Fort Wilderness Motel/ Rv Park

For those searching on "Hotels Near Of Me" in the beautiful region of Whittier, North Carolina, Fort Wilderness Motel/RV Park presents itself as a compelling option, particularly for those seeking a blend of rustic charm and convenient amenities. Located at US-441, Whittier, NC 28789, USA, this establishment offers a diverse range of accommodations, catering to RV enthusiasts, traditional campers, and those preferring motel rooms or cabins.

Nestled amidst the serene and picturesque landscape of Whittier, Fort Wilderness Motel/RV Park provides a tranquil escape surrounded by the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. The park spans approximately 10 acres, offering a peaceful, leafy, and shaded environment that allows guests to truly connect with nature. It’s a place where you can hear the birds, not the road, despite its convenient location near major thoroughfares. The setting provides a refreshing change of pace, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the fresh mountain air. Guests can expect a quiet and secure atmosphere, as the park is situated in a residential neighborhood.

Fort Wilderness Motel/RV Park aims to provide a comfortable and convenient stay for all its guests, whether they arrive in a large RV or prefer a cozy cabin. The park offers 130 sites, with options for both RVs and tents. RV sites boast full hookups (30/50 amp), often with paved, shaded pull-through spots, making setup easy for even the largest rigs (up to 45 feet). Essential utilities like cable TV and Wi-Fi are available, ensuring guests stay connected. For those who prefer a more traditional stay, motel rooms and cabins are also available. Some cabins are deluxe and furnished with air conditioning, microwaves, half-size refrigerators, coffee pots, TVs, and even full kitchens and bathrooms with hot water and showers. Some even include fireplaces and screened-in porches, adding to the comfort.

Beyond the individual accommodations, the park offers a range of communal amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. There are clean restrooms and hot showers available. A laundry facility is on-site for guest convenience. For those who enjoy outdoor gatherings, picnic tables and fire rings are provided at sites, and firewood is available for purchase. The property features an inviting outdoor swimming pool, open through October 31st, which is a popular spot for both guests and friendly locals, offering a refreshing dip on warm days. For recreation, guests can utilize the game room, equipped with a pool table and ping pong, and enjoy outdoor games like basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes. There's also a playground for children and a spacious pavilion for group gatherings, family reunions, or church events. A general store/campground store is on-site, offering essential RV supplies, groceries, and ice. The park is also pet-friendly, with a dog park available for furry companions (pet fees apply, and restrictions may be in place, so it's advisable to contact the park directly regarding pet policies).

One of the most significant features of Fort Wilderness Motel/RV Park is its strategic location, offering easy access to a myriad of local attractions and outdoor adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains region. It's ideally positioned for exploring both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (just 7 miles away, with entrances in Cherokee and Bryson City) and the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing endless opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and experiencing breathtaking natural beauty. For fishing enthusiasts, trophy trout fishing in the Cherokee river is easily accessible, with the river being just a third of a mile away. The park is also very close to the Cherokee Indian Reservation (a 5-minute drive), offering cultural experiences and shopping. Harrah's Cherokee Casino is a mere 1.5 miles away, providing entertainment and dining options.

Other nearby attractions include:

• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City (10 minutes away)
• Fontana Lake (10 minutes away), perfect for boating and watersports
• Nantahala Gorge (10 minutes away), known for whitewater rafting and ziplining
• Deep Creek (10 minutes away) for tubing and hiking to waterfalls like Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls
• Santa's Land (5 minutes away) for family fun
• Sequoia golf course across the street and Smoky Mountain Golf Course (5 minutes away)
• The Dragon's Tail, a popular destination for bikers

The park prides itself on offering an "old-fashioned family camping" experience, welcoming groups of all kinds, including Good Sam groups. They are open year-round, with cabins available for most of the year.

Fort Wilderness Motel/RV Park often participates in discount programs, including being a Good Neighbor Park (GNP) with a Good Sam Rating. Coast discount (10%) may be available for 2025. Standard rates typically include two adults and two children per site. Additional charges may apply for extra adults ($10), extra children ($10), and pets ($2.50 per day for campsites, $25 one-time cabin fee). Cable may also incur an additional charge of $2.50. Dump station usage for non-guests is $10. Guests are advised that for some accommodations, they may need to bring their own bed linen, blankets, and towels. Check-in is typically from 2:00 PM (with check-in hours from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday through Sunday), and check-out is by 11:00 AM (or 12:00 PM for some RV sites). Late check-in may be possible if payment is received prior to arrival, but an hourly late check-in fee may be assessed, and guests must call to make arrangements for late check-in after 10:00 PM. A refundable damage deposit of $100 is typically required upon arrival, collected by credit card. Quiet hours are observed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. A 48-hour cancellation policy is generally in effect. The minimum age for check-in is 21 years old. Pets are allowed on leash at all times, with rules against biting animals, and owners are expected to pick up waste.

While Fort Wilderness Motel/RV Park offers a prime location and a variety of amenities, potential guests should be aware that recent reviews have been mixed. Some guests have praised the friendly staff and convenient location, highlighting the peace and quiet and the presence of a game room and store. However, other reviews have indicated concerns regarding cleanliness in some units (particularly older ones), maintenance issues with electricity or water hookups, and a perception that some areas are more suited for permanent living than short-term stays. It is always recommended to check the latest reviews and contact the park directly with any specific concerns or questions to ensure it meets your expectations for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.