Accommodations

Summer Camp for Adults: Fontana Village Resort & Marina

Marisa McInturff

5 min read

If you’ve ever wanted to go to summer camp as an adult, you’re in for a treat. That’s exactly how I felt the last time I stayed at the Fontana Village Resort in North Carolina.

Tucked away in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Fontana Village Resort is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a launchpad into some of the finest motorcycle riding in the eastern U.S. Surrounded by miles of sinuous pavement and remote beauty, the resort has long been a favorite of two-wheeled travelers looking to explore roads like the Cherohala Skyway, the Moonshiner 28, and, of course, the infamous Tail of the Dragon.

I arrived at Fontana after a long day of riding twisty mountain roads, and the first thing that struck me was the quiet. Nestled in the woods just above Fontana Lake, the resort offers a mix of rustic charm and creature comforts.

Lodging options range from basic lodge rooms to multi-bedroom cabins. In the last several months, I’ve stayed both in the lodge and in one of the newly renovated Killboy cabins.

The General Store is open 24/7 every single day of the year.

The Lodge

At the top of a hill sits the lodge and it’s nearly 100 guest rooms. Options are available for mountain views with a patio or balcony, or even direct access to the courtyard.

King or queen beds are available and the rooms can sleep two to four people.

In the lobby is a relaxing space to socialize and enjoy a warm fireplace. Down the hall, you’ll find Hazel’s, one of the two on-site restaurants where you can dine with spectacular mountain views.

Killboy Cabins

The newly renovated Killboy cabins are off the main village road and come complete with motorhead-styled decor, including beautiful imagery from Killboy. You’ll also find helmet and jacket racks to store your riding gear when you’re done for the day.

Options are available with two or three bedrooms. Both include a spacious living and dining area as well as a fireplace. The cabins include a private driveway for your motorcycle or car and a private outside fire pit with chairs.

Many other cabins are available on the property, so even if you don’t stay in a Killboy cabin, you can still get the full Fontana experience.

Be sure to ride across Fontana Dam if you're in the area, and check out the visitors center too!

The Riding

The highlight of the Fontana Village Resort is, of course, the riding. From Fontana, you're minutes away from US 129 (that is, the Tail of the Dragon) and its famed 318 curves in 11 miles. Moonshiner 28 is pure riding bliss, snaking through dense forest with sweeping views of the Cheoah River. The Cherohala Skyway—about 40 minutes away—delivers high-elevation cruising with dramatic overlooks and few cars.

But don't overlook the lesser-known roads. At the back of the village of Fontana Dam, you can find Rhymers Ferry Rd, which connects to Old Field Gap and Yellow Creek. Talk about a roller coaster of twisties!

After a day of chasing curves, it’s easy to unwind at the resort. There’s a large fireplace in the lodge, walking and biking trails, and even a pool if you're visiting in warmer weather. For those staying longer, the marina offers kayak and pontoon rentals—an ideal off-bike adventure.

Part of the charm of the Fontana Village Resort is its rustic yet comfortable nature. With all the on-site amenities, it’s truly like going to summer camp as an adult.

The resort is rider-friendly and ideally located for anyone looking to spend their days on the road and their nights in the peace of the Smoky Mountains.

Facts & Information

Amenities

Lodge, cabin, and camping options available
On-site gas station
Two on-site restaurants
24-hour general store
Bike/car washing stations
Swimming pool and lazy river
Basketball, tennis, volleyball, disk golf, mini golf, arcade
20 miles of hiking and biking trails
Trout pond for fishing
Full marina with boat rentals
Wi-Fi connectivity

Nearby Attractions

Tail of the Dragon
Cherohala Skyway
Foothills Parkway
Moonshiner 28
Fontana Dam
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

Nearby Roads

Fontana Village Resort sits at the crossroads of some of the best motorcycle roads in the country. Just minutes away is the legendary Tail of the Dragon (US 129), offering 318 curves in 11 miles.

Moonshiner 28 begins right at the resort, winding through beautiful forests and offering scenic lake views. The Cherohala Skyway is a short ride away, delivering sweeping mountain vistas and smooth, high-altitude cruising.

For more relaxed riding, the Foothills Parkway offers wide curves and stunning overlooks. Whether you're chasing tight technical twists or peaceful backroad beauty, Fontana is the perfect base for two-wheeled adventure.

Food & Dining

Fontana Dam is a rural mountain community, and dining options are limited. The Fontana Village Resort offers a few ways to feed hungry riders.

Hazel's serves fresh, locally sourced dishes with panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. For a more casual meal, Quill's Canteen offers hearty fare in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for refueling before or after exploring nearby attractions.

Additionally, the resort's general store provides grab-and-go items and essentials for guests on the move. Nearby, you can dine at the Tapoco Lodge or grab a quick bite at the Deal’s Gap store.

Price

$179/night

Location

Find it at 300 Woods Rd, Fontana Dam, NC

A 2 day stay at Fontana Village to ride with the RoadRUNNER team is part of the grand prize of our 2025 sweepstakes! You could win this plus a 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, which we’re handing out as part of RoadRUNNER’s 25th-year celebrations. If you haven’t entered the sweepstakes yet, don’t tarry—you can enter for free until July 31, 2025.