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Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA
- 92 KOA Campground Road
- Cherokee, NC 28719
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Reserve(800) 562-7784
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Info(828) 497-9711
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2011 President's Award
KOA President's Award
Awarded to KOAs that meet exceptional quality standards and are recognized by their guests for outstanding service.
KOA Kamp Green Recognition
KOA Kamp Green Recognition
This KOA meets the established criteria to become a greener campground operation and is recognized by the "Kamp Green" icon.
Driving a Big Rig? We're set up to meet your needs!
The Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA is bordered on one side by the Raven Fork River and on the other side by three tribal trout ponds. Both are stocked twice weekly, so bring your rod and reel for some great fishing! Last year an area on the river was added that is strictly for Fly Fishing- Catch and Release only. We are also just a few miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Driving a Big Rig? We're set up to meet your needs! With 50 amp service and 136-foot pull-throughs available on some sites, you'll love our campground's easy access. No RV? Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of our cozy cabins, cottages, or lodges.
From almost anywhere on our campground, you'll enjoy 360-degree mountain views. With Camping Cabins, Cottages, Lodges, 400 campsites, pavilions, a plaza and its own fleet of vans, this KOA is ideal for even the biggest group gatherings. (It's tough to beat our Camping Cottages and Lodges with decks overlooking the river!) Food and special entertainment are available for groups. Enjoy the shuttle to area attractions, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, island pet walk and many events on the campground.
We also have a waterslide that will take you sliding right into the outdoor pool. Enjoy a family-oriented film under the stars, with freshly-popped popcorn available. Our KOA's Big Bouncer is a great hit with the entire family, providing safe fun for adults and kids alike! Grab a ride as our hay ride winds through camp. Don't be surprised to hear a serenade of campfire songs by the passengers on this rustic ride! Cherokee KOA is working with the KOA Recreation Director to add more new and exciting programs to the list of activities that will make you never want to leave the campground. Keep checking our website for updates!
Meet Your Hosts
Mark knows how to treat guests. "I start with my employees, and then my customers will have GREAT customer service. I believe that GREAT people equal GREAT customer service."
Mark is extremely proud of the fact that the Cherokee/Great Smokies, NC KOA Kampground has received the KOA President's Award every year he's been there. The award is based on campers' feedback, so, Mark considers it a gift from his guests.
Mark knows customer service from being Regional Manager of up to 15 hotel and resort properties, and years in the hospitality industry. "After being in the hotel business for 20 years, I fell in love with the campgrounds that I worked with. The guests, the people in the campground business, and with KOA!" says Mark.
When he's not actively running the campground, Mark enjoys attending church, helping others, spending time with his family and golfing, as well as everything he considers God's handiwork, including the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Campground Amenities
- Teepees
- Rental Linens - no towels (available with charge)
- 50 Amp Service Sites Available
- Shuttle buses (some free - some with charge)
- Indoor Hot Tub/Sauna (open all year)
- Outdoor Movie Screen (in season only)
- Planned Activities Available
- Face Painting (some weekends - in season only)
- Live bands or DJ on Saturday night (in season)
- RV Clubs & Rallies
- Motorcycle Clubs
- Catering on-site by the campground
- One KOA Kozy Bed in Kottages and Lodges bedroom (no charge)
- Picnic Tables
- Super Sites with Concrete Pad and Patio
- Indoor Swimming Pool (open all year)
- Outdoor Hot Tub/Sauna (open in the summer only)
- Tours (buy your tickets from us and we will shuttle to the venue and back)
- Tie-Dye (some weekends and in season - charge for t-shirt only)
- Crafts (some weekends - in season only)
- Waterslides at the outdoor pool (open summer only)
- Military Clubs
- Tours
- Food prepared by staff for consumption by the customer at their site or in outdoor seating provided by campground
- Portable Heater (available with charge)
- Fire Pit
- Super Suites - one site for two campers
- Outdoor Swimming Pools (open in the summer only)
- Big Bouncer (open all year - with charge)
- Fishing (Tribal permit required with charge - also, a new Fly Fishing Catch and Release Area requires special permit )
- Campfires on the Island (in season only)
- Scavenger Hunts (some weekends only)
- Hay Wagon Rides (some weekends - in season only)
- Families
- Self-service, convenience foods offered
- Guests are provided various entree options at a full service, sit down meal
Campground Activities
Here at the Cherokee KOA, our recreation team has discovered the cure for spring fever: planning summer camping getaways! It's actually part of our job to create a fun experience for our campers-a task we don't take lightly. Whether you're peeling out on banana bikes, reclaiming your inner acrobat on the jumping pillow or unwinding in our pool, boredom is not an option.
Showtime at the Campfire Theatre
Join us for interactive live entertainment at the Campfire Theatre. From talent shows to slapstick to game show re-creations, this weekly event relies on camper participation. With your involvement, it's never the same show twice! (please note that this is in season only).
KOA Campfire Time
When the sun goes down, campfire time begins. Gather around the fire pit and get acquainted with fellow campers. Campfire time promises all the classics: toasting marshmallows, eating s'mores, belting out camp tunes during sing-a-longs. We've even been known to swap a scary story or two! (please note that this is in season only).
Tie-Dyed T-shirts
Bring a piece of your trip home with you: make a t-shirt during craft hour. Your tie-dyed t-shirt will be a wearable memento from your vacation. With a demonstration and all supplies provided, this retro activity satisfies campers of all ages. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to tie dye! (please note that this is in season only).
Fishing
Three trout ponds and the Raven Fork River next to the kampground. Cherokee KOA Trout tournaments are held in March and August. Fishing Season is closed in the month of March until the opening day. Also there's a new area strictly for Fly Fishing Catch and Release only. Fishing at Cherokee Indian Reservation does not require a state fishing license, but you do need to purchase a daily tribal fishing license and a special additional license if you are going to the Catch and Release only sections.
Mini-golf and Big Bouncer!
The mini-golf and big bouncer are open all year (available for a small fee)
Tubing
Tubing is usually in season/summertime only. If you rent the tube from us it'll include a free shuttle to a launch location. Wind down the Raven Fork river on a 2 to 3 hour float while relaxing and looking at natures wonders.
Planned Activities
- Tie-Dye T-shirts
- Scavenger Hunts
- Crafts
- Sunday Evening Campfires
- Face Painting
- Bead Crafts
- Mini Golf Tournaments and many more not listed.
Bands on Saturday Nights (in season)
Movie nights on the outdoor cinema
In season and weather permitting, we will show family friendly movies on movie night. Bring you chair and refreshments and enjoy the movie on the giant outdoor movie screen.
Themed Weekends (in season)
Hay Wagon Ride
Hop on the KOA hay wagon that winds through camp (available in season only).
Free round trip shuttle to the casino and downtown Cherokee
*Many Activities Are Not In Operation Between October 25 and May 20*
Advance reservation needed and scheduled.
*Many Activities Are Not In Operation Between October 25 and May 20*
Local Attractions
Tubing on the river
Free shuttle WITH RENTAL OF TUBE to launch location 3.5 miles from camp.
Fantastic trout fishing
Tribal license required for free fishing
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
At the Museum of the Cherokee Indian explore the exciting history of the Cherokee people. The story of the Cherokee unfolds before your eyes through the magic of electronics, audiovisual displays and priceless artifacts, some more than 10,000 years old. The museum is exciting, entertaining and educational for the young and old. http://www.cherokeemuseum.org/
"Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama
America’s most popular outdoor drama, "Unto These Hills," is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the drama is presented under the stars on three stages in the beautiful Mountainside Theatre. Since opening on July 1, 1950, "Unto These Hills" has been seen by over five million people. Cherokee descendants play important roles in the drama and in the many dances, highlighted by the colorful and world-famous Eagle Dance. The emotional impact of this tragic and yet triumphant story is supported by a strong musical score, recently recomposed to offer a richer, fuller orchestral sound.
For more information, visit "Unto These Hills" online.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Learn how the Native Americans actually lived over 225 years ago as Indian guides in native costumes lead you to primitive cabins and rustic arbors. See Indians making a dugout canoe with fire and ax. Watch Cherokee women stringing beads, molding ropes of clay into pots, weaving baskets; and observe the ancient art of finger weaving. Inside the seven-sided council house, learn of the Cherokee history, culture, social background and rituals handed down from generation to generation. Observe the timeworn methods of chipping flint into arrowheads, carving wooden spoons, combs and bowls and pounding Indian corn into meal.
For more information, visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village online.
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo offers family fun with a Christmas theme. Visit with Santa and his elves, browse through gift shops and exhibits and be sure to visit the domestic and exotic animals in the zoo. Ride the rides or just relax on the one-mile train ride, take a cruise on a paddle boat, have a picnic or enjoy a meal in one of the eating establishments. During October on weekends, enjoy the Harvest Festival, featuring mountain craft exhibits, sorghum mill, fresh apple cider, moonshine still, fresh apple butter, mountain music and much more.
Horseback Riding
All horseback rides are escorted. Weight limit for horseback rides is 200 pounds for men and women. The morning trip includes a trail ride in the National Park that takes you up to a small waterfall. The afternoon trip is a one hour ride into the National Park. It’s a different trail than the morning ride.
Harrahs Cherokee Casino - FREE CASINO SHUTTLE
Well known entertainment, 2,800 machines, and more.
Whitewater Rafting
If you have ever thought you might want to try whitewater rafting, do it here. You won’t regret it. Whitewater rafting is great fun with the group from Cherokee KOA. The bus leaves Cherokee KOA each day at 12:30. Sign up at the Recreation Outpost in advance to be assured of a seat on the bus and the raft. The rapids are class 1 and 2 with class 3 at the end. Anyone who has ever gone with us has loved it. There’s no age limit so even people in their 60’s enjoy it. The Forest Service has a minimum weight limit for children of 60 pounds. Life vests are provided, but only 5 percent of the rafters ever go overboard. Wear shorts or bathing suit, t-shirt and tennis shoes. A change of clothes and towel are recommended for after your trip. Changing facilities and KOA Lockers for keys and watches are available. If small children are along, please take a windbreaker or parka as they get cold if they get wet. http://www.wildwaterrafting.com/mainpage.html
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours-Zipline
Enjoy a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours (NGCT). More than a zip line ride, NGCT takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods, and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants such as mountain laurel, dogwood, rhododendron, giant Frazier magnolia, rare umbrella magnolia, silver bells and many more. Book your tickets at the Cherokee KOA "Recreation Outpost"!
Downtown Cherokee
Visit Cherokee's newly renovated downtown district to enjoy Native American art and craftwork. Shuttle service is available; check at our front desk.
Great Smoky Mountains Railway
The Great Smoky Mountains Railway provides a full season of over 500 tourist railway round trip excursions. The history of this rail line dates back to the 1840s when the railroad created passage through this scenic rural mountain land. Passengers ride in comfortable, reconditioned coaches, crown coaches, club cars, dining cars, cabooses, and open cars which are ideal for viewing and picture taking. All excursions take you through the beautiful Smoky Mountains foothills of North Carolina with views of forests, countrysides, rivers, and small towns. http://www.gsmr.com/
Dollywood Amusement Park
For a variety of amusement park rides and attractions Dollywood is only an hour away. Thrilling roller coasters, daring water excursions, family rides and kiddie rides all available at Dollywood. See a live show while you're there too. Check out their website for more information www.dollywood.com Splash Country www.dollysplashcountry.com
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Shopping
Love shopping, then hit the outlet malls just an hour ride over the mountain. Pigeon Forge has the Red Roof Mall with 70 shops owned by manufacturers like Nike, Pfalzgraf, Bass Shoes, Black and Decker, American Tourister and more.
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is still owned by the Vanderbilt family. This chateau is the largest privately owned home in the country.
Cherokee Bingo
Bingo
Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation
Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation
Full-Facilities Resort Campground
Tours and Shuttles to Area Attractions
Free Shuttle to Cherokee
Shuttle for shopping and Harrah's Casino (21 years old) for gambling
Kottages on the River
Kottages with our comfortable KOA Kozy Bed!
Kamping Kabins - 1 and 2 room
KOA Kozy Bed available with charge
Over four hundred RV sites
Including river sites!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway
6 miles to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and only 4 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Two family sized swimming pools and a kiddie pool - 2 hot tubs
One swimming pool with waterslide and 1 hot tub open all year - the rest closes October 26th.
Two covered pavilions
Cable TV at no charge
Propane
Propane
Wireless Internet available with charge
Wireless Internet available with charge
Clean restrooms and hot showers and laundromats in 3 bathhouses
Golf cart rentals
Golf Cart Rentals
Mini-golf
Mini Golf
Jumping pillow
Jumping Pillow
Box Lunches available for your hikes, train rides or a picnic
Boxed Lunches Available for your hikes, train rides or a picnic
Call ahead and make your reservations early so you can enjoy some of the great activities that the Cherokee area has to offer all year long. Our Tours Office can help you book most of the attractions in the area and if you buy the ticket from us, it will include the shuttle as well.
Check out these interesting spots around our kampground:
Mingo Falls (1/2 mile from the kampground)
Riverside Trail (5 miles from the kampground)
Blue Ridge Parkway (5 miles from the kampground - closed for the winter)
Upcoming Events
February 2012
February 3,4&5, 2012 Shiver in the River Fly Fishing Tournament. $225.00 entry fee with $10,000.00 in prize money. Held on 2.2 miles of Trophy, Catch and Release water on the Cherokee reservation. This event is not sponsored by Cherokee KOA Kampground. Please visit www.fishcherokee.com for more information
March 2012
March 31, 2012 - Cherokee KOA $3,000.00 Opening Day Trout Tournament. Register Guests and Tribal Member Only. Two nights minimum stay required. All day tournament on Saturday the 31st. Registration fee is $10.00 per person and Tribal fishing License at $10.00/day, $17.00/2 days, $27.00/3 days and $47.00/5days. Tagged Fish
Cast your line for a chance at a big one! Compete with other anglers for a total of $3,000.00 in prizes. It's no fish story - come out and enjoy the fun! Some of the finest trout fishing in the eastern United States is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation adjacent to the KOA Camping Resort. The Raven Fork River flows along one side of the campground with great fishing for those who prefer stream fishing. If you prefer pond fishing, you'll find three Tribal-owned trout ponds framing the west boundary of KOA. All are stocked twice weekly. A Tribal fishing license is all you need to catch up to 10 trout per day. There's also a new area on the river that is strictly for Fly Fishing Catch and Release only starting last year that require an additional special license. Fishing is permitted on the Reservation from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
March 31, 2012 - $10,000.00 Second Annual Cherokee Opening Day Trout Fishing Tournament. $5.00 Entry fee and $10,000.00 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation. This event is not sponsored by Cherokee KOA Kampground. Please visit www.fishcherokee.com for more information.
April 2012
April 7 - Easter Weekend. Activities and Prizes.
April 14 - Scavenger Hunts and Customer Appreciation Weekend. Activities and Prizes for Scavenger Hunts and Free pancake breakfast for campers.
April 27,28&29 - Cherokee's Summer Kickoff Trout Tournament. $11.00 entry fee and $10,000.00 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation. This event is not a sponsored by Cherokee KOA. Pleasevisitwww.fishcherokee.com for more information.br
May 2012
May 11-12 - KOA National Free Come Kamp & Care with Us Weekend. Stay Friday and Saturday is FREE!
May 13 - Mother's Day. Free Pancake Breakfast for Moms on Sunday.
May 18,19&20 - Meet Me in the Smokies Fly Fishing Tournament. $225.00 entry fee with $10,000.00 in prize money. Held on the 2.2 miles Trophy, Catch-and-Release water on the Cherokee Reservation. This event is not sponsored by Cherokee KOA Kampground.
Please visit www.fishcherokee.com for more information.
May 25-28 - Memorial Day Weekend. Activities and Prizes. Come and share one of the biggest camping weekends of the year. There are lots of things to do in the area. Show you're proud, have the biggest U.S. Flag display at your kabin, kottage or RV site and win a prize. Three nights minimum stay required.
June 2012
June 9 - Caribbean Weekend. Activities and Prizes. We'll celebrate the flair of the Caribbean during our weekend of fun. Join us for games and crafts with island flair. Relax beside the pool.
June 16 - 50's Weekend. Activities and Prizes. Shake, rattle and roll on in with your pop for a weekend of retro fun for all ages. Dance to the tunes of the 50's and 60's. Contest for the best 50's outfit or car hop outfit.
June 17 - Father's Day. Free Pancake Breakfast for Dads on Sunday
June 23 - Pool Party. Activities and Prizes. Enjoy the music by the pool, participate in the best old-fashion bathing suit contest and win a prize!
July 2012
July 1-31 - Activities and Events all month long daily. July fun every day of the month! We'll kick off the month with our patriotic celebration and we will keep it up all month long! Join us for games, crafts and fun! Live bands will perform every Saturday night. Sit in at our church service on Sunday with friends and fellow campers. Then take in a group campfire on the island.
July 4th - July 4th Celebration! We will have special activities today such as the Site Decoration Contest, Haywagon Rides and Movies.
July 13,14&15 - Mid Summer Trout Fishing Tournament. $11.00 entry fee and $10,000.00 in tagged fish in the rivers on Cherokee Reservation. This event is not sponsored by Cherokee KOA Kampground.Please visit www.fishcherokee.com for more information.
July 23 - Pool Party. Activities and Prizes. Enjoy the music by the pool, participate in the best old-fashion bathing suit contest and win a prize.
August 2012
August 4 - Pool Party 2. Activities and Prizes. Enjoy the music by the pool, participate in the best old-fashion bathing suit contest and win a prize.
August 6-12 - Grandchildren Week. Activities and Prizes. Mom and Dads had their turn; now let's celebrate grandparents and grandkids! Grab your grandkids, or borrow someone else's for this weekend of celebrating with games, crafts, movies, and fun!
August 18 - 50's and 60's Weekend. Activities and Prizes.
September 2012
August 31- September 3 - Labor Day Weekend. Activities and Prizes. Come and share in one of the biggest camping weekends of the year!3 nights minimum stay is required.
September 7,8&9 - Cherokee’s End of Summer trout Fishing Torunament. $11.00 entry fee and $10,000.00 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation. This event is not sponsored by Cherokee KOA Kampground. Please visit www.fishcherokee.com for more information.
September 24 - 1st Halloween Weekend. Halloween comes early this year, so get your costumes ready! We'll have a spooktacular time at our Halloween bash. Come out to trick-or-treat and trade campfire Halloween stories.
September 29 - Halloween is almost here and we are celebrating early..again. Get your costumes ready for a spooktacular time of trick-or-treating and scary story swapping around the campfire.
October 2012
October 6 - Cherokee KOA $5,000.00 Trout Tournament. Cast your line for a chance at a big one! Compete with other anglers for a total of $5,000 in prizes. Open for Public. Registration fee is $10.00 per person and Tribal fishing License at $10.00/day, $17.00/2 days, $27.00/3 days and $47.00/5days. Tagged Fish.
October 27 - The Real One!Cherokee KOA BIG Halloween Weekend. It's finally here! Don your costumes and brush up your storytelling skills. We'll have trick-or-treating and scary campfire story time. Join in on the Halloween parade, pumpkin carving contest (all ages) and coloring contest.
November 2012
November 2,3&4 - Rumble in the Rhododendron Fly Fishing Tournament. $225.00 entry fee with $10,000.00 in prize money. Held on the 2.2 miles of Trophy, Catch-and-Release water on the Cherokee Reservation. This event is not sponsored by Cherokee KOA.
Please visit www.fishcherokee.com for more information.
November 22 - Thanksgiving Day!Come celebrate with us and give thanks for family and country. We always have a good turn out of campers that join us for a Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner.
December 2012
December - Local Events will be posted soon
Theme Weekend and Local Events 2012 Summary
February 3,4,5 ** - Shiver in the River Fly Fishing Tournament
March 31-April 1 - $3,000.00 Cherokee KOA Trout Tournament
March 31-April 1 ** - $10,000.00 Cherokee Opening Day-Trout Tournament
April 7-8 - Easter Weekend
April 14-15 - Scavenger Hunts and Customer Appreciation Weekend
April 27,28,29 ** - Cherokee’s Summer Kickoff Trout Fishing Tournament
May 11-12 - KOA National Free Come Kamp and Care with Us Weekend
May 13 - Mother’s Day. Free pancake breakfast for Moms on Sunday
May 18,19&20 ** - Meet Me in the Smokies Fly Fishing Tournament
May 25-27 - Memorial Day Weekend
June 9-10 - Caribbean Weekend. Kick up your summer!
June 16-17 - 50’s Weekend
June 17 - Father’s Day. Free pancakes for Dads on Sunday morning
June 23-24 - Pool Party
July 4 - 4th of July Activities
July 13,14&15 ** - Cherokee’S Mid Summer Trout Fishing Tournament
July 21-22 - Pool Party
August 4-5 - Pool Party
August 6-12 - Grandchildren Week
August 18-19 - 50’s Weekend
August 31-September 3 - Labor Day Weekend
September 7,8&9 ** - Cherokee’s End of Summer Trout Fishing Tournament
September 22-23 - Our 1st Halloween Weekend
September 29-30 - Our 2nd Halloween Weekend
October 6 - $5,000.00 Cherokee KOA Fishing Tournament
October 27 - The BIG and FAMOUS Cherokee KOA Halloween Weekend
November 2,3&4 ** - Rumble in the Rhododendron Fly Fishing Tournament
November 22 - Thanksgiving Day
Please note that all dates are subject to change without notice
** Cherokee Local Events. Not at Cherokee KOA Kampground.
