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River Valley Campground
RV Park

River Valley Campground

Cherokee, North Carolina
4.3 (325 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About River Valley Campground

Campground in North Carolina.

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee, North Carolina, River Valley Campground offers RV enthusiasts an ideal base for exploring one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions of the Great Smoky Mountains. With 160 sites spread across the property, this campground provides ample space for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking an authentic mountain getaway. The location puts you right at the gateway to incredible outdoor adventures while maintaining easy access to local attractions and amenities.

Cherokee holds a special place in American history and culture as the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The town itself is vibrant and welcoming, with a deep commitment to preserving its heritage and sharing it with visitors. The surrounding landscape is absolutely breathtaking, with lush valleys, mountain vistas, and the soothing sounds of flowing water that give this area its peaceful character. Whether you're an avid hiker, nature lover, or someone simply seeking relaxation away from the hustle and bustle, this region delivers on all fronts.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is remarkably close by, offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Waterfalls cascade through the valleys, wildflowers paint the mountainsides during spring, and the changing foliage creates a spectacular show each fall. The park's scenic drives alone are worth the visit, with pullouts and overlooks that showcase the region's natural beauty.

Beyond outdoor recreation, Cherokee offers cultural experiences that make this area unique. Visitors can explore museums, galleries, and shops celebrating Cherokee heritage and Appalachian traditions. The town provides excellent dining options featuring both local fare and diverse cuisines. For those interested in adventure activities, there's white-water rafting on nearby rivers, horseback riding, and various outdoor excursions.

River Valley Campground's central location makes it the perfect launching point for exploring waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Cataract Falls, enjoying scenic byways, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality that the Smoky Mountains region is known for. Whether you're planning an active outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat surrounded by mountain beauty, this area offers something truly special.
160

Total Sites

4.3

Rating

325

Reviews

Park Details

Total Sites 160

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Cherokee is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

North Carolina weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Cherokee.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Cherokee. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

River Valley Campground Reviews

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Melissa McCubbins

Mar 23, 2026

1.0

Google Review by Melissa McCubbins

Me and my husband and kids camped here several years ago. Sitting at the dinner table tonight, you know we still talk about how horrible this place was. The location is great- other than there’s not a lot of cell phone signal- definitely talking about what everybody else is talking about on here- Some of the rudest people I think I’ve ever been around! We have since camped at Cherokee camp grou... Me and my husband and kids camped here several years ago. Sitting at the dinner table tonight, you know we still talk about how horrible this place was. The location is great- other than there’s not a lot of cell phone signal- definitely talking about what everybody else is talking about on here- Some of the rudest people I think I’ve ever been around! We have since camped at Cherokee camp ground, bradleys and another one down there with a little church on site. All great. Do yourself a favor and drive down the mountain— altitude is messing with these people clearly. I wouldn’t camp there again if it was zero dollars per night!

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sethramey 14

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by sethramey 14

I absolutely love this campground. Very friendly staff and great locals. I have been going here for family vacations for over 10 years and this campground never disappoints. River Valley Campground is very beautiful and sits right next to a nice river. Allows for tent camping, as well as, campers. If you have a choice try and get a campsite on the river side because listening to the river in the m... I absolutely love this campground. Very friendly staff and great locals. I have been going here for family vacations for over 10 years and this campground never disappoints. River Valley Campground is very beautiful and sits right next to a nice river. Allows for tent camping, as well as, campers. If you have a choice try and get a campsite on the river side because listening to the river in the middle of the night is a dream. Highly recommend staying here!!!

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Doug Spitzer

Mar 23, 2026

2.0

Google Review by Doug Spitzer

We’ve stayed at this campground for three years straight and have enjoyed it every time. Wonderful location and clean camp ground. This last visit was a little disappointing. A employee in a golf cart approached ya multiple times and was extremely rude. We do our best to be polite respectful campers as we have 3 young boys camping with us. But the way this employee handled situations was emba... We’ve stayed at this campground for three years straight and have enjoyed it every time. Wonderful location and clean camp ground. This last visit was a little disappointing. A employee in a golf cart approached ya multiple times and was extremely rude. We do our best to be polite respectful campers as we have 3 young boys camping with us. But the way this employee handled situations was embarrassing and uncomfortable. I politely brought this to the attention of the lady at the front desk and she immediately defended him and threatened to charge me 5 dollars for staying 2 minutes after 12. Again we have 3 boys under the age of 7. Not always smooth packing up and leaving. I really hope the owner sees this and makes the Necessary changes to fix this. I hate to not want to stay at such a beautiful place in the future because of a couple rude employees.....

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David Erickson

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by David Erickson

Clean, quiet spot. The staff were amazing and helpful. They ran us around in a golf cart to assist us in picking the perfect spot for our 31 foot RV, and treated us with respect our entire stay. We got a spot right next to the river with power and water/sewer, and had a fantastic time. The elk in the area were out by the dozens, so that was a plus. The showers were clean, although small, and th... Clean, quiet spot. The staff were amazing and helpful. They ran us around in a golf cart to assist us in picking the perfect spot for our 31 foot RV, and treated us with respect our entire stay. We got a spot right next to the river with power and water/sewer, and had a fantastic time. The elk in the area were out by the dozens, so that was a plus. The showers were clean, although small, and the restrooms were clean and well-maintained. We will certainly return our next trip through the Smokies, and definitely recommend River Valley to friends & family.

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Mike M

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Mike M

This is a large campground and still very nice. The river adds a great aspect. The bathrooms were clean and the showers were hot. As a tent camper grass is always a plus and our site was very large and had power and water. I would definitely stay here again when in the area.

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