Camping Near Lake Santeetlah, NC, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

United States
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North Carolina
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Lake Santeetlah

96% (8257 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Santeetlah

Community favorites near Lake Santeetlah

Public campgrounds near Lake Santeetlah

Tsali trailhead about 1/10th mile from campground.

100%

(8)

Tsali Recreation Area

42 sites · RVs, Tents In Nantahala National Forest

100%

(5)

Joyce Kilmer Road NCSR #1134

1 site In Nantahala National Forest

Just hanging with our buds! Lots of good hammock trees in most sites.

100%

(34)

Cades Cove Campground

160 sites · RVs, Tents In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

100%

(10)

Indian Boundary Campground

87 sites · RVs, Tents In Cherokee National Forest

We were able to swim right from our site by the lake...

100%

(5)

Jackrabbit Mountain Campground

92 sites · RVs, Tents In Nantahala National Forest

Elkmont Campground // Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Warren Bielenberg

100%

(47)

Elkmont Campground

210 sites · RVs, Tents In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

100%

(4)

Rattler Ford Campground

4 sites In Nantahala National Forest

100%

(3)

Fires Creek Recreation Area

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Nantahala National Forest

100%

(3)

Pine Ridge Road NCSR #1147

1 site In Nantahala National Forest

100%

(3)

Santeetlah Creek FDR #81

1 site In Nantahala National Forest

99%

(39)

Cades Cove Group Campground

4 sites In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

100%

(3)

Cheoah Point Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In Nantahala National Forest

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Coweeta Creek Campground

Melissa's property is beautiful, quiet and peaceful the creek right next to our tent was so calming, Melissa is very welcoming and pleasant host, directions to the property where very easy to follo. Would definitely come back

Weekend Trip to Coweeta Creek Campground

We loved camping at Melissa's campsite. The scenery is great, and the creek is a true refreshing summertime treat. Loved the nearby chicken coop, the rooster was a pretty chill guy, not too loud in the morning. The stargazing at night was fantastic. We had a short drive to the national forest roads for some hiking. And we bought some of Melissa's honey, can't wait for our current honey to run out so we can try it.

7 nights at Coweeta Creek Campground

My husband and I just spent a week at the Coweeta Creek Campground and it was the most peaceful camping trip we have ever had. This small campground has large campsites that are right on the creek. Every night we ate dinner and sat outside listening to the creek and watching the fireflies put on an amazing show. The campground has a nice bathhouse which was always clean and well stocked. The trees around the campsite gave us loads of shade we never had to put out the awning for shade. We will definitely be camping here again. Melissa and Adam were the perfect hosts.

4 nights at Coweeta Creek Campground

Very nice campsite with lots of room, shade, and very peaceful. Having firewood and fresh eggs was a plus. Enjoyed everything about this place.

Weekend Trip to Mountain Creek Rest

We loved staying on Brian’s land. He was a great host, very responsive and informative when we had any questions. Heartstone was the perfect campsite. It was obvious just how much thought and care went into planning, building and maintaining this site. We loved the two perfectly leveled areas for our tents and the leveled space for the grill and picnic table AND the other leveled space for the fire pit. The site even comes with its own restroom/outhouse facility. We loved the view of the rippling creek from this site and the sounds of the rushing water. Pictures and words do not do this place justice. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Pick this site. It’s amazing. You won’t regret it.

6 nights at Critter Camp

Great place to camp! Felt very safe as a solo traveler and Kimber is so nice. The location is perfect if you are visiting SMNP. Would enjoy a day of hiking and would come back to enjoy some time with the animals. If you visit (which you should) make sure you follow the host’s directions, not a mapping app. Will definitely stay here again if I am down in Tennessee!

3 nights at Mountain Creek Rest

What an amazing spot! The site is so thoughtfully designed with the bridge, platform, creek views, and other little touches. We found the gravel coming in/out to be in pretty great shape for the most part and were able to do it safely in our little Jetta. (But we’re pretty confident drivers on gravel backroads.) We had total privacy and our dogs loved roaming around, playing in the creek, and going back and forth across the bridge. Would absolutely come back if we’re in the area again!

Weekend Trip to Coweeta Creek Campground

Site 4 I think Is the best, but everything was very beautiful, clean place, just relaxing. Melissa the owner is a very good person.

1 night at Mountain Creek Rest

My second stay was just as magical as my first! Will absolutely be back!

1 night at Coweeta Creek Campground

This campsite was absolutely perfect!! All of the sites sit along a beautiful creek & we made baby frog friends <3 Clean showers & bathrooms, electric, wifi and potable water !! Our host Melissa was so kind and helpful! Would return 10/10

1 night at Conleys Creek Campground

Anne and Chris were so helpful and accommodating. The property was gorgeous, we enjoyed the creek that was right by our campsite. The bathrooms and everything was very well kept up, you can tell they care! Felt very safe, would definitely stay again:)

Weekend Trip to The Ridge at Stanley Gap

We loved our stay here. It was pretty slow for the weekend we were there. Might be a bit crowded if it were full but you would still have your own little section of the creek if you stayed at one of the platforms. We did see a bear our first night by the bathrooms but it left us alone. Overall a great place to stay, and close to the lake!

3 nights at Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

We loved our stay at Lil Snowbird! The river sites are amazing—plenty of space between sites and right on a beautiful rushing creek. Each site has a very clean pit toilet that was much appreciated. The mountain sites are beautiful as well—it is an additional 0.8 miles up to the top of the mountain on a fairly steep gravel road. We weren’t confident towing our 14ft travel trailer up so we decided to stay on the river which was just as amazing. The campground is a good 40 minutes from the nearest town, but in a beautiful surrounding area to hike and swim. The host was outstanding—very attentive and provided a map of the area upon arrival. We loved staying here and would absolutely recommend!!

Weekend Trip to By The Creek Campspot

Great campsite, Danny & Pam where very friendly and the site was clean with some shade. Very close to shops and restaurants in Bryson City.

3 nights at Critter Camp

Kim was a great host, and It was even better waking up to the horses and donkey at our tent!

3 nights at Trout Creek Campgrounds

Such a great little spot! Loved all the tall pines and to hosts are wonderfully lovely. Next time I’ll have to bring an ATV to ride the trails in the area!

3 nights at Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

The river was such a fun and safe place for children to play. We even went tubing down it! The host was very kind and helpful.

Weekend Trip to Harmony hollow

We loved the outdoor shower and how beautiful the area was. The hosts left books to read and games . Our daughter loved the hammock. Hopefully next time we will get to see the horses ❤️ will definitely be back. Hopefully earlier enough to be able to meet the hosts .

3 nights at Honeysuckle Springs Smoky Mountains

We had a great time staying at this site! The bathrooms were clean and the wifi worked great. I would definitely recommend staying at this site if you are camping in the area.

Weekend Trip to Candy Mountain Goat Farm

Loved staying at candy mountain goat farm!!! Host was very welcoming and personable, and the site itself was super safe 😁 friendly campsite dogs are also always a plus

Star Hosts in Lake Santeetlah

99%

(825)

Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

13 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. Keep pets on a leash, especially if they like to roam or have any aggressive behavior. Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing along little snowbird creek which is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land. Views that can bring a tear to a glass eye and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Hundreds of Hiking trails in the area, many just a short distance from the property. Please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs. It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but it’s also like driving through an enchanted forest. The secluded location, peaceful and breathtaking views make this place a must-see adventure.

99%

(136)

Blue Ridge Basecamp

22 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 6 fully stocked campers and 4 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 March 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.

98%

(149)

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).

96%

(809)

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.

97%

(422)

Conleys Creek Campground

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Whittier, NC

Welcome to our little slice of creekside heaven! Four years ago, we took a run-down manufactured home park and started turning it into something special — a peaceful, down-to-earth spot for campers to relax, explore, and feel right at home. It's been a total labor of love, and now we’re excited to share it with folks who appreciate the beauty of nature, good company, and a few chickens wandering by. At night, things slow down — our campground is quiet, peaceful, and perfect for stargazing. We’ve got: 3 creekside RV sites with water + electric hookups 1 creekside RV site with full hookups (water, electric, and septic) 4 first-come, first-served creekside tent spots A 38' luxury RV available to rent for a comfy glamping stay All sites are right along Conleys Creek, which is stocked with trout and perfect for fishing or cooling off in the summer. Every spot includes a picnic table and fire pit — and tent sites come with a fire pit that includes a cooking grate for easy campfire meals. Our land is totally pesticide-free and full of life — from colorful flower gardens to veggies, herbs, fruit trees, and our famous 14 free-range chickens (a.k.a. The Dixie Chicks). Guests love feeding them, petting them, and collecting fresh eggs. You’ll also find: A clean, private bathhouse A game room with ping pong + darts Outdoor yard games Fast, reliable Wi-Fi Firewood, eggs, and ice for sale A dump station for RVs We’re in a super convenient spot — nestled between Bryson City and Cherokee, just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dillsboro, Sylva, and tons of hiking, biking, kayaking, tubing, and whitewater adventures. We’re open year-round, but if you come during leaf peeping season, you’re in for a real treat — the colors are absolutely magical. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome too — we get it, they’re family! This is our home, our lifestyle, and our dream. We’d love to have you come enjoy it with us.

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88%

(81)

Dogwood Daze

10 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Cherokee, NC

Nestled beautifully on an old tobacco farm, you will find peace as you sit under one of the many dogwoods that are on the property. Enjoy looking up and gazing at the open skies or chasing the magical fireflies. Choose your spot on the rolling hills and enjoy a walk by the creek. The property is located 10 minutes to downtown Cherokee, 12 minutes to downtown Bryson City, and 15 minutes to downtown Sylva. Check out event calendars for these areas or find your next hiking or river adventure located here and in the surrounding areas. Come and enjoy your nights at Dogwood Daze.Learn more about this land:Stars, fireflies, nature. Set up where you choose. Rolling hills, creek, walking trail, group fire, and close to great outdoor adventures. Porta-john and well Spigot water is available. .

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(276)

Your Toccoa River Cove!

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Mineral Bluff, GA

The Cove consists of 12 acres with a tributary stream and spring fed ponds less than a half mile from the Toccoa River. It was originally the water source for the surrounding properties prior to the city installing a water system. It is completely private and unspoiled nature, with about a mile of walking trails throughout. The Mountaintop is a 3 acre high elevation site bordering 140 acres of undisturbed woods and is also very close to the Toccoa River. Fantastic location yet very private for base camp to access the many activities in this area, or enjoy the Toccoa River. It is the only campground in Fannin County limited to only one group at a time. Each site includes 2 access points to the Toccoa River. The Gibbs Drive community river access lot has a charcoal grill, picnic table, boat launch, swimming rock and fire pit with chairs. The Toccoa River Forest community river access lot has a big boat ramp. The river is controlled flow and usually at low water from dawn to about 2 pm, ideal for fishing or swimming/wading/boulder bopping. The River release schedule is available online at the website TVA.gov. The River has swift current when the dam is opened for release, usually daily. This property is conveniently located in Mineral Bluff, Georgia 30559, just 4 miles off the 4-lane highway (Highway 515/76) and just a short drive to Blue Ridge, Georgia; Blairsville, Georgia; Murphy, North Carolina, McCaysville, Georgia and Copper Hill, Tennessee. It is a paved road drive all the way to the entrance. It is located just a few miles from the center of downtown Blue Ridge with art galleries, many restaurants, brew pubs, shopping, the Blue Ridge Brewing Company, Mercier Orchard, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, and more! The Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad runs most of the year from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, right along the Toccoa River. The campsites are equally close to downtown McCaysville, Ga. /Copper Hill, TN. You are a short drive from Lake Blue Ridge, the Chattahoochee National Forest, Brasstown Bald and many hiking trails, such as the Aska adventure area, the Appalachian Trail, the Benton McCaye Trail, and trails in the Big Frog wilderness area, Cohutta wilderness area (largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi) the Rich Mountain wilderness area and the Project Chimps hiking trails. The Ocoee River whitewater center with the Olympic kayak rapids and the world class mountain biking trails are less than 20 minutes away. Hiking, biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, boating, swimming, zip lines -- oh my!

94%

(9)

Cowee Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Franklin, NC

Private end of road property in the Cowee Valley of Franklin NC, which is the first resupply stop along the Appalachian Trail through the Smoky Mountains. Cowee Valley is a gorgeous scenic valley with farmland and winding roads and mountains on all sides. Idyllic drive in with plenty of cows grazing, deer and wild turkey running around and amazing sunsets. Cowee Campground has newly been made into a campground, previously undeveloped. We have left most of it undisturbed to maintain the natural and peaceful nature vibes. This land is a short distance off the main roads and small/private. All tent sites are in the shaded forest and RV hookups are just a few steps away with hardwoods filling out and providing partial shade. It's a quiet area with the sounds of nature and leaves rustling. We hope you'll appreciate and enjoy the beauty and tranquility as much as we do. If you want to car/truck camp without hookups we have space for that too. Just let us know. We have a beautiful 4 bathroom bathhouse, with ADA shower and another bathroom with clawfoot tub/shower and private back deck. 2 large firepits with Andirondack chairs and a separate picnic table and grill area. We have firewood stacked for your use as well by the communal trash bins. Plus Corn hole and Horseshoe pits for your enjoyment. For weekly or monthly RV reservations, please contact 828-371-8471. Weekly RV rates are $325.00 and Monthly are $750.00.

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(178)

Magical Mountain Resorts

16 sites · Lodging, 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

100%

(1)

Mountain Top

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Sylva, NC

Wooded area with mountain views, located past the state maintained road. Quite area yet conveniently minutes to town and highway. Close to blue ridge parkway, numerous hiking trails, the Tuckaseegee river and more!

12 top campgrounds near Lake Santeetlah

96%

(809)

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.