• Lakes in the Great Smoky Mountains add to the area's beauty.Foggy North Lake Tahoe image by JeremyWhat from Fotolia.com
  
  Fontana Village is a small town near Fontana Dam on Fontana Lake in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The lake offers fishing and boating opportunities. The Appalachian Trail is not too far away, and there are countless other trails in the area. Fontana Village is a bit off the beaten path, so it is not as crowded in the summer, but it still has all the great outdoor opportunities that the area offers. The town is very near the Tennessee state line and close to Gatlinburg.
  
  

Fontana Village Campground

• The Fontana Village Campground is small, but it is in a beautiful setting at the base of the Fontana Dam on the lake. The campground is a bit secluded with sites among trees and great views of the dam and water. There are only 10 RV sites and they have full hookups, with 30- and 50-amp connections. Tent camping is allowed in the area and alongside RVs. There is waterfront access, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, bathrooms, and showers. There is a marina nearby and boats are available for rent.
  
  Fontana Village Campground
  Fontana Village, N.C. 28733
  800-849-2258
  5starcampsites.com/fontana-village-campground
  
  

Mountaineer Campground

• The Mountaineer Campground is just across the state line in Townsend, Tennessee, on the Little River. There are grassy sites with gravel pads, and riverfront sites with decks overlooking the water. Many sites have shade. Mountaineer Campground has 49 RV sites, all with full hookups--water, sewer, and 30- or 50-amp electric connections. Cable TV and Internet are available. Each site has tables, grills, and a fire ring. There are a modern bathhouse and restrooms, a convenience store, picnic shelter, and pavilion for camper use. Pets are allowed on leash. The campground has a swimming pool, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, and a playground. The facility is open March 15 through November 15.
  
  Mountaineer Campground
  8451 State Highway 73
  Townsend, TN 37882-4309
  865-448-6421
  mountaineercampground.net
  
  

Turkey Creek Campground

• Turkey Creek is a small stream that flows into the area where the Nantahala and Little Rivers come together, and makes a great place to experience all that is the Great Smoky Mountains. The campground is near Bryson City and Cherokee. The campground has shaded RV sites with 20-amp connections and water connections. There are no sewer connections, but there is a dump station. Sites have a picnic table and areas for campfires. There are full bathrooms and bathhouses available, and there is a game room, coin-operated laundry, and a convenience store.
  
  Turkey Creek Campground
  135 Turkey Creek Road
  Almond, NC 28702
  828-488-8966
  turkey-creek.com