Ela RV Park | Best Riverfront RV Park in Cherokee & Bryson City Area

ela campground nc

For North Carolina locals eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and vibrant outdoor culture of the Great Smoky Mountains, Ela RV Park, conveniently nestled between Bryson City and Cherokee, offers a unique opportunity. Advertised as a "Best Riverfront RV Park," this destination caters to those who prioritize location and adventure over extensive resort-style frills. We understand that our fellow North Carolinians seek genuine experiences, and Ela RV Park provides a practical and strategic basecamp for exploring the countless hiking trails, thrilling river activities, and charming mountain towns that define our western region. While the park has experienced some transitions and ongoing improvements, its prime setting along the Tuckasegee River makes it a noteworthy option for your next mountain getaway.

Ela RV Park is ideally situated at 5100 Ela Rd #19, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. This highly advantageous location places it almost equidistant between the popular towns of Bryson City and Cherokee, providing unparalleled access to the diverse attractions of both areas. For North Carolina residents, reaching the park is a straightforward journey along major routes, allowing for efficient travel to your mountain escape. Its position on Ela Road (US 19 North) ensures direct access to the Tuckasegee River, a significant draw for water enthusiasts. This strategic placement means campers are just minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the renowned Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), and various cultural and historical sites in Cherokee. The convenience of its location minimizes travel time, allowing you to maximize your enjoyment of the abundant outdoor activities and local charm that the Western North Carolina mountains offer.

Ela RV Park offers a range of services designed to support a functional and comfortable camping experience, particularly for RVers. While the park is undergoing a period of transition and improvement, the core utilities and amenities are in place to serve guests.

• RV Campsites with Hookups: The park provides numerous RV sites, primarily gravel, with full hookups, including 30-amp and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections. Some sites offer riverfront access.

• Tenting Sites: There are also tenting sites available for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience.

• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Communal bathrooms and showers are available for guest use. While reviews mention they "do the job," the park is reportedly working on cleanliness and comfort improvements.

• Laundry Room: A laundry room is provided on-site for guest convenience.

• River Access: Direct access to the Tuckasegee River for fishing, tubing, and other water activities is a significant offering, especially for riverfront sites.

• Pool Access: While the pool may periodically be out of commission due to renovations, it is an advertised amenity for guest enjoyment.

• On-Site Country Store: The park reportedly has a country store for basic necessities and forgotten items.

• WiFi Access: WiFi is available, though past reviews suggest it can be unreliable, indicating an area potentially targeted for future upgrades.

• Long-Term Stay Options: The campground is transitioning or has transitioned to offering more long-term sites, suggesting suitability for extended stays.

Ela RV Park boasts several key features and highlights that, despite some ongoing improvements, make it an appealing choice for many campers, especially those focused on location and outdoor pursuits.

• Prime Location for Exploration: The most significant highlight is its "great location for exploration," situated perfectly to "see Bryson, Cherokee and the Smokeys." This convenience to major attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala Outdoor Center is unparalleled.

• Riverfront Access: Direct access to the "huge river flows right at the edge of the Campground" is a major draw. Some river-access sites feature "huge decks" and concrete patios, enhancing the outdoor living experience right by the water.

• Good Hookups and Price: Reviews indicate that "hook ups work well," and the park offers a "decent price" for its sites, providing good value for essential services.

• Suitable for Active Campers: It's described as "Good for those who don't plan on relaxing at camp much," highlighting its suitability as a functional base for adventure-focused travelers who spend their days exploring the surrounding area rather than just staying on-site.

• Resilience to Weather: The river's position "down a hill a bit" can be beneficial during heavy rains, as it helps manage rising water levels, providing a degree of natural protection.

• Ongoing Improvement Efforts: Although some facilities may be undergoing renovation, the acknowledgment that "they are trying to make upgrades" suggests a commitment to future improvements, indicating potential for an even better experience down the line.

• Management Addressing Issues: The manager's reported actions to address "folks for not paying and other issues" indicate an effort to maintain order and improve the community environment within the park.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Ela RV Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 5100 Ela Rd #19, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

Phone: (828) 488-2410

Mobile Phone: +1 828-488-2410

For North Carolina locals, Ela RV Park offers a compelling proposition as a riverfront basecamp for your Smoky Mountains adventures. While some recent reviews highlight areas for improvement, particularly regarding communication and facility comfort during renovations, the park's fundamental strengths lie in its "great location for exploration" and convenient access to both Bryson City and Cherokee. If your primary goal is to be strategically positioned for hiking, white-water rafting on the Tuckasegee River, or exploring the cultural richness of the region, Ela RV Park provides an excellent launchpad. It’s a practical choice for those who view their campsite as a convenient home base rather than a destination in itself, valuing good hookups and a decent price. For those of us who love to be out enjoying the trails and rivers of our beautiful state, the park’s unbeatable access to outdoor activities makes it a highly suitable and promising option, especially as it continues its efforts to make upgrades and enhance the camper experience.

Ela RV Park | Best Riverfront RV Park in Cherokee & Bryson City Area

5100 Ela Rd #19, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA