Nantahala National Forest Campgrounds
Click on text link for more information on campgrounds
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Seasons, Rates and Forest
Information
Primarily because of budgetary constraints
imposed by the Congress and weather, season and rates (fees) can change
without notice. And, although not a common occurrence, campgrounds can
be closed for renovation or natural disaster. Fees for campgrounds vary
from free to $25 per day. Typical fees run from $5 to $12 per day. Normally,
there is an additional charge for a second vehicle, which rarely includes
a towable or tow vehicle/travel trailer combination. Many of the developed
campgrounds are unattended and paying the fee is based on the honor
system. Especially if reservations cannot or are not going to be made
or it is close to the beginning or end of a season, it is a good idea
to call the Ranger District Office to ensure the selected campground
is open and confirm the fee. Both the Forest Supervisor and Ranger District
Offices have literature available for the public about the Forest (including
maps) and the surrounding areas; contact either office for additional
information
Pets
National Forest campgrounds permit pets, but they are required to
be leashed and under control. This is true not only in the campground
but also when hiking. An uncontrolled pet on the trail can bring
a bear to its owner. Also, unleashed animals are a threat to wildlife
and could become infected with a disease. While rabies is always
a concern, other diseases could be transmitted to a domestic animal.
Be safe and keep pets close and under control at all times. Of course,
pet droppings should be picked up and properly discarded. Although
not required by the Forest Service, having a valid immunization
shot certification from a veterinarian is a good thing to do. Some
private campgrounds require certification and Canadian law requires
it when visiting there. In the event of illness or injury to the
animal or others, quarantine may occur if a shot certification cannot
be produced.
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Cheoah District
Cheoah Ranger District
Route 1, Box 16-A
Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771
828-479-6431
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The campground is adjacent to a stream and
0.5 mile from Fontana Lake. It is located in mature hardwood with
most of the underbrush cleared out. Sites are spacious and nicely
shaded. The lake is very popular with canoeists.
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The campground is situated in mature hardwoods
on a peninsula of Lake Santeetlah. Most of the tent sites are adjacent
to lake.
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Ferebee
Memorial Limited picnicking, canoeing and fishing.
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The campground is situated in mature hardwood
and Spruce trees with some sites adjacent to Santeetlah Creek. Rhododendrons
are abundant too. Nearby, is the Joyce
Kilmer Memorial Forest. Some of the Yellow Poplars are over 400
years old, 20 feet in circumference and 100 feet tall. To enjoy this
virgin splendor, there are two easy loop trails - one is 1.25 miles
and the other is 0.75 miles.
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Open all year. No fee. 2 loop trails (1.25
and 2 miles) through old-growth hardwood grove. Picnic bathrooms,
hiking, fresh water,r information center.
Directions:
From ROBBINSVILLE, take 129-N for 1 mi. Turn left onto NC143-W. Turn
right onto 1127, about 2 miles to Joyce Kilmer Rd.
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Rattler
Ford Group Camp
Open 4/6-10/31. Group camping by reservation
(call 828-479-6431). 4 sites for up to 25/site. Camping showers bathrooms
fishing hiking drinking water and information
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On Snowbird Creek. Camping, bathrooms, fishing.
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The campground is located at base of paw-shaped
peninsula on Fontana Lake. The area is covered with a network of horse
and mountain bike trails. At the time of visit, almost every site
was occupied by mountain biking campers. There is even an area to
wash bikes. The campground is heavily wooded with little underbrush
making for minimal privacy between sites.
Horses are not allowed in the campground, but
stalls and trailer parking are provided in a separate horse users
area, a short distance above the campground. Trail use alternates
between horse and mountain bike riders. Contact the Ranger District
Office for specific days.
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Highlands District
Highlands Ranger District
2010 Flat Mountain Road
Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-3765
(Follow the signs from U.S. 64 east of Highlands)
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Ammons
Branch
Open all year. No fee. Primitive camping,
hiking, bathrooms no water
Directions:
From HIGHLANDS, follow Main St. east out of town about 4.5 miles through
Horse Cove. When pavement ends, bear right on Bull Pen Rd. and go
1.5 miles.
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Balsam
Lake & Balsam Lake Lodge
Balsam Lake day-use are open all year.
Accessible trails and fishing along Wolf Creek. No water or restrooms
in winter.
Balsam Lake Lodge is available to rent from 3/1-11/30. Lodge sleeps
up to 16 people.
Reservations 1-877-444-6777
Directions:
From TUCKASEGEE, take NC 281-S 8.75 miles,turn left on SR 1756,go
about 5 miles to the lodge and 1 mile farther for the day use area.
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Blue
Valley Prim. Camp & Backcountry area
Open all year. No fee. Primitive camping,
no water. Camping Hiking and bathrooms
Directions:
From HIGHLANDS, follow NC 28 south 5.5 miles. Turn right at sign.
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Cliffside
Lake
p Fee area 5/1-10/31. 2 picnic shelters
by reservation (828) 862-5960. Picnic, bathrooms , bathhouse with cold
showers,fishing,swimming hiking fresh water and information. Short trails.
No fee in winter.
Directions:
From HIGHLANDS, take U.S.64-W for 4.5 miles, turn right at signpp
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Highlands
Visitor Center
Information, exhibits. Handicap bathrooms,
drinking water and information.
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The campground is situated in a grove of mature
Rhododendrons,hardwood and some Spruce. Sites are secluded and well
screened from one another - very picturesque campground. US Rt. 64
is a spectacular scenic byway through Cullasaga River Gorge. At time
of visit, public phone was inoperable.
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Open all year. $2/car. Highest waterfall
(411') east of the Rocky Mountains.
Directions:
From CASHIERS, take NC 107-S for 10 miles to NC-SC Stateline. Drive
1 mile, take first paved road to the left. Follow signs.
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Whiteside
Mtn.
Open all year. $2/car. 2 mile loop trail
to 4930" high vista above sheer cliff face. Popular rock climbing
area. Also a Peregrine Falcon nesting site. Bathrooms, hiking, scenic.
Directions:
From HIGHLANDS, take U.S.64-E about 5 miles.Turn right on SR 1680,
follow signs.
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Tusquitee District
Tusquitee Ranger District,
201 Woodland Drive,
Murphy, NC 28906.
Phone (704) 837-5152.
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Fires Creek area open all year. Hike the
0.7-mile loop to Leatherwood
Falls or explore 25 miles of trail open to hikers and horses.
Handicap bathroom available at recreation area. Bristol Horse Camp.
$5/site.
Directions
From HAYESVILLE, go 5 miles on U.S.64-W. Turn right on SR 1302 for
3.7 miles and left on Fires Creek Rd.(SR 1344).
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>There are 4 loops in the campground. The Hanging
Dog Creek and Hiwassee Lake are primary features of the campground.
Hanging Dog Creek is location of the last battle of the Civil War.
This campground is close to the Tellico ORV area.
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The campground, comprised of three loops, is
lightly wooded and nicely manicured. Some sites are adjacent to or
overlook Chatuge Lake. The topography of the campground is pleasantly
varied making the interior roads a neat "playground" for
bikes and roller blades. Amphitheater is currently used only for Sunday
services.
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Lake
Cherokee Open all year. No fee. Accessible Fishing pier.
Picnic shelter. Drinking water and handicap bathrooms available
Directions:
From MURPHY, take U.S.64-W for 8 miles, turn right on NC 294, go 3
miles.
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Wayah District Wayah Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
(Turn at sign on U.S. 64, west of Franklin)
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Appletree
Group Camp
4 group camp sites for groups up to
50 people. Open 4/1/-10/31. Call the Wayah Ranger Station for Reservations
- 828-524-6441. Access to hiking trails.
Directions:
From Franklin, take U.S. 64 west for about 3 miles. Turn right at
LBJ/Wayah signs and take first left beside Loafer’s Glory Store
onto Wayah Road (SR 1310), which goes over Wayah Gap and past Nantahala
Lake. After passing Lake’s End Store, take first left onto Junaluska
Road (SR 1401), toward Andrews for about 2.5 miles to AppletreeGroup
Campground.
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Arrowood
Glade
Picnic bathrooms and drinking water, Swimming
Pool at LBJ
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Hurricane
Primitive
Primitive camp. No water. trailer space,
hiking and horseback riding $4/site. Open 3/15-1/1, weather permitting.
Directions:
Go south from Standing Indian on FR 67 (gravel) for 2 miles.
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Nantahala
Gorge
Popular rafting & kayaking area with 8.5
miles of whitewater. Local outfitters provide boats, guides, etc.
Restrooms, scenic view, fishing
Directions:
US 19, between ALMOND & TOPTON, travels through the gorge
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The campground, loaded with Rhododendrons,
is bisected by the Nantahala River and Kimsey Creek. There are five
loops. Sites 1 through 54 are located on open flats with paved aprons
and wide interior road. Sites 55 through 84 are along a hillside,
nestled among Rhododendrons and hemlocks, with a steep gravel access
road. The campground is situated in what is considered one of the
best hiking destinations in the southwest mountains. It is one of
the few places where one can actually take a loop hike, a part of
which is the Appalachian Trail.
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Wayah
Crest
Appalachian Trail nearby, picnic, bathroom,
hiking
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Wayah
Bald
Open all year. Enjoy panoramic views
from the historic fire tower. Crossed by Appalachian & Bartram Trails.
No fee. picnic, bathroom, hiking, scenic view.
Directions:
From FRANKLIN, take U.S.64-W, turn right on old U.S.64 to SR 1310
(Wayah Rd.). Turn right on FR 69 (gravel) for 4.5 miles.
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For
more information:
Contact the Ranger District in each area or
write:
U.S. Forest Service,
160A Zillicoa Street,
Asheville, NC 28802.
You can also call the information desk Monday through Friday 8:00
am to 4:30 pm at 828-257-4200.
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