Looking for a great place to go camping in the Smoky Mountains? Whether you are traveling with a tent or in a motorhome, you'll love the quiet, shady Ela Campground beside the Tuckaseigee River, midway between Bryson City & Cherokee NC. If you don't have a tent or camper, no problem. We have camping cabins and RVs you can rent for your mountain vacation.
We are a family-oriented campground, centrally located to all the activities that make the Smokies a special vacation spot.
For years the Ela Country Store has been a popular stop on the road between Bryson City and Cherokee. It's a unique camp store, information center, and crafts and antique shop that is a piece of North Carolina history.
Originally located in the former community of Forney Creek, on the North Shore of Fontana Lake, the store was moved here in the 1950s piece by piece and then reconstructed. Forney Creek had become isolated across the lake when Fontana Dam was build in the 1940s.
The store still retains the original creaky wood floors, wormy chestnut walls and board-and-batten exterior that make it a regional treasure. Stop by for a visit!
Our shaded campsites are just steps from the Tuckaseigee River and campers have three easy access areas to the river (click for map of campsites and river access)ó
Two "walkdown" river access areas are perfect for fishing, wading, kayaks, canoes and tubing. You can also enjoy the river from a large deck cantilevered over the water. It's great for fishing or just watching the Tuckaseigee flow by.
AMENITIES
- Trout fishing, tubing
- Rafting, kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Hiking and waterfalls
- Shopping
- Scenic drives
- Cherokee Indian Reservation
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Inspirations Gospel Festivals
- Harrah's Casino
- Weekly campground activities
- Special events
- Three river access areas
- Two clean bathhouses with hot showers
- Coin laundry
- Wireless internet
- Activity room with HD TV
- Swimming pool
- Level, easy access to sites
- Large covered picnic shelter
- Playground
- Get-togethers
- Group campfire
- Group picnic tables
- Every campsite has a picnic table
- Dump station
- Rentals
- Propane
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
- Smoky Mountains
- Bryson City
- Deep Creek Hiking and Tubing
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Smoky Mountain Train Museum
- Cherokee
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Harrah's Berokee Casino
- Oconaluftee Indian Village
- Santa's Land
- Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
- Dillsboro
- One hour to Asheville - Biltmore Estate, Asheville Tourists Baseball
- One hour to see the Elk at Cataloochee, and Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley.
- One hour to ride Deal's Gap, world-famous among motorcyclists and sports car drivers.
- Take a day trip to Cade's Cove, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
FONTANA LAKE & STECOAH
Just 20 minutes west
Boating, fishing, mountain bike trails (pdf), jet boat rides, Fontana Dam, Stecoah Valley Center craft gallery, music & festivals.
FRANKLIN
Just 35 minutes south
Segway tours
Scottish Tartans Museum
INSPIRATIONS PARK
Just 5 minutes away
Southern gospel music events hosted by world famous Inspirations Quartet.
NANTAHALA GORGE
Just 20 minutes west
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, funyaks, trout fishing.