Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday General Information

Check in time for RV and Tent sites:1pm 
Check in time for Cabins: 4pm

Looking to stay later or arrive early? Please check with the front desk for availability.

Check out time for RV and Tent sites: 12 noon
Check out time for Cabins: 11am

The ponds on our campground and owned and maintained by the EBCI Natural Resources Department. You must purchase a tribal fishing license (even if you have a NC fishing license) to fish in these ponds. We conveniently offer these licenses in our camp store for purchase. For stocking information, contact the Tribal Trout Hatchery at (828) 359-6960

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, strict limits are enforced on the number of people who may be at the campground per each reservation. 

• At check-in, you will be asked to verify the number of guests staying at your site.  
  
• A limit of 6 or 8 people per site (depending on site type) will be enforced.  That total number includes both the number of people on your reservation and any day visitors.  If you have the maximum number of people on your reservation, day visitors are not allowed.
  
• RV and Tent sites are limited to 6 people per site.
  
• Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, and other Lodging are limited to 6 people with exception of the Deluxe Cabins which sleep 8, these are limited to 8 people. 
  

If the number of overnight guests on your reservation allows for day visitors, those day visitors must check in at the front desk upon arrival. Your visitors are welcome for $10 per additional adult. Visiting guests are permitted until Quiet Hours and must adhere to campground rules. Should day visitors turn into overnight guests, they must register at the front desk.

You must be 21 or older to make a reservation, pay, or sign for registration. No one under 21 is allowed to stay without an adult 21 or older. Photo ID may be requested.

• General Store / Registration Office Hours: 9am - 5pm
  
• Indoor Pool & Spa Hours: 9am - 7pm
  
• New Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub: (Seasonal) 9am - Dusk.
  
• Laundry Hours: Open 24/7
  
• Quiet Hours: 10pm - 8am
  

For a complete list of fire safety rules: CLICK HERE

Must be age 21+ to rent a golf cart and 18+ to drive the golf cart. Must sign a waiver and have a valid driver's license on file in the General Store Office.

Propane fills are available. Please inquire at the store and we will fill your tank. No propane fills after dusk.

Cancellation Policy (Effective for reservations made starting on 10/1/24):
If you need to cancel your reservation, please call the campground before the deadlines below to receive a refund of your deposit, less a $20 administrative cancellation fee. Text and email notifications of cancellations will not be accepted.
Cancellation Deadlines:
 RV & Tent Sites: You must give 7 days cancellation notice. Call the KOA you made your reservation with by 4 p.m., seven days before your scheduled arrival.Lodging & Accommodations: You must give 14 days cancellation notice. Call the KOA you made your reservation with by 4 p.m., fourteen days before your scheduled arrival. For guests booking accommodations in California, a full refund will be given for reservations canceled within 24 hours of booking, provided the arrival date is at least 72 hours after the time of booking.Cancellation Details:
• Reservations made after these deadlines require nonrefundable deposits.
• Cancellations made after the deadlines will result in forfeiture of the full deposit.
• No refunds are given due to the discomforts of nature, including no-shows and early checkouts.
• No refunds are given on or after the arrival date.
• Refunds will be processed using the original credit/debit card, with no exceptions.
• The cancellation policy may be amended during a Regional/National travel disruption.
• Holidays and special events may have unique deposit and/or cancellation requirements. Please check with your selected KOA for details.

All dogs are required to be under the control and visual observation of their owner at all times. A 6' (six foot) leash rule is in effect whenever the animal is outside the owner's camping trailer, vehicle, cabin, or motor home. No dog should be left tied up and unattended outside the owner's camping equipment. Allowing your pet to bark uncontrollably day or night will not be permitted and you may be asked to leave if you are not able to control your pet's barking behavior. While we do not have any specific breed restrictions, all aggressive animals will be asked to leave the park for the safety of all of our guests and their furry family members.

We are a pet friendly park and welcome all pets. 
Deluxe cabins that are pet friendly require a $25 per stay, per pet fee. Camping cabins  $10 per stay, per pet fee. All Cabins have a MAX of 2 Pets

A maximum of 2 vehicles are permitted at each site. All guests must register vehicles at the registration office.

EV CHARGING IS PROHIBITED AT THIS CAMPGROUND

Curbside trash pickup is available. Please leave your bagged and tied trash at your curb for us to pick up between 8am and 4pm.

Speed limit is 5mph and is strictly enforced.

Connecting with nature and wildlife. Various types of wildlife big and small may be found on and around this campground. Be alert and give them distance and respect. Keep dogs on a leash and properly store food, trash and cooking supplies.    
Your safety and the future of wildlife depend on you.

If you arrive after hours please pick up map at main building and come in to the office in the morning before 11am to register.

Non-emergency after hours number is: 828-269-8515

For emergencies please dial 911

Welcome to the Cherokee!

Sara has been a valued member of the KOA family, most recently serving as Assistant General Manager this location. Her journey with KOA began as a Night Host, followed by roles as Bookkeeper and Assistant General Manager—each demonstrating her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Sara brings an impressive background to her role. She began working at age 15 while earning two associate degrees in college transfer and automotive studies, as well as her high school diploma through early college. She went on to earn an additional associate degree in diesel and heavy equipment and later completed her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Law. Before returning to KOA full time, Sara also taught automotive classes at Swain High School for two years.

Sara enjoys kayaking and spending time with her family and friends.