Yogi In the Smokies

When you book an RV in Swain County, you can’t really escape the gorgeous natural surroundings. Leave the comforts of your campsite at Yogi in the Smokies to see the region's divine forests and ancient mountains. The small town of Cherokee is a gateway to the national forests and parks in the Appalachian Mountains, so getting around in your RV rental is quite easy. Chimney Rock State Park isn’t exactly in the same area, although a quick drive in your campervan rental to the other side of Asheville will get you to this extraordinary state park. The park shares its name with Chimney Rock itself, a massive granite rock feature perfect for hiking and rock climbing. Views from the top are quite breathtaking, as are the 400-foot-high Hickory Nut Falls that tumble down the mountainside.

Lake James State Park is another fabulous place to check out when you are already visiting Chimney Rock State Park, replete with sandy beaches lining Lake James. Sun tanning, strolling along the beach, swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, and canoeing are just some of the ways to beat the heat and make use of this amazing recreation area, although guests may hike or bike on its nature trails circling the lake too. Miles of trails wind through the park’s forests, and trekking or biking through the old-growth rainforest is an excellent experience. Check out its rock walls for climbing or its peaceful campground if you want to stay the night in a rustic setting.

Nantahala National Forest is another place you can visit when you rent an RV near Yogi in the Smokies, covering a sprawling half-million acres of Appalachia. This divine natural area’s name comes from a Cherokee word meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun,” in reference to the dense forest canopy that only allows sunlight through it briefly around noon each day. There are old-growth wilderness areas and campgrounds to accommodate you when you arrive in this vast natural playground. Great Smoky Mountain Park is perhaps the most famous attraction in the area, as well as the most popular national park in the country. Millions of people visit this park each year, more than Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park combined. Fall in love with the stunning autumnal foliage, hike along 2,000 miles of nature trails, observe the rainforests from the lofty observation deck, or camp out in this absolute paradise when you bring your campervan rental for a visit.

While Asheville is a great place to visit when you're camping in an RV at Yogi in the Smokies, the small town of Cherokee to the south has a lot to offer too. In Cherokee, you can feel the influence of Native American culture. You can learn about this inspiring culture at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in town, home to a vast collection of artifacts, costumes, trinkets, and treasures. The history covered in the museum spans centuries, from the time when the Cherokee tribe was a regional powerhouse to the conflicts with the encroaching European settlers.

The Oconaluftee Indian Village helps you gain more of an understanding of the Cherokee people, with a real-life replica of a Cherokee village from 1750. The town square in the middle of the village is home to frequent performances of dancing and singing, showcasing the beautiful Cherokee culture. You can learn about government, family, and village dynamics from lectures, or witness people building crafts or weaponry in the old fashions.

The Mountain Farm Museum is another wonderful treasure in Cherokee, where you can learn even more about the local history. This wild log cabin and frontier farm showcase the simplistic life once lived by courageous wilderness enthusiasts who sought to leave society behind and try their luck on the frontiers. There are other small museums and some large casinos in town that you can also see, so don’t hesitate-rent an RV near Yogi in the Smokies as soon as you can.