Camping near Lake Santeetlah

Lakeside escapes and lush forests welcome campers to Lake Santeetlah.

96% (6110 reviews)
96% (6110 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Santeetlah

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Star Hosts in Lake Santeetlah

12 top campgrounds near Lake Santeetlah

99%
(450)

Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

12 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Robbinsville, NC
Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway. MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule. 2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die. Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing but will need a landowner permission slip as little snowbird creek is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land. Amazing views and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Many Hiking trails are just a short drive from the property and please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs. It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but the secluded, peaceful and breathtaking views make this location a must-see and adventure.
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$30
 / night
100%
(134)

Mountain Creek Rest

2 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Robbinsville, NC
Heartstone tent site is a stunningly beautiful, romantic, and very, very private campsite for 2! There is a new, large tent pad if you would like to invite friends! Islandsite is an equally beautiful tent site ideally for two, but the 10x12 platform can accommodate a 6-man tent, best for 2 adults and a couple of kids! You won't want to leave, but if you do there are many recreational opportunities in the area such as hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and more! Stays of 4 days or more get a big discount! Enjoy the fresh, cooler mountain air, and the beautiful, private settings! Heartstone is located on a modestly pitched, terraced slope where a divided mountain stream, the tumbling Squally Creek rejoins itself! The sunlight filters down through the forest canopy providing a warm, inviting glow!! There is a 9'-6" x 10' wooden tent platform, and if needed a new, larger tent pad! Islandsite is located at the top of the island where the tumbling Squally Creek divides! Access is provided by the 40' long fallen tree bridge! Islandsite is unique, private, and very romantic! Both Heartstone and Islandsite feature a picnic table, charcoal grille, and comfort facility all within a short walk from your private parking! Enjoy evenings at the new fire pit area with benches overlooking the fire pit and creek! Explore the island on the 400' island trail, or go downstream to a nice pool for dipping! Contact me for discounts when staying more than 5 nights! The gravel road is uneven, and 5" of clearance is recommended. Extra guests are an available option! The property is spacious and there is parking for a second vehicle nearby if needed!
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$39
 / night
96%
(36)

RV w hookups 35 acres hike & fish

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Cherokee, NC
RV site with water hookup just outside the gate to our property. We have 35+ acres full of hiking trails, stocked pond, party barn with hot water, firepit, lawn games. Site is convienent on an almost flat gravel road and located just off Rt 441 in Whittier, NC. One mile off Cherokee reservation, 2 miles to Harrah's Casino and 5 miles from Oconaluftee Visitor Center, The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains.
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$32
 / night
96%
(475)

Low Meadow Farms

19 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Knoxville, TN
Low Meadow Farms (formerly Brown Bike Farms) is a serene four-acre meadow bordered by Burnett Creek. The campground is an easy distance to Downtown Knoxville and an even easier access to all that South Knox's Urban Wilderness has to offer. It uniquely offers a hint of backcountry camping without the 25-mile hike in. It is a great way to test the waters for primitive camping or an easy stop close to the city for a seasoned traveler. It is best suited for car camping, RVs, tent, and hammock camping. There are fire pits and picnic tables at each site with enough room for tents and RVs. Most sites have trees suitable for hammock camping all along the creek. There is potable water, firewood for sale, solar showers, and a bike wash stand all next to the covered communal area. Each standard site can accommodate 2 people to keep space between groups and lessen the impact on the land. Sites 10 and 13 can each accommodate 6 guests. If you have more in your group, we recommend reserving an adjoining campsite. Sites 1, 2 and 3 are off the main path to the left of the property, and still by the creek. Sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are all along the creek and gravel drive Site 10 is very private with creek access on three sides. Site 11 is private with creek access all along the front. Site 12 is up high on a hill, and Site 13 is open in the middle of the meadow.
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$30
 / night
99%
(106)

The Enchanted Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Hayesville, NC
Five gravel, flat RV sites with electric and water, by a trout creek and dump site on property! Tiny homes on property, hammocks, fire pit and more. 30 minutes away from Lake Chatuge, local brewing companies, local shopping, wine tasting, local artist displays and Marinas on the lake. Hiking, fishing
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$65
 / night
97%
(298)

Conleys Creek Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Whittier, NC
We purchased our nine-acre property a little over three years ago. It was a run down, small, manufactured home park with a farmhouse on it. It has been an ongoing labor of love to transform it into a small, unique RV and tent camping park along beautiful Conleys Creek. We only offer 4 tent spots (first come, first served), as well as 4 RV spots. We rent out our 38' RV separately. We have torn down and repurposed some of the manufactured homes on the property. We continue to create numerous gardens with veggies and herbs. We have also planted numerous fruit and flowering trees, bushes and flowers for bold color throughout the year. Our property is completely pesticide free. We currently have 11 free range chickens, known as The Dixie Chicks! Guests enjoy feeding, petting and collecting their eggs, which are delicious! We offer both RV and tent camping on both sides of Conleys Creek. Each site has a grill and fire pit. Fish or cool off in our creek, which is regularly stocked with trout. As a convenience to our guests, we sell eggs, firewood and ice. Enjoy the game room playing billiards or shooting darts. Enjoy the nice weather and play one of our numerous outdoor yard games. We have a very clean, private guest bath house, excellent WI-FI and a dump station. Hike up our mountain range to locate our second creek. Our guests love how convenient our location is to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are nestled between Bryson City and Cherokee. Close to other charming towns, such as Dillsboro and Sylva, and many outdoor attractions. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, tubing, kayaking and whitewater rapids, all nearby our property. This is our home, business and new lifestyle. Come and enjoy it with us!
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$35
 / night
99%
(35)

Mountain Riders Riverfront Camping

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Andrews, NC
All sites are on the valley river surrounded by mountain views. Close to the Dragon Tail, Trail of Tears, and the North Georgia / Tennessee border. Zip lining, white water rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking are all nearby. Enjoys stunning views, the sound of the river, and plenty of other outdoor activities around.
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$25
 / night
98%
(201)

The Heart Center

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Robbinsville, NC
The Heart Center sits on 30 acres of beautiful forest land and it is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest.  The place is an old school site that was literally left to be buried by the forest, until I came along and decided to fix it up, and create a holistic sanctuary for people wishing to get away from it all. A place where one can heal, contemplate, re-energize, and relax in a quiet and pristine environment. Feel secluded enough to experience your own inner stillness; and, yet, connected enough to enjoy many beautiful area attractions that are just minutes away such as: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Fontana Dam and the Appalachian Trail, 20 Mile Ranger Station, Cherohala Skyway, and Santeetlah Lake!The Heart Center is about love, unity, harmony, joy and re-connecting with ourselves, others, and Mother Nature. At the Heart Center, we take special interest in providing our guests with a uniquely peaceful, positive, comfortable, and relaxing experience! Whether you are laying on a hammock, walking the labyrinth, or just sitting on the deck taking in the sights and sounds, we want you to enjoy. 
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$40
 / night
98%
(108)

Cherokee Waterfall Campground

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Cherokee, NC
Please read the entire description because I have updated the site! I am doing renovations to the campground and there is a big chance that this will no longer be a 1 site campground. I am adding another campsite around 100 yards away from the "Waterfall" site. I will call this site "Creekside". The people that book the "Creekside" site will not be allowed to go to the waterfall or enter the "Waterfall" site and it will be clearly marked where one site ends and the other begins. There is a chance the the renovations to the new "Creekside" site will not be finished this year but if you book the "Waterfall" site just know that there will be a chance that there will be another site on the property. When I finish with the renovations I will contact all the people that booked the "Waterfall" site and ask them if they want to reserve the other site (Creekside) on the days they have booked. If I don't contact you then you will know that the "Creekside" site is not finished. There has been some confusion so I thought I would clear things up. The listing is for 2 guests. Anyone or any pets after the initial 2 guests there is an extra charge for. So if you book the site that's for you and one other person and if you want to bring a pet then you will add them as an extra guest. ​The "Waterfall" site has a full hookup pull-through with a 30 amp electric connection. There is also a full size flushing toilet and hot shower in the bath house. I'm going to say for now that the max size of camper will be 25 foot with a max height of 12 foot because you will be pulling under a power line. ​The "Creekside" site will be full hookup pull-through with 30 amp power. This site is still under construction. More details to come! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee We now offer full hookup camping but tents are also still welcome! There is very limited cell service with no wifi. This campground is not really suitable for children but children are welcome. If you want to camp and bring children message me first before you book the site. Large groups are welcome. I've had a group of 17 and there was room for more! We are located in the Great Smokey Mountains on the Eastern Band Cherokee Reservation in Cherokee North Carolina. This may no longer be a 1 site campground so please read everything on this page because the rules and details have changed. Please do not just show up at the campground without a reservation. Most likely the campground will be reserved and guests will be camping. There is no on-site staff and there's a gate that either the guests or myself will keep locked. You will not be able to just drive up and view the waterfall. ​We are a no frills campground, but I just renovated and I'm pretty proud of that because I did everything myself! I now have a pull-through site with electric, water and sewer hookups. What this campground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in beauty and privacy. I feel this is one of the most unique campsites in the world! Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. ​No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. No fireworks. Since this may no longer be a "1 site" campground if you want to bring your dog it will need to be with you and leashed. If you know your dog is a "barker" meaning you know your dog will constantly bark at other campers then do not book the site. If that happens you will be asked to quiet your dog then if it doesn't stop you will be made to leave with no refund. There will now be "quiet hours" since you maybe sharing the property with other campers. It will be after 11pm. ​One campsites guests will not be allowed to enter the other site. The sites will be clearly marked. If this happens you will be made to leave with no refund. The gate will need to be closed at all times ​No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) ​Do not cut down trees alive or dead If you move picnic tables please move them back, there's only one of me and I cant move them back alone The water and toilet maybe frozen in freezing weather and the hot water shower will be uninstalled during freezing weather ​Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be allowed. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests. ​BY BOOKING THE SITE YOU AGREE TO ALL THESE TERMS ​There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. Please don't hesitate to call me or text with any questions you might have ​ ​
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$85
 / night
98%
(83)

Smoky Mountain Meadows

165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, NC
(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone! 2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon 3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).
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$10
 / night
100%
(58)

NEW!!!! Blue Ridge Basecamp

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Topton, NC
Forested 15 acre lot with a beautiful grassy meadow, and a meandering stream with shallow spots to cool off in on a hot day. We have a meadow by the creek with first come first served tent spots. Pitch your tent anywhere you like and relax the day away. We also offer 5 fully stocked campers and 5 RV sites for rent. Please see each site for all the details! ALL RV/camper sites have FULL hookups with 20/30/50 amp, water and septic. There is fresh drinking water, on site garbage, picnic tables, firepits, firewood for purchase and a well maintained porta-john. Porta John is only available April 1 - November 1. We are just minutes away from Nantahala Lake, Nantahala River, and the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy nearby white water rafting, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, kayaking, ziplines and more. If you're not up for cooking there is a local restaurant on the lake 5 minutes away, as well as the Nantahala Outdoor Center a quick 20 minute drive.
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$25
 / night
92%
(122)

Critter Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Sevierville, TN
We are in the Heart of it all. Looking for quiet nights and super starry skies? This is the place. We have 2 rescued horses and a donkey. A lynx, serval cat, sugergliders and trained rats from a movie. 6 dogs , 3 house cats We are located exactly in the middle between Pigeon Forge, with shows and go karts or Townsend.. with the quiet side of the smokies... tubing, horseback riding, hiking, Cades Cove offers biking and car tours. We are one mile from the foothills parkway entrance and less than 2 miles to a Great Smoky mountains entrance. Our sites offer toilets, potable water, wifi and trash disposal. We are pet friendly, and you are permitted to have campfires (outside of any burn ban). We offer animal encounters.
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$28
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Under $50

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Camping near Lake Santeetlah guide

Overview

Take Indian Lakes Scenic Byway to the heart of Santeetlah Lake, where crystal blue waters and tree-covered hills cover the landscape. Explore the lake with a boat rental from Santeetlah Marina, which offers pontoon boats, ski boats, and kayaks, or enjoy a day under the sun at a local beach. Lakeside camping, cabin rentals, and RV campsites in town welcome campers year-round. Many campgrounds throughout the area offer standard sites, full hookups, fire pits, and more. Natural attractions, like Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Cheoah Point Recreation Area, make camping near Lake Santeetlah a trip to remember.

Where to go

Nantahala National Forest

North Carolina’s fourth largest forest, Nantahala National Forest features 531,286 acres of lush landscape, including the Appalachian summit of Lone Bald, deep gorges, and shaded valleys. Grab a map and explore the many waterfalls flowing through the park, as well. Campgrounds tucked between trees offer tent and RV campsites with access to nearby waters and hiking trails. Some campsites are also outfitted with full hookups and restrooms while other dispersed spots among backcountry hideouts lead to epic camping memories.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gather the gear for Great Smoky Mountains National Park to explore ancient mountains, old growth forests, and waterfalls. A short 30-minute drive from Lake Santeetlah, campers can settle into frontcountry and backcountry campsites, group camps, horse campsites, and cabin rentals. Many are equipped with fire rings with grates and picnic tables, but there are no hookups or showers available. Then enjoy the streams and waterfalls of the Deep Creek area on a paddleboat, hike, or bike trip through the park. Historians will love Cataloochee Valley’s 19th and 20th century buildings, along with Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill.

Cheoah Point Recreation Area

A short drive from Lake Santeetlah brings campers to Cheoah Point Recreation Area, a peninsula just north of Lake Santeetlah. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, Cheoah Point features well-maintained campgrounds for tents and RVs with beautiful views and hiking trails—including access to the Appalachian Trail. Full hookups, fire pits, grills, picnic areas, and shower facilities create cozy camping in this nature nook. Reservations are a must for this highly sought after spot.

When to go

Lake Santeetlah’s subtropical temperatures provide warm summers and mild winters for enjoyable camping year-round. The height of summer heat arrives in July, with temperatures reaching an average of 88°F. Summer is perfect for visiting the lake and exploring Nantahala’s waterfalls. Winter cools things down with temperatures in the 50s. In January, temperatures can drop below freezing overnight.

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