Recommendation for Bryson City NC??

[Joe & Cherie]

We want to do a long camp trip to Bryson NC this summer. Lots of private campgrounds close by. Any recommendations?

We want a roomy nice spot, smack dab on a babbling creek, and preferably full hookups! Want close to Bryson City so if we go get dinner we dont have to drive 15 winding roads miles back to camp. Want something not full of kids on bikes. And also, we don't mind a more rustic vibe - doesn't have to be a 5 star KOA, we kinda like the hole in the wall spots, as long as we are not camped next to Freddy Krugger. Not asking for much are we? HA!

Interests are hiking, lake kayaking, and sight seeing (waterfalls). I assume late summer = warmer water in Lake Fontana.

Any suggestions as to which campground, and what time of year?

Last year we went to Indian Pass per recommendation on this site - LOVED IT!

[Robbins734]

I would recommend the Deep Creek Tube Center and Campground. I have stayed here many times in a tent. There are RV spots right along Deep Creek.
The Campground is 2 miles from Bryson City and 1 mile from The Smoky Mountains.

[wbullivant]

Originally Posted by Robbins734

I would recommend the Deep Creek Tube Center and Campground. I have stayed here many times in a tent. There are RV spots right along Deep Creek.
The Campground is 2 miles from Bryson City and 1 mile from The Smoky Mountains.

We recently spent two nights at Deep Creek Campground in Smokey Mountain NP. It is a few miles past the Tube Center. Clean and well run by an attentive ranger. Great hiking along the creek and other area trails. Bryson City is convenient with good restaurants.

[jobruner]

We have visited Bryson City and Deep Creek many times. Great campground in the National Park and right on a large creek. Plenty of hiking trails and less than three miles from Bryson City. Cherokee, NC is about 8 miles from Bryson City. Smokemont Campground is located there and also in the National Park. There are plenty of campgrounds in both areas with full hookups and you should not have a problem.

[floyd]

It is the very attraction of the miles of winding mountain roads which has drawn us back to the Smoky Mountains more than a dozen times. most follow the paths of tumbling waterways with lots of private places to stop along the way.
One of the main reasons we own a 13Scamp is so we can have a TV which is fun to drive on those scenic winding roads.
We often stay at Sevierville Tn,(River Plantation) or Maggie Valley, but Bryson City looks great, thanks for bringing it here.

[Joe & Cherie]

Well we looked into it more. I agree the winding roads are beautiful!! We just wanted to be close to town for after we put miles on the truck driving those windy roads, then we could hit town for dinner, then be close to camp especially if its dark!

We did some more searching. We like the idea of Deep Creek in the national park, but since this is going to be a lengthy stay, we preferred the amenities water/electric (sewer a bonus), so it looks like Deep Creek Tube Center won out! We got spot #10 which is the last spot on creek row, so our awning will not be facing another camper, but instead the neighboring property's privacy fence. Sounds better than somebody staring out their monstrosity RV window looking down on us, lol.

Never been to Bryson City, but the more we read about it the more we loved the idea of making it this years vacation!! Small mountain town, lake kayaking, creek tubing, waterfalls, hiking, mountains, train ride, good eats and breweries - sounds like a peaceful but fun time!

Please post more if you have thoughts on the area. We're reserved, we will update the thread with a review once back home!

Thanks again!

[jobruner]

While there you have to have breakfast at the Everett Street Diner. This is an old style eatery in the heart of town. You know it's good when all of the firemen and police eat there. Big biscuits, lots of gravy and the people who work there are extremely friendly. We go there on every visit and even drive over from Cherokee to get our fix. Enjoy!

[Joe & Cherie]

Will definitely do!! Thanks for the tip!! You guys and this site are great!! Love the tips, hope I can give back in the benefits we get off this site!!

p.s. - if anybody is ever considering Indian Pass Campground FL, we highly recommend it! Spent 2 weeks there last year and didnt want to leave! A must is a waterfront site. All the difference in the world!

Safe travels this summer everybody!!

[nancyrnfit]

and where is Indian Pass, please?

[Joe & Cherie]

Originally Posted by nancyrnfit

and where is Indian Pass, please?

Indian Pass is in the panhandle of FL. Very old charm part of FL they call the forgotten coast. The campground is called Indian Pass Campground. Many small towns to explore. Port St Joe to the west, Apalachicola to the East. quaint and beautiful like we imagine Bryson City will be! Great place for kayaks too.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by nancyrnfit

and where is Indian Pass, please?

I couldn't wait to find out, so I just Googled it...

Originally Posted by JWScarab

...
p.s. - if anybody is ever considering Indian Pass Campground FL,...

# 1 hit is:

https://www.indianpasscamp.com/

And I also see they will come dump your waste tanks AT YOUR SITE for a small fee.. Nice.

Now I wish people would only tell me about these hidden gems, and not the whole world LOL

[Al and Cindy K]

We camp in that area a few times each year but usually in Nantahala National Forest. A few suggestions:

Take the combo train/rafting trip (Bryson City to Nantahala Outdoor Center) Several cars from the train wreck scene in The Fugitive are still along the tracks. NOC also has more challenging trips if you're interested.

The Big Trees hike in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is awesome. Check out the nearby USFS Horse Cove campground. Its one of our favorites but doesn't pass your 'hookups required' test.

Drive the Cherohala Skyway from Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN (50 miles +/-). On the TN end, find the turnoff for Bald River Falls and follow that back into Cherokee NF. You can actually take FS roads all the way to Joyce Kilmer if you'd like.

Take a day and head over to Great Smoky Mountain NP. Elk are usually out in the meadows around the southern Visitor Center in early morning and late afternoon. Head up to Cades Cove and take the self guided auto tour. Abrams Falls there is a nice hike.

Mid May to early June is a great time to visit with the azaleas, mountain laurel and rhododendron in bloom. Hope you enjoy your visit.

[thrifty bill]

We live nearby in Waynesville, late September to mid October is prime time in the mountains. Summer is good too.

Be sure to spend some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway, during the week. Lots of great hiking.