Nantahala National Forest Campgrounds

Nantahala National Forest 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.

Cheoah District

Cheoah Ranger District
Route 1, Box 16-A
Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771
828-479-6431

Cable Cove

Limited picnicking, canoeing and fishing.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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)

Tusquitee District

Tusquitee Ranger District,
201 Woodland Drive,
Murphy, NC 28906.
Phone (704) 837-5152.

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).

>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.

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.

 

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.

Wayah District

Wayah Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
(Turn at sign on U.S. 64, west of Franklin)

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.

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.