Cherokee KOA

[John McNamara]

Located in Cherokee, N.C. Industrial family camping at its finest. Campground is owned by the corporation, not a franchise, so they pull out all the stops. Clearly aimed at campers with families. Saw all types of campers -- tents, PUps, TT, fifth wheel, big rigs. Pups and tents kept together. Sites level, but some prone to flooding during rain (four nights, three days of rain). Right on river and trout ponds for fishing and tubing. If your kids get bored one of two things happened -- your kids are easily bored or you ran out of money. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Has cafe which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; daily and nightly activities (some are free, inlcuding movie nights); can book you on activies (whitewater rafting, helicopter rides, show tickets) and provide transportation. Well-stocked store. Pretty easy to get in and out, even using western North Carolina mountain roads. Downsides were bathhouses only had two showers each. You pay higher price than some private campgrounds. Located next to major road in area, so traffic whizzes by until around 10:30 or 11 p.m., and then starts again around 6:30 or 7 a.m. Also, lots of people are coming and going at all hours.
Bottom line -- would I stay there again? I would seriously consider it. We had a good time, despite the costs.