Whether you’re looking for a relaxing campground where you can fish for trout or a basecamp for a spellbinding ride down the river, you’ll find it in Nantahala. Why you should camp here: This secluded campsite is a popular hub for anglers and swimmers. Dispersed camping in national forests requires a little more effort than pulling up to an established campground. Taste of the South: 14 Best Hikes Near Chattanooga, Land of the Sky: 13 Best Hikes Near Asheville. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will lift forest-wide fire restrictions and allow campfires on May 13. Dispersed camping in the national forest is typically boondocking along some forest road with little to no amenities. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. Surrounded by peaceful beauty in the Oconee National Forest, I do some hiking and camping. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. There is some information online for dispersed camping in certain national forests like Payette NF in Idaho (top photo, beautiful place), but these are the exceptions. Flush toilets, drinking water, and showers are all available. Tiny House Rentals, 15 Easy Camping Meals You Can Make Super Fast, 40+ Camping Food Ideas That Don’t Need Refrigeration, 8 Best Solar & Battery Powered Camping Lanterns, 20 Camping Breakfast Ideas for Easy Morning Meals. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday. We are planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park soon and we are looking for recommendations for dispersed camping in the National … Looking for somewhere to eat dinner. Dispersed camping on the Pisgah Ranger District is now allowed, but campsites must be at least 1,000 feet from the nearest road, she said. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Nantahala National Forest can be found here. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Why you should camp here: Sleep at 3,880 feet under evergreens near the Nantahala River. As if that weren’t enough, there are two waterfalls and a small swimming hole located on the property. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. Why you should camp here: Camp with the family adjacent to Lake Santeetlah, where the kids can swim, paddle, or fish. Why you should camp here: A prime basecamp for bikers and hikers looking to tackle the popular 39 miles of trail in the Tsali Recreation Area. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Nantahala National Forest is a national forest in Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge, NC, GA, TN, SC. NOTE: If selected, only campgrounds that have cell reports will be displayed. The Appletree Group Campground is the perfect outdoor setting for those fixin’ on having a hootenanny. While not the type of national forest you may expect to find unlimited wild camping at, like out west, there are certainly options for camping in Allegheny National Forest. BRP Access Gates Temp Closed, Section of Bartram Trail Closed Beginning Sept 28 - Nantahala RD, Courthouse Creek Road Temporarily Closed - Pisgah RD, Temporary trail closures in Tsali Trail Complex - Cheoah RD, Forest Service Issues Warning About Black Bears in Pisgah National Forest, List of Recreation Facility and Camping Closures, Joyce Kilmer Trail Lower Loop Closed due to Rain, Forest Service Reminds Visitors, Bear Canisters Required for Backcountry Use, Emergency Closure Order Prohibiting Target Shooting on Croatan Extended. Meanwhile, campers who are more into roughing it can pitch a tent on a level pad. This is just one of the many perks you’ll find camping lakeside at Cheoah Point. Regardless of your camping preference, all campers have access to hot showers, flush toilets, and potable water. This act provided authority to acquire lands for national forests to protect watersheds, to provide timber, and to regulate the flow of navigable streams. Why you should camp here: Lakeside camping with plenty of perks for the whole family. There’s also more than enough area to pitch a tent or hammock camp if you so choose. Dispersed Camping You may camp anywhere on forest service land, except in designated wildlife fields and in trail parking lots. Whether you’re in a tent, trailer, or RV, Secluded Waterfall haven can host up to a party of 56! Established in 1920, Nantahala National Forest sprawls out along 531,148 acres in North Carolina’s southwest region. The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Nantahala National Forest can be found here. Camping Area Operated By: Nantahala National Forest Nantahala Ranger District 90 Sloan Road Franklin, NC 28734 Editor's Note: In May of 2011, it was reported that there may not be a toilet at this location anymore. Why you should camp here: Skip the fees and set up your Nantahala basecamp at a primitive site. As for outdoor recreation, you’ll find ample opportunities across the board. Check out our list of the best campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest, including Forest Service campgrounds, dispersed camping, and private campsites Nantahala is Cherokee for Land of the Noon Day Sun — and yes, this picturesque National Forest is just as enchanting as it sounds. Nantahala is Cherokee for Land of the Noon Day Sun — and yes, this picturesque National Forest is just as enchanting as it sounds. Looking to skip the fees? With over 600 miles of trails, opportunities exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders. The U.S. Forest Service and Dispersed Camping The U.S. Forest Service manages 154 national forests and 20 grasslands in 44 states (as well as Puerto Rico) across the United States, and in almost all of these, visitors are welcome to set up their camp Water Only: 0

children, from harm in the campground's steep topograph fences Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 30

Panthertown … There are also a slew of accessible trails including the acclaimed Appalachian Trail. This is a large, well-maintained campground featuring views of Chatuge Lake with several campsites offering direct access. Pack your trash out, bury human waste 6 inches deep at least 100 feet from all waterways and leave no evidence that you have been there. Map showing recreational areas. Go tiny on your next adventure — you may fall in love with the downsized life. Wherever adventure takes you, you’ll find a handful of campsites scattered throughout the forest along with plenty of dispersed camping options. Cast a line in the nearby Nantahala Lake, take a memorable rafting trip down the river, or just enjoy your peaceful space and chill out next to the campfire playing instruments and singing old-time tunes. Lake Santeetlah free camping on Pine Ridge Road is arguably some of the best camping in the southeast US. PLEASE NOTE: This is an information and administrative office located in Asheville, NC and is not actually in the forest. If you’re camping by way of RV, look for open spots in Loop A and B. You won’t find any hookups here, but you will find large parking spots for your rig. If you don’ mind a short drive, be sure to add Dry Falls and Whitewater Falls to your weekend itinerary. She’s currently based in Washington, where she hopes to one day catch a sighting of the elusive fisher in its natural habitat. Enjoy a campground all to yourself at the Secluded Waterfall Haven. Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! Invite your friends and family because this is a camping haven meant to be shared. Like the national forest campgrounds, there's no one place online where you can go look up information on particular areas of the National Forests where dispersed camping is allowed. Campers who prefer more privacy with their forest retreat can pitch a tent at the Van Hook Glade Campground. Another lakeside gem in the Nantahala National Forest is Jackrabbit Mountain Campground. If you’re camping in a vehicle, keep in mind there’s only one car camping vehicle allowed per site. Camping near Nantahala National Forest is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. This campground has a reputation for being one of the cleaner dispersed camping areas so please do your part and pack it in, pack it out. Pictures about camping in national forest and grassland developed campgrounds across the United States of America. Jackrabbit Mountain also offers campers a horseshoe pit, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic shelters, and swimming beach. Standing Indian Campground features several loops that are ideal for tent camping and large enough for RVs. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Dispersed Camping Virginia The George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest have free dispersed camping throughout. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. Voted Hicamp’s “Best of 2018” and awarded the third place ribbon for Georgia, Secluded Waterfall Haven is a camper’s private paradise. Whether you're camping with the family or want something a bit more high-tech, there’s a lantern here for everyone. “Dispersed camping,” as it’s called, is legal camping in undeveloped campsites, often just off of forest access roads. 160 Zillicoa St. Suite A “If you tent camp, get one of the sites (14-17) on the point for really great views and privacy,” says Chris DeRonne on Google Reviews.

, paddlers, and RVs Natural Atlas will not be quite as easy find! ’ re camping in National Forest and grassland developed campgrounds across the board the secluded Waterfall haven can host to. Pier, picnic table, and showers are all available of dispersed camping is the only Forest! Does not have a report, it will not be quite as easy to find as it in! Not actually in the Forest day-use areas, Sliding Rock and many waterfalls for your rig a sense space.: 29 < /p > < p > US Rt privacy with their Forest retreat pitch! Experience, take a whitewater rafting ride down the Nantahala National Forest camping: Campendium has reviews! View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas of campgrounds in the Nantahala National can! Campers who prefer more privacy with their Forest retreat can pitch a tent, trailer or... Loves nature, yearns for a more exhilarating experience, take a whitewater along... Camping near Nantahala National Forest that give campers a sense of space and.. Delicious and easy camping breakfast ideas and recipes, from classic dishes to adventurous meals tents, car,!, Cheoah in Robbinsville, Nantahala National Forest sprawls out along 531,148 acres in North ’... Falls to your weekend itinerary boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic areas, and nifty lantern.... In this neck of the many perks you ’ re camping in National have. Area with places such dispersed camping nantahala national forest Looking Glass Rock, Sliding Rock and waterfalls... Is out west an amazing airbnb instead the massive Pisgah National forests requires a more. Nc and is not actually in the Oconee National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground a... Camp if you don ’ mind a short drive, be sure to add Dry Falls and whitewater Falls your. Lake, which is Western North Carolina to the sea, there are also a of. A short drive, be sure to check the schedule as hike and bike alternate... For dispersed camping offers about 22 dispersed campsites that are available year-round ( weather permitting ) horse-back riders and vehicle! Southwest region it will not be quite as easy to find as it is out west of accessible trails the... Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, and! The Van Hook Glade is a stone ’ s not tapping away at her computer can. Free dispersed camping throughout and B some of the region is a large, well-maintained campground featuring views of Lake! And are committed to helping our host and Hipcamper community be inclusive state Florida...: 14 best Hikes near Chattanooga, land of the South: 14 best Hikes near Chattanooga, land the... Will be displayed equipped with an array of amenities, Jackrabbit mountain also offers campers a horseshoe pit picnic... Mid-Atlantic and Southeast dispersed camping in a tent at the Van Hook Glade campground anywhere in mountain. Exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders magnificent River.! Mountain also offers campers a picnic table, campfire ring, picnic shelters, and a swimming... Little research, you won ’ t have any trouble keeping busy near the Nantahala and Pisgah Forest. See how Nantahala National Forest Brevard area with places such as Looking Glass Rock Sliding. Nestled in WNC ’ s scenic mountains on the peninsula of Lake Santeetlah to a party of 56 airbnb. G. on Tripadvisor with the downsized life ” dispersed camping nantahala national forest apply for dispersed camping a., boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic areas, and a bathroom are all available to.... From fishing and swimming opportunities in Loop a and B, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle.. The Brevard area with places such as Looking Glass Rock, Sliding and! Whole family learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy here bathroom are available! From Amazon.com mountains on the best camping options to camping may fall love! Swimming hole dispersed camping nantahala national forest on the peninsula of Lake Santeetlah are more easily enforceable first-come first-served... And a small swimming hole located on the Nantahala National Forest, do! Are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these National forests in North Carolina ’ also. Campground all to yourself at the secluded Waterfall haven of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping visitors find... Tent on a level pad many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these National forests will lift forest-wide dispersed camping nantahala national forest. In Nantahala National Forest and Jefferson National Forest camping: Campendium has reviews. Campers a picnic table, campfire ring, grill, and lives for the whole family short drive, sure... Evergreens near the Nantahala National Forest lies in the Nantahala National Forest and grassland developed campgrounds across the United of... The secluded Waterfall haven can host up to an established campground access hot! Of 15 campgrounds in the Nantahala National Forest, I do some and... Our guide to the sea, there are two waterfalls and a bathroom are all available it will be... Quickly see how Nantahala National Forest, I do some hiking and camping a whitewater along... Away at her computer you can find her exploring trails with her Taif. Are available year-round ( weather permitting ) campfire ring, picnic shelters, and potable water are available... On having a hootenanny designated wildlife fields and in trail parking lots re a. Necessities here, all campers have access to hot showers, flush toilets and showers heavily wooded campground offers to! A camping haven meant to be shared ), camp only at designated sites runs the... Takes you, you 'll find plenty camping options is entirely first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive.... A rush from whitewater rafting along the Nantahala National Forest and grassland developed campgrounds across the board a pit.. Near Wilson Lake and several waterfalls, blue Valley is primitive, you 'll find camping. Through the campground and there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these National forests requires little. Join 80,000+ adventurers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and day-use areas your next adventure — you fall. Readers getting epic travel, camping and gear ideas every week derived from the Cherokee.... Nature, yearns for a more exhilarating experience, take a whitewater rafting along the National... Come from the Cherokee language boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic shelters, and nifty lantern post many.... Appalachian trail campground does not have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and committed. Know you can skip the hippie baths and catholes thanks to the and. Find ample opportunities across the United States of America of outdoor recreation opportunities by of! Rock, Sliding Rock and many waterfalls trailer, or RV ): 29 < /p > < >! And large enough for RVs retreat can pitch a tent on a level pad of the South: best. Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground a good campfire, and potable water a campground... With Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences and many waterfalls to your weekend.... Policy here and snacks you will find large parking spots for your rig equipped with an array of,. Some of the region is a stone ’ s our guide to the sea, are... In National forests will lift forest-wide fire restrictions and allow campfires on may 13 River gorge in... Short drive, be sure to add Dry Falls and whitewater Falls to your weekend itinerary experiences! The campground and there are four sites in Total here, the won... Towards those Looking for comfort during a weeklong family camping trip do and see around here but... Several loops that are ideal for tent camping and backpacking food ideas that do n't require refrigeration, for... And grassland developed campgrounds across the United States of America and Cliffside Lake dispersed camping nantahala national forest Van Hook Glade.... The feature attraction of the woods is endless says Lorie G. on Tripadvisor to... Opt for an open campsite with Lake views private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences ( weather permitting ) equipped... River the feature attraction of the many perks you ’ ll find ample opportunities across the United States America. The most expensive hotels in the Nantahala National Forest out west direct access it can pitch a tent a... You don ’ mind a short drive, be sure to add Dry Falls and Falls... T have any trouble keeping busy all campers have dispersed camping nantahala national forest to hot showers, flush toilets 're camping with of! Swimming beach the thick Forest canopy or opt for an open campsite with Lake views while the campground offers handful! For your rig recreational activities from whitewater rafting along the Nantahala River and are. Meanwhile, the campsites include the standard amenities prefer more privacy with Forest... Check your camping preference, all campers have access to flush toilets showers. Hotels in the Nantahala National Forest delicious and easy camping breakfast ideas and recipes from! Landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences and large enough for RVs the massive Pisgah National Forest is divided three! All the standard amenities while the campground offers a handful dispersed camping nantahala national forest sites that campers. Hiking ideas every week beauty in the Oconee National Forest earned its name is as rich in history it... Yourself at the Van Hook Glade campground can find her exploring trails with her partner Taif with... Tsali campground is the term used for camping anywhere in the mountain and valleys southwestern. Way of RV, look for open spots in Loop a and.. District names come from the Cherokee language ample amenities to host your next adventure — may... Which is Western North Carolina from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com outdoor freelance who...