RV Rental Cheoah Lake, NC

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Beautiful Cheoah Lake forms part of the Finger Lakes of North Carolina. The Finger Lakes are three large reservoirs that sit on the Tennessee River in the northwest of the state. Calderwood Lake and Chilhowie Lake are the other two bodies of water in this reservoir system, and together they provide hydroelectric power to the company of Alcoa Inc. the levels of water are controlled by the Fontana Dam. Cheoah Lake is the uppermost of the lakes, and therefore it sits just below the Fontana Dam. Cheoah Dam was constructed in 1919, the first of the series.

The lakes provide a beautiful escape from busy city life, especially as there is no development along the shore, so when you rent an RV in Swain County, you'll be fully immersed in nature. For those in need of a little urban life, the towns of Chilhowee, Townsend, TN, Andrews, NC and Bryson City, NC are not too far away.

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Getting Outdoors

The Finger Lakes are deep, cold and pure, which combined, make them excellent trout fishing lakes. People come to fish and go camping at Cheoah Lake from miles around as it supports a good coldwater fishery. The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Agency regularly stocks the lake with rainbow trout, so there is always something to catch. Other species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and rock bass.

Cheoah Lake is a big hit for those that are a fan of boating, especially canoeing and kayaking. Those fortunate enough to go boating in the lake will have a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains. Either bring your own boat or rent one from the nearby marinas, it is an unbeatable way to spend the day. There is only one boat access ramp, the Llewellyn Branch, which can found at the upstream end of the lake, just below the dam. Because of how narrow the lake is, you won't get much jet ski traffic, so you'll be free to bob around at your leisure before heading back to your RV rental.

Bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are plenty of other recreational opportunities available should you not fancy heading out onto the water. Take one of the many hiking trails that the park offers or try your luck at spotting some of the incredible wildlife that calls the mountains their home.

Camping at Cheoah Lake

There are many places to Cheoah Lake campers to park up for the night. One option is the Teaberry Hill RV Campground. This is a fairly small campground with 12 sites sitting on 6 acres of land. All sites are full hookups with 30, 50 amp electricity, water, and sewer, plus there are fire rings and WiFi available. With laundry facilities, a bathhouse, ice, firewood, and a pavilion, there is everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Fontana Village Resort and Campground is another great campground that is located near Cheoah Lake. The campground has a beautiful setting on the shores of the Tennessee River in the Nantahala National Forest, making it a great spot to go camping with an RV. All camping guests have access to the showers and bathrooms and are able to join in the many activities that are available at the village, such as the pools, putt-putt, and organized activities. You couldn't get much more scenic surroundings, and you can get to the lakeshore in next to no time.

Exploring the Area

Just a short drive away is the city of Gatlinburg, which has plenty of attractions for all the family. One of the most well-known of these is Ripley's Believe It or Not, which has eight sites within the town, including the Aquarium of the Smokies, a 5D movie theatre, a mirror maze, mini-golf, a haunted adventure, and a brand new Guinness World Record attraction. Camp in an RV near Gatlinburg to see all this and more.

Visit the smallest freestanding complete winery in America when in the area. Calaboose Cellars is great for a quick stop off when on the road, located in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains, there is no better place for a glass of wine. The tasting room is here to head to sample some of the wines created in the winery, and you may even be treated to a short tour.

Fontana Dam is well worth visiting when at Cheoah Lake, especially as it is often described as one of the most beautiful dams in the world. Once you have taken in the incredible sites of the dam and surrounding lakes and gorges, head to the Visitors Center, which is located off Highway 28. Inside the Visitor Center, you'll find knowledgeable staff, maps, videos, and displays about the dam and surrounding area. Historic Fontana Village is also worth a visit, with a history reaching back more than 100 years.

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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds


  • Hiking TrailLocation
  • Gregory Bald via Twentymile, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Twentymile Loop Trail, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Rich Gap Via Long Hungry Ridge Trail, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Hazel Creek and Bone Valley Trail, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Wolf Ridge Trail, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Twentymile Creek Loop, NCFranklin, NC
  • Shuckstack from Twentymile, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail Fontana Lake to Mount Squires, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Eagle Creek, Spence Field, and Hazel Creek Loop Trail, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
  • Lakeshore Trail via Fontana Dam, NCGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

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