Expansion planned at Harrah's Cherokee

Casinos in the East aren't nearly as numerous as casinos in the West. RVers exploring the west coast can literally casino hop in every state all up and down the West Coast. On the East Coast, however -- especially in the southeast -- there are many states that do not have casinos. In North Carolina one casino, Harrah's Cherokee, is surrounded by states (TN, SC, GA, VA, KY) that don't have any gaming at all. The casino is located in the heart of the lovely Great Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina.

Owned by the states's Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the casino is not Vegas-style. There are no live table games, and according to a compact the Cherokees signed with the state back in 1994, all video machines must be games of skill. So, because of the "skill" factor, slots players must spin the reels twice. There are also digital versions of blackjack, craps and baccarat.

An expansion has just begun that will enlarge the hotel and conference facilities and double the size of the casino bt 2012. There is no indication yet of whether the expansion will include an RV Park. The region is a popular summertime destination for campers and RVing casino goers wold certainlylove to see an RV Park at a casino in the Smokies!

Harrah's Cherokee is RV-Friendly with the far west end of the main parking lot designated for RV parking. Overnight is OK. To get to Harrah's Cherokee from Asheville, NC use exit 27 off I-40, follow US-74 west for 3.3 miles to exit 103 then merge onto US-19 west for 23.1 miles then north on Casino Drive. Coming in from the Knoxville area use exit 20 off I-40 and merge onto US-276 south for 5.9 miles then US-19 west for 19.3 miles. Either way, it's a drive into the mountains. RVers don't generally go into the Smokies specifically to play at this casino, but Harrah's Cherokee can be a good stop on the way to a fishing/camping destination.