Douglas Headwater Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only about 40 minutes' drive south of the campsites at Douglas Headwater Campground. This gorgeous natural park is one of the most visited in the United States, with over 11 million visitors annually. The Appalachian Trail passes through the middle of the park and offers stunning views along the way. While hiking in the park, you can visit Clingmans Dome, an observation tower, and the highest point in the park. There is a total of about 850 miles of trails in the park, where you can go hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other popular activities here are fly fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, and camping. Seven Islands State Birding Park is located on the shore of the French Broad River, approximately 20 minutes' drive west of Douglas Headwater Campground. This is a popular bird-watching destination, with more than 190 species of birds residing within the park. Lakes, grassland, forest, and rolling hills make up the terrain, amidst beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Here you can enjoy hiking, walking, wildlife watching, and more. Kayaking and canoeing are popular pastimes here. Panther Creek State Park is located on the shore of the Cherokee Reservoir, about 40 minutes' drive north of the campground. This beautiful park offers several hiking trails. Point Lookout Trail is one of the most popular; it leads to the highest point in the park, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the lake and the mountains. There are many outdoor recreational activities you can enjoy here, including horseback riding, bicycling, camping, and so much more. The lake is great for swimming, paddling, and other water sports, like water skiing, fishing, and boating.