Moonshine Creek Campground

The Great Outdoors

Campsites at the Moonshine Creek Campground provide a good base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which encompasses 500,000 acres to the north. It lies along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with several hiking trails (including part of the famous Appalachian Trail) passing through the park. Climb to the summit of Mount Le Conte to take in the panoramic views across the region and delve into the region’s industrial heritage while touring the historic buildings at Cades Cove.Adjacent to the Smoky Mountains National Park is the Nantahala National Forest. Its name translates from Cherokee as the “Land of the Noonday Sun.” There are several wilderness areas to explore and a whole host of recreational opportunities that range from hiking and mountain biking to fishing in the waters of Balsam Lake. Highlights include the 6,000-acre old-growth forest of the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness and the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, which offers impressive views of Cullasaja Falls.Drive in the other direction from the Moonshine Creek Campground, and you’ll arrive at the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which lies just across the border in South Carolina. It encompasses more than 10,000 acres and includes two state parks that are renowned for their hardwood forests and stunning waterfalls. Hike along the Saluda River in Jones Gap State Park and watch migrating raptors soaring high above Caesars Head State Park before taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from Bald Rock.

Exploring the City

Sylva campers can pick up groceries in one of the local supermarkets or fill up their RV rental at one of the nearby gas stations. There are also a handful of eateries here if you want to dine out, including cafes, pizzerias, and breweries.A 45-minute drive from the Moonshine Creek Campground is the city of Asheville, which nestles in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s home to America’s largest home, the 19th-century Biltmore Estate, a French Renaissance castle that was created by George W. Vanderbilt. Join a guided tour to explore some of its 250 rooms and sprawling grounds, which feature beautiful gardens, forested trails, and one of the most-visited wineries in the United States.Asheville’s downtown area is clustered with art galleries and museums, which can be explored on foot or on a guided trolley tour. Gaze up at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence that’s topped by the largest free-standing dome in North America, then get lost amidst the artists’ studios of the River Arts District. Also of note are the Asheville Museum of Science and the Asheville Pinball Museum, which features an all-you-can-play arcade with more than 75 pinball machines and video games.If you’re a green thumb, don’t miss a visit to the North Carolina Arboretum, located within the Pisgah National Forest. It’s particularly renowned for its bonsai collection and holly garden, with not only walking trails but also cycling trails winding through the landscape.Asheville is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive that extends through Virginia and North Carolina. It follows the spine of the Blue Ridge from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee Indian Reservation through Shenandoah National Park, where it’s known as the Skyline Drive. It offers sweeping views across the region and accesses several waterfall hiking trails, as well as historical and cultural attractions. Highlights include one of the oldest operating general stores in America at Milepost 292 and the 1,234-foot Linn Cove Viaduct, as well as the photogenic Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, and the Chimney Rock State Park.Whether you want to explore the hiking trails of the Great Smoky Mountains or the cultural sights of Asheville, book a motorhome rental in Jackson County and start planning your next vacation.