Riverside Motel & Campground, Cherokee, NC

For North Carolina residents seeking a memorable getaway to the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Riverside Motel & Campground in Cherokee, NC, offers a distinctive opportunity to stay right on the water. This establishment provides a unique dual offering of both motel accommodations and campground sites, catering to a variety of traveler preferences. If you're looking for a place where the soothing sounds of the river are right outside your door and scenic beauty is paramount, Riverside Motel & Campground positions itself as an option worth considering for your next mountain escape.

Riverside Motel & Campground aims to provide a convenient and picturesque base for exploring Cherokee and the surrounding natural attractions. Its most compelling feature, as highlighted by visitors, is the "awesome" view and the immediate proximity to the river, with the water literally "right out my front door." This makes it an attractive choice for those who prioritize a beautiful natural setting. The dual nature of the establishment, offering both motel rooms and camping spots, suggests a flexibility to accommodate different comfort levels and budgets.

However, prospective visitors should be aware of some significant concerns raised in recent customer reviews. While the location is praised, some find it "over priced." More critically, there have been serious allegations regarding cleanliness and staff conduct. One review describes a deeply negative experience with a "maid or co manager" named Regina, who made the guest feel "extremely unwelcome," leading to a vow to "never return or recommend this place." Another highly concerning review alleges extremely poor hygiene practices, stating, "all we had in room was a bed they had to wash our towels day by day cause they didnt have many the people drink beer at 7am these are the ones that ran the place I watched them when someone left they just made the bed didnt even change sheets this place is very nasty will never stay again and hope no one else does that place needs to be closed down." These highly critical and alarming comments about cleanliness and staff unprofessionalism indicate serious issues that potential guests must consider carefully. While the scenic location is a draw, these operational concerns are paramount for a pleasant stay.

Riverside Motel & Campground is conveniently located at 42 River View Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA. This address places it directly alongside a scenic river in Cherokee, offering immediate access to the water, which is a major highlight for many guests.

Its location in Cherokee, NC, makes it an ideal base for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, as well as the natural wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests are typically just a short drive away from popular attractions such as Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the entrance to the national park via the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

The "River View Dr" address suggests that access to the property is straightforward from main roads within Cherokee, ensuring easy arrival for travelers. Parking is generally available on-site for both motel guests and campers. While the immediate riverfront access is a major advantage, visitors should note that some areas might be affected by river levels, especially for campground spots directly adjacent to the water. The combination of a central location for local attractions and direct river access offers a unique blend of convenience and natural immersion for North Carolina locals exploring the region.

Based on the available information, Riverside Motel & Campground provides a mixed bag of services, with some basic amenities available, but significant concerns raised by customers.

Motel Rooms & Campground Sites: The establishment offers both traditional motel rooms and spaces for camping, catering to different preferences.
River Access: A key service is direct access to the river, with views "right out my front door" for some accommodations, enabling activities like fishing or simply enjoying the waterfront.
Basic Room Furnishings: While not detailed, one review mentions "all we had in room was a bed," implying very basic amenities in some motel rooms.
Towel Service (with issues): A review critically notes, "they had to wash our towels day by day cause they didnt have many," suggesting an inadequate supply of clean towels and potentially poor laundry management.

Critical Concerns Regarding Services:

Cleanliness Issues: There are severe allegations of poor hygiene, with a reviewer claiming staff "didn't even change sheets" between guests and that "this place is very nasty." This raises significant health and safety concerns.
Staff Conduct: Reports of "extremely unwelcome" behavior from one staff member and observations of staff drinking beer at 7 AM indicate unprofessional conduct that could negatively impact guest experience.
Pricing Concerns: One review states the establishment is "over priced" for the services provided.

Riverside Motel & Campground possesses a few compelling features and highlights, primarily centered around its location, but these are significantly overshadowed by critical customer feedback.

"Awesome" River Views: The most universally praised feature is the stunning view and direct proximity to the river. Being able to step "right out my front door" to the river is a major draw for nature lovers and those seeking a serene waterfront setting.
Dual Accommodation Options: The fact that it offers both motel rooms and campground sites provides flexibility for different types of travelers, from those seeking a bed indoors to those preferring to pitch a tent or park an RV (assuming RV spots are available).
Convenient Location: Its address in Cherokee, NC, offers easy access to major attractions in the town and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a good base for regional exploration.
Potential for Outdoor Activities: Direct river access implies opportunities for fishing, wading, or simply relaxing by the water.

Significant Concerns (as highlighted by reviews):

Allegations of Poor Hygiene: The claim that staff "didn't even change sheets" between guests and that the place is "very nasty" is a severe and critical negative highlight that outweighs any positive natural features for many potential guests.
Unprofessional Staff Conduct: Reports of staff making guests feel "extremely unwelcome" and drinking during operating hours are serious concerns regarding the guest experience.
Value for Money: The perception of being "over priced" given the condition and service further diminishes the appeal of its natural highlights.

Based on the provided customer reviews and the nature of the business, Riverside Motel & Campground does not publicly advertise any specific promotions or special offers. As a smaller, independent establishment, any discounts or seasonal rates would likely be managed directly.

However, given the serious negative feedback regarding cleanliness and staff conduct, any potential promotions would need to be considered with extreme caution. The primary "offer" of this establishment is its riverfront location.

If a North Carolina local were still considering this place despite the concerns, the most effective way to inquire about potential rates or any unadvertised offers would be to contact them directly. However, it is strongly advised to also ask pointed questions about their cleanliness protocols and recent efforts to address customer feedback regarding hygiene and staff professionalism.

It is important for potential guests to prioritize their comfort and well-being, and to carefully weigh the scenic benefits against the significant operational concerns before making a booking decision, regardless of any potential discounts.

To contact Riverside Motel & Campground for inquiries or to potentially make a reservation, please use the following information:

Address: 42 River View Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

Unfortunately, a phone number for Riverside Motel & Campground was not provided in the input text. To obtain their contact number, prospective guests would need to perform a quick online search for "Riverside Motel & Campground Cherokee NC phone number."

It is strongly advised that before booking, especially given the serious concerns raised in customer reviews, potential guests contact the establishment directly. When calling, consider asking specific questions regarding:

Their current cleanliness protocols and recent efforts to address past feedback.
Availability of specific room types (e.g., those with better views, or specific amenities).
Any specific rules or expectations for campers versus motel guests.

A direct conversation can help gauge the current operational standards and if any improvements have been made since the critical reviews were posted. Always confirm all details directly with the establishment.

Riverside Motel & Campground in Cherokee, NC, presents a complex suitability for North Carolina locals. Its primary appeal lies in its "awesome" riverfront location, offering immediate access to the soothing sounds and scenic beauty of the river, which is a major draw for those seeking a tranquil natural setting. For locals who prioritize being right on the water for fishing or simply enjoying the view, this aspect is undoubtedly attractive.

However, it is crucial for North Carolina residents to be fully aware of the significant concerns raised in recent customer reviews. Allegations of unsanitary conditions, including un-changed bed sheets, and reports of unprofessional and unwelcoming staff behavior, including staff drinking during work hours, are extremely serious. These issues severely compromise the comfort, safety, and overall experience of a stay. While the price is also mentioned as "over priced," the cleanliness and staff conduct issues are far more critical factors.

Therefore, while the location offers undeniable natural beauty, locals considering Riverside Motel & Campground must weigh these significant drawbacks very carefully. For most, the reported issues would likely make it unsuitable until verifiable improvements are publicly demonstrated. It is essential for any potential guest to conduct thorough due diligence, perhaps by attempting to call and directly inquire about these concerns, before committing to a stay. The natural beauty of Cherokee deserves an accommodation that meets basic standards of hygiene and hospitality.