River Valley Campground

The Great Outdoors

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most frequently visited national park, and you can visit too when you rent a camper near the River Valley Campground. This park is celebrated for its preservation of southern Appalachian heritage and culture, its ancient mountains, and its diversity of flora and fauna. Information, exhibits, ranger-led programs, book and gift stores, and more are available at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Cades Cove Visitor Center, and the Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station. Outdoor recreational activities here include hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and nature photography.You can also visit the Nantahala National Forest when you camp in an RV near Cherokee. This national forest features spectacular whitewater on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, and waterskiing is permitted in the Arrowhead campground area. Special places in the forest include the Cherohala Skyway, the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, and numerous waterfalls. Other recreational opportunities here include climbing, hiking, biking, hunting and fishing, nature viewing, scenic drives and picnicking, target shooting, and geocaching and letterboxing.Pisgah National Forest is also easily accessible with your Cherokee rental motorhome. It includes the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act to become a national forest as well as the country’s first school of forestry, which is now preserved as the Cradle of Forestry. Other special places in this forest include the Wild and Scenic Horsepasture River, the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, and Sliding Rock Recreation Area. There are interpretive exhibits, day hikes, interpretive trails, and more at the Pisgah Ranger Station/Visitor Center. Recreational opportunities here include hiking, climbing, biking, swimming and boating, hunting and fishing, scenic drives, and nature and wildlife viewing.

Exploring the Area

There’s plenty to keep you busy right in Cherokee when you are RV camping at the River Valley Campground. Since Cherokee is on an Indian reservation, adults can enjoy gaming at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The casino features games along with upscale dining, retail, and live entertainment options. You can also learn about Native American history and culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the outdoor drama Unto These Hills, and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Other area highlights include the Oconaluftee Island Park, Mingus Mill, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum, Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, and Mingo Falls. Some special events that you may want to plan your trip around include fishing tournaments, Fall in the Smokies, themed scenic train rides, and events on the reservation. Make sure to check out Visit Cherokee NC, Visit NC, and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce for the latest in local news, happenings, and visitor information.You can also easily take the Cherokee camper rental on a day trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area to experience all that this vacation destination has to offer. This slice of the Smokies is known for country music, gem mining, theme parks, and fun for all ages. Some of the attractions that you won’t want to miss include the Dollywood amusement park, the Gatlinburg SkyLift, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg, and numerous distilleries for the adults. Special events that take place in and around the area every year include the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, the Hands-on Gatlinburg Craft Weekend, the Enchanted Winter Celebration, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, and Oktoberfest. Be sure to visit the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tennessee Vacation, and the Smoky Mountain Insider for up-to-date information on area attractions, events, and visitor guides.When you leave your River Valley Campground campsite in search of some tasty local treats, you will be able to choose from some truly excellent breakfast spots, lavish casino restaurants, ethnic eateries, family-friendly fare, and familiar fast-casual chains. And if you need to top off your motorhome rental too, there are plenty of service stations, convenience stores, and truck stops with both gasoline and diesel fuel in the area.