The History of Ela Campground
For years the Ela Country Store has been a popular stop on the road between Bryson City and Cherokee. It’s a unique camp & fishing supplies store and information center that is a piece of North Carolina
history.
Originally located in the former community of Forney Creek, on the North Shore of Fontana Lake, the store was moved here in the 1950s piece by piece and then reconstructed. Forney Creek had become isolated across the lake when Fontana Dam was build in the 1940s. The store still retains the original creaky wood floors, wormy chestnut walls and board-and-batten exterior
that make it a regional treasure.
We are a family-oriented campground, and our camping community includes seasonal, monthly, weekly and overnight guests. We are centrally located to all the activities that make the Smokies a special vacation spot.
- Trout fishing, tubing
- Rafting, kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Hiking and waterfalls
- Shopping
- Scenic drives
- Cherokee Indian Reservation
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Harrah’s Casino
Stop by for a visit!
Over the years the old store has inspired the artistic talents of friends and guests. The beautiful painting and the woodcut are on display in the store.
