Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday Blog
Escape to the Smokies! Enjoy RV sites and camping cabins as low as $50.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From Cherokee: N 441 to park boundary, then Big Cove Rd. (Hwy 19 and Blue Ridge Parkway are not recommended.) Enter Big Cove Road when using GPS.
We are located on Big Cove Road in Cherokee, NC 28719.
Note: As of 8/3/25 US441/Newfound Gap Road is closed from Sugarlands to Newfound Gap.
Get Google Directions
There’s something special about hitting the open road in the fall. Crisp mountain air, brilliant red and gold leaves, and winding roads make the Smoky Mountains an unforgettable destination for car and motorcycle enthusiasts.
If you're looking for your next driving or riding adventure, Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday makes the perfect Smoky Mountain basecamp.
Take on the Legendary Tail of the Dragon
For driving and riding enthusiasts, Tail of the Dragon is a bucket-list destination.
Located along US-129 near the Tennessee–North Carolina border, the Dragon is famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles. Its tight turns and dramatic mountain setting attract sports car owners, classic car enthusiasts, muscle car drivers, motorcycle riders, and road-trippers from across the country.
Fall adds another layer to the experience, with colorful mountain scenery surrounding the route.
Whether you're behind the wheel or on two wheels, remember that the Dragon is a public road. Follow posted speed limits, stay alert, and ride or drive responsibly.
More Roads. More Mountains. More Adventure.
The Tail of the Dragon may be the main attraction, but it's only the beginning.
Extend your trip and explore some of the area's other incredible driving and riding destinations:
With Cherokee as your basecamp, you can choose a different route every day.
Chase Fall Colors on Four Wheels or Two
Fall is one of the best times to experience the Smokies from the road.
The mountains come alive with brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold. Stop at scenic overlooks, explore mountain towns, take photos, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
For car enthusiasts, the Smokies provide an incredible backdrop for sports cars, classics, muscle cars, and convertibles.
For motorcycle enthusiasts, winding mountain roads, cool temperatures, and stunning scenery make fall riding especially memorable.
And don't forget the camera—your vehicle or motorcycle surrounded by fall color makes for
Plan Your Fall Road Trip or Ride
If winding roads, mountain views, fall colors, and outdoor adventure are calling your name, make Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday your next destination.
Experience the legendary Tail of the Dragon, explore the scenic roads of the Smokies, and enjoy everything Cherokee has to offer—all while having a comfortable campground as your home base.
Drive the Dragon. Ride the curves. Chase the colors. Camp the Smokies.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
