Smoky Mountains - Bryson City Area CG's?

[A2SuperCrew]

Hello Everyone,

We are planning to spend a week in the Smokys at the end of June, and are drawn to the Bryson City / Cherokee area of NC.  There seem to be many options for camping, almost overwhelming for a first timer to the area!

We think it would be cool to camp inside the park at Smokemont, but value a hot shower before bed time.  It would be nice to have a camp store, or at least be close to a store where we can pick up food for the day.  We are a little nervous about the bears too.  :yikes: How are the bugs this time of year?

Do you have any recommendations for the area?

Thank you!  

[dcampbell1969]

I love Elkmont on the Gatlinburg side of the Smokies.  Been camping there since I was a teen.  No showers or hookups, but a great campground, with a small river running through the middle. I'll be there for July 4th.

Bears are very aware of campground areas and usually stay away.  The bugs are not too bad up in Elkmont.  Mostly gnats and a few biters. Elkmont does a small store with ice and a few items, but mostly we drive down to Gatlinburg(15 minutes maybe) to the Mountain Market.  Most everything you'll need. Last I heard, they were opening another pay/public shower somewhere in Gatlinburg.  Had one years ago, but it closed.  When we tent camped, sometimes we would rent a cheap motel room in G'burg to use the shower.

[The Tree Top Inn II]

We spent one week at Holly Cove RV Resort about three years ago just outside Sylva and near Bryson City.  Here's their URL:  http://www.hollycovervresort.com/index.htm  It's one of the nicest private campgrounds in which we've stayed.  We always stay in State Parks in GA and SC.  But, in NC, one pretty much must stay in a private campground.  Hope this is a help to you.
 

Hello Everyone,
 
We are planning to spend a week in the Smokys at the end of June, and are drawn to the Bryson City / Cherokee area of NC. There seem to be many options for camping, almost overwhelming for a first timer to the area!
 
We think it would be cool to camp inside the park at Smokemont, but value a hot shower before bed time. It would be nice to have a camp store, or at least be close to a store where we can pick up food for the day. We are a little nervous about the bears too. :yikes: How are the bugs this time of year?
 
Do you have any recommendations for the area?
 
Thank you!

[A2SuperCrew]

Thank you both for your replies.

We ended up making a reservation at Smokemont Campground inside the park, and are really looking forward to camping in the Smokys!