Deep Creek Campground (NC)

By having all of the campsites filled everyday, finding parking spaces near certain sites was a problem.

Worst campsite I've even been to, anywhere, ever. Campsites are shaped strangely, basically right on top of each other, impossible to socially distance yourself from other campers. People walk through your campsite confused, trying to get to their own, because of the weird layout. There is no drinking water, despite what the website says (only 1 fountain that was not working). Parking is a bit away from sites, have to truck all of your camping stuff across other campsites to get to your own. Save your time and money (and sanity), and go somewhere, anywhere, else.

.........we accidentally got a site that did not have enough space for our small 13ft camper and two cars. We were prepared to move if necessary but staff managed to shift things to allow us to stay where we were. Check in was easy and hosts and staff were pleasant and helpful. Masks were worn and signage was good. Restrooms were clean and drinking water seemed good. It was possible to social distance which seemed to be the norm. My family really enjoyed this trip. It was a third generation trip for us to camp there.

We’re used to camping at the National ParK at the Cosby Campground were the campsites are large and the sites are far apart. I was shocked to find the sites at Deep Creek are on top of each other (and we didn’t even have a site on the river which were even closer together than the outer loop). When you can actually hear the conversation of the campers next to you, you’re too close. If you’re bringing an RV larger than a pop up, you may not be able to navigate your vehicle into your site w/o someone across from you moving their parked car (the outer loop is a narrow one way road). Also, most sites on the outer loop are on an incline and nowhere near level.
I was pleasantly surprised the maintenance staff was busy keeping the grass cut and the restroom were clean. Considering we were there over a Holiday weekend there was no loud parties at night and the evenings were cool enough to make for comfortable sleeping.
If you plan on spending most of your time hiking in this area, do your research before coming. The ranger staff had very little knowledge of nearby trails including the ones off lakeshore drive and near the tunnel to nowhere. We are hikers and we spent most days driving back up 441 to Newfound Gap.
If you’re looking for a grocery store stop by Food Lion in Cherokee and don’t bother with the IGA in Bryson City.
This campground isn’t for us and we will not be back.

I really enjoyed my visit to Deep Creek. The bathrooms were always clean which I appreciate. The campgrounds were quiet and people were respectful. The staff was always available. Lots of trees at the campsite and it kept my area shady and cool. Thanks !!

Our site was right by the creek, which was the highlight. Otherwise, we were within 20 feet of three other sites with no trees in between us. If you do not want to wake up in the morning to the sound of dogs barking and children crying, this is not the campground for you.

We had a blast, as always.

Great place to camp and tube! Although I would recommend camping in the hillside regions as the area by the river was crowded and loud. No showers at this campground, FYI.