RV Rental Cullowhee, NC

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Home of the Western Carolina University, Cullowhee nestles in a scenic valley surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. Its name translates from Cherokee as “Judacullah’s Place,” with Judacullah being a giant warrior who played an important role in Cherokee religion and culture. Cullowhee was established as a Cherokee village as early as 3000BC before European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, with the Cullowhee High School (now the Western Carolina University) founded in 1889.

With its lively student population and spectacular natural surrounds, Cullowhee is a popular place to rent an RV while exploring Jackson County. There are plenty of recreational pursuits right on your doorstep, together with family-friendly campgrounds in attractive, forested settings.

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The Great Outdoors

Cullowhee serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which encompasses more than 500,000 acres along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness area is traversed by the legendary Appalachian Trail while being home to the preserved historic buildings of Cades Cove. Gain an insight into life in southern Appalachia during past centuries, then visit the now-deserted cabins, mills, and barns of the Roaring Fork Historic District.

Stretch your legs along the Alum Cave Trail that leads to the 6,593-foot-high peak of Mount Le Conte, from where there are sweeping views across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alternatively, follow the trail to the pinnacle of the Chimney Tops for equally impressive panoramas or admire the powerful 80-foot-high cascade of Laurel Falls. The park is also a popular fly fishing destination, with numerous waterways where you can try your luck at catching both brown and rainbow trout.

You can book an RV rental in Cullowhee and drive across the border to the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area in South Carolina. Soak up the views of El Lieutenant Rock Dome along the Coldspring Branch and Bill Kimball hiking trails or traverse the Middle Saluda River to see the spectacular Rainbow Falls. Directly north of the wilderness area is the Dupont State Forest where you can take in the panoramic views from the “Big Rock” or marvel at the natural beauty of the High Falls.

RV Parks

Pick up your travel trailer rental in Cullowhee and drive west to the Fort Tatham RV Resort & Campground, which nestles in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. They offer both 30 and 50-amp service sites, with picnic tables, Wi-Fi access, and laundry facilities available.

Slightly farther north is the Tuckaseegee RV Resort, a big-rig friendly campground along the beautiful Tuckaseegee River. There are large, flat lots with concrete pads and plenty of picnic tables, as well as Wi-Fi access, laundry facilities, and a camp store where you can pick up essentials.

Alternatively, book into the Moonshine Creek Campground, which lies in a forested setting to the north of Cullowhee. There are more than 50 full hookup sites, fire rings, and picnic tables, as well as cable TV, Wi-Fi access, and heated restrooms.

You can make the 10-minute drive north to Sylva where there is a Walmart where you may be able to set up camp for a night or two with the manager’s permission.

Exploring the City

Park your RV rental near Cullowhee and explore the campus of the Western Carolina University on foot, including a stop at the Mountain Heritage Center. It celebrates the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachians while offering visitors a better understanding of the region’s land and people. Learn about Cherokee myths and legends, browse the locally-made handicrafts and discover what life was like for people living in North Carolina during World War II.

On the other side of the campus is The WCU Fine Art Museum, which houses more than 1,500 modern and contemporary works in a whole variety of media. Take time to wander through the four galleries where works by regional and international artists are displayed, including sculptures, glassworks, paintings, and photography. It forms part of the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center where you’ll also find Western Carolina University’s Performance Hall and the Niggli Studio Theatre.

If you want to feel the spirit of Western Carolina University, coincide your visit to the campus with a home game of the Catamounts at the E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The field itself is named after Bob Waters, a local football hero who played for the San Francisco 49ers. The stadium is located adjacent to the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center, a huge multi-purpose arena where you can see the university’s basketball and volleyball teams in action.

Cullowhee is home to a supermarket where you can buy groceries, as well as a handful of eateries if you want to dine out. There is also a gas station if you need to fill up your motorhome rental in Cullowhee.

Whether you’re visiting Jackson County for its university or rugged hiking trails, book an RV in Cullowhee and start planning your North Carolina adventure.

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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds


  • Hiking TrailLocation
  • Moses Creek Trail, NCCullowhee, NC
  • Western Carolina University Trail System , NCCullowhee, NC
  • Wolfpen Gap, NCCullowhee, NC
  • Pinnacle Park Trail, NCSylva, NC
  • Upper Sols Creek Falls, NCCullowhee, NC
  • Blackrock Mountain and The Pinnacle , NCMaggie Valley, NC
  • Yellow Face Trail, NCMaggie Valley, NC
  • Blackrock Mountain Trail, NCMaggie Valley, NC
  • Roy Taylor Overlook Trail, NCCherokee, NC
  • Waterrock Knob Trail, NCWaynesville, NC

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