a serene creekside ambiance, traffic noise from the nearby highway is a common mention, and light pollution might affect those seeking a starry night. The host is responsive and helpful, ensuring a pleasant stay for visitors.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Overall, this was a great camping spot! It felt private and peaceful, although it is located just off a busy, noisy road, so you can hear traffic throughout the day and night. I loved that you could lay a blanket in the grass and look up at the stars—the grass was soft and felt like a blanket!
One side of the hammock holder was broken, but we were able to use our own hammock strap and attach it to a nearby tree, so it worked out fine.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this spot! Just bring some music, a sound machine, or earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Recommends
· September 2026
18 ft truck camper · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Great spot, very private. Amenities were kept in good condition.
Recommends
· September 2026
It was nice to find a spot that close to everything we were doing. Only a short drive to Cherokee and Bryson City. There’s also a gas station AND a dollar general within a 3-5 minute walk. Makes for super short runs to the store if you forget something.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
An amazing spot right near the Smokey mountains and easy access!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
The site was great and super easy to get to. Was perfect for golfing at Sequoyah National.
The camp site was absolutely beautiful. The location was easy to find also. It is literally right off the highway. There is a dollar general very close if you happen for forget any supplies. There is some road noise and sometimes we heard people getting into their storage units but if you aren’t a light sleeper it shouldn’t pose a problem. Our host was fast to respond to our booking and gave thorough instructions on how to access the site.
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
We went tent camping up there! It was lovely! Owner was very friendly and checked in and seemingly left us some wood! Area was very clean and well taken care of. Would suggest bringing some form of shade when camping during the warmer seasons as there’s not much shade. No complaints! Loved it!
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · With pets ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
I absolutely loved the sight the creek was amazing. Really beautiful and relaxing place to get away.
Repeat visitor, will be making it a habit.
Michael is great to work with, when I booked the Creekside site, he wrote back to tell me that it might be wet and overgrown due to rain, so just in case he said we could pick either site once we judged it for ourselves. We ended up on the upper site where there is more than enough level areas to set up - could easily handle 4-5 tents.
We stayed late the next day to enjoy the mountain air.
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Can't beat the spot for the money. Very easy access to Cherokee, Bryson City, and the park. This was my second time visiting and was just a great as the first!
Recommends
· April 2026
21 ft Class B · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
If you're looking for a spot to start your Great Smoky Mountains NP adventure, this place fits the bill. Directions were spot on. There was road noise as the location is right off a busy street, but the hilltop was clean, well-maintained, and private. The road noise didn't keep us from getting a good night's sleep.
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
Thanks so much for the stay! It was a beautiful site! We really enjoyed the sound of the running water in the creek next to the tent. Also the grill came in very handy for breakfast.
Mixed feelings
· April 2026
Tent · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
It was a good campsite. There is a lot of road traffic. But it was great for the money inconvenient for me.
Great getaway and easy access! Just what you want after a long day out and about in the area. Would recommend
Recommends
· January 2026
Wicked awesome, as usual!!!
16 ft car · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Think this is the 3rd or 4th time staying here. Always clean and orderly. New picnic table since the last time I was here. Really nice. Will definitely stay again.
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
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.
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!!
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.
Great space for camping! It is right off the road so there is some traffic noise but the stars were incredible!
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!
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
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
#1 Creekside (tents only)
We had an amazing time! Would definitely stay again!
Recommends
· September 2025
20 ft 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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
Recommends
· July 2025
25 ft campervan · With pets ·
#2 Hilltop (small RV/tents)
Very nice area. Close to town. Would definitely stay again.
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.
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 February 2020Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 3 hours
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