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

For local users searching for "RV Parks Near Me" in the Cherokee and Bryson City area of North Carolina, Ela RV Park, located at 5100 Ela Rd #19, Bryson City, presents itself as a "Best Riverfront RV Park" according to its name. However, a thorough examination of recent customer reviews reveals a complex picture with both potential advantages and significant drawbacks that prospective guests should carefully consider.

Several reviews point to ongoing renovations and maintenance issues at Ela RV Park. One guest who stayed for three weeks noted that the "pool was out of commission and many sites were dug up." They also mentioned a lack of communication regarding these renovations at the time of booking, which could be frustrating for travelers expecting certain amenities to be available. This suggests that the park may currently be undergoing significant changes that could impact the guest experience.

Concerns about the river access sites are also raised, with one reviewer describing them as "gross and dangerous." This is a serious accusation, especially given the park's self-proclaimed status as a "Best Riverfront RV Park." Potential guests hoping for pleasant and safe access to the river should take this feedback into account and perhaps inquire directly about the condition of these sites.

Safety is another area of concern highlighted in one review. The guest warned others to "bring a machete" and claimed that "the kids in the nasty full time section chase you down for money," recounting "good stories for the need for money." This paints a disturbing picture of the park's atmosphere and raises serious questions about the supervision and behavior within the long-term resident area. Such claims could be a significant deterrent for families or individuals prioritizing a safe and secure environment.

Cleanliness appears to be an issue, particularly in the bathroom facilities. One reviewer described the bathrooms as feeling "like beach bathrooms" – functional but "not very clean or comfortable." This suggests that the hygiene standards in communal areas might not meet the expectations of all travelers.

Despite these negative aspects, some reviewers acknowledge positive attributes of Ela RV Park. The campground's location is frequently praised as being "in a great location for exploration" of Bryson City, Cherokee, and the Smoky Mountains National Park. This makes it a potentially convenient base for those interested in exploring the natural and cultural attractions of the region. Additionally, the price is described as "decent," and the "hook ups work well," indicating that the basic utilities for RVs are functional.

One reviewer summarized the park as having "zero frills" and being "good for those who don't plan on relaxing at camp much." This suggests that while the location and hook-ups might be adequate, the overall ambiance and amenities might be basic and not conducive to a leisurely stay within the park itself.

An unusual feature mentioned by one guest is the presence of a large number of stray cats, stating, "Must love stray cats. There are at least 30 here." For those with allergies or aversions to cats, this could be a significant issue. For others who are animal lovers, it might be a neutral or even positive aspect, but it's certainly a noteworthy characteristic of the park.

One reviewer expressed the feeling that the owners "are trying to make upgrades, just lack the communication" regarding these improvements. This aligns with the earlier comment about the pool being out of commission and sites being dug up, suggesting ongoing efforts to improve the park, but with potential shortcomings in informing guests about these disruptions.

Another guest who had a reservation but cancelled due to a tropical storm noted the park's convenient location for visiting Bryson City, Cherokee, and the Smokies. They also observed the Tuckaseegee River flowing at the edge of the campground, situated down a bit of a hill, which they considered a potential advantage during heavy rain. This reinforces the positive aspect of the park's location and natural setting, despite the other concerns raised.

The same reviewer who cancelled also mentioned a conversation with the manager who stated they had to "kick out some folks for not paying and other issues," speculating that negative reviews might be retaliatory. While this offers a potential explanation for some of the negative feedback, it's crucial for prospective guests to consider all accounts objectively.

One final positive note is that one reviewer found their "campsite was nice" with "all the hook ups," including "gravel parking next to a concrete patio/table." This suggests that at least some of the individual sites are well-equipped and maintained.

In conclusion, Ela RV Park offers a potentially attractive riverfront location in close proximity to the popular tourist destinations of Cherokee and Bryson City, as well as the Smoky Mountains National Park. The availability of full hook-ups and a decent price point are also noted as advantages. However, potential guests must be aware of significant concerns raised in recent reviews, including an out-of-commission pool, ongoing renovations with potential lack of communication, "gross and dangerous" river access sites, alleged safety issues involving children in a long-term resident section, unclean bathrooms, a large number of stray cats, and contrasting opinions on the overall atmosphere and management. Local users searching for "RV Parks Near Me" should carefully weigh these factors and consider contacting Ela RV Park directly at (828) 488-2410 or +1 828-488-2410 to inquire about the current conditions, the status of renovations, safety measures, cleanliness protocols, and any other concerns they may have before making a reservation. Given the mixed and at times alarming feedback, thorough due diligence is strongly recommended.

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

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