Deep Creek Campground (NC)

Located next to one of the most popular creeks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek provides traditional primitive camping with the stunning backdrop of the mountains. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. The camp offers 92 individual sites, with room for tents as well as RVs. Tent pads, grills, tables and campfire rings are provided — perfect for a meal or a late-night s'mores session. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets, sinks and drinking water are available. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from the picnic area. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance, and the nearby Bradley Fork River provides a great place to go for a dip or fish for trout. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States: over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated. Deep Creek runs on the edge of the campground and provides easily accessible fishing, wading and tubing. An easy 1.6 mile roundtrip hike will allow you to enjoy two beautiful waterfalls in the Deep Creek area: walk Deep Creek Trail 0.7 mile to the junction with Indian Creek Trail, viewing elegant Tom Branch Falls on the far side of Deep Creek along the way, then turn right at the junction and proceed approximately 200 feet to Indian Creek Falls, which are 25 feet in height. Deep Creek is in the southeastern portion of the park and provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Because of its proximity to water, Deep Creek is an ideal campground for water recreation and books up quickly during summer months.