Forest camping near Lake Santeetlah

Lakeside escapes and lush forests welcome campers to Lake Santeetlah.

96% (4526 reviews)
96% (4526 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Santeetlah

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

12 top forest campgrounds near Lake Santeetlah

99%
(461)

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%
(142)

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
Saved 2 times

Valleytown Riverside Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Andrews, NC
We have been here 4 years. The homestead is over 100 years old. Located 7 min from the sleepy little mountain town of Andrews, NC. We have 16 pristine acres of (mostly) defunct farmland in western Cherokee County. You can pitch a tent by the river, hammock camp up the mountain or park your RV in the field. We have trails to hike, goats to pet, and of course we have beautiful mountain views! Infrastructure is still being developed, currently we have two standard 110 30a outlets in the field. The rest of the property has no power or water. We are located on a main (paved) road. Motorcycles, tents, hammocks, or RV's, are welcome. Two brewery's and a winery in town. White water rafting on the Nantahala river 9 min away. Nantahala Outdoor center and the Appalachian trail 23 min away. Cherokee, NC the south entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain is 45 min away. Waterfalls, hiking, fishing, off-roading, and ziplining are other popular recreation ideas in the area.
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$40
 / 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
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98%
(202)

The Heart Center

9 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
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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
100%
(59)

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
96%
(500)

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
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100%
(9)

The Cove at Dick Branch

4 sites · RVs, Tents58 acres · Robbinsville, NC
The Cove at Dick Branch is a trails focused mountain side campground. Horse stalls and pasture available on request. The property is secluded and away from traffic noise but not difficult to get to. Everyone who sees the property comments on its beautiful grounds. The mountain rises above the camp sites with hiking trails leading directly from your site.
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$42
 / night
98%
(111)

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
92%
(316)

Indigo Eagle Sanctuary

28 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Maggie Valley, NC
Indigo Eagle Sanctuary is an incredible place to experience the abundance of nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our Sanctuary features two main areas: Mountain Tops, or Creekside sites. Immerse yourself in beauty and adventure, with waterfalls, a rushing creek, fishing, and camping. Our creek properties include the Creekside Cabin, and Waterfall Haven (multiple camping site options, with their own areas by the creek). Guests have room to explore the mossy wonderland along Hornbuckle Creek, take a dip in a swimming hole, take an adventure and follow a rough trail (at your own risk) to another waterfall, accessed across the creek, or just kick back and relax. (Note to guests: Trail has not been maintained since last year. Go at your own risk.) Our mountaintop options include Eagle’s Nest and Songbird Campsites. These two sites provide breathtaking, long-range mountain views and epic sunsets. They are great for quick get-aways, with ease of access to main roads/highways. Indigo Eagle Sanctuary Sites are located within a few miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee Reservation (museum, shops, dining) and Maggie Valley, a quaint mountain town with more shops, food, and entertainment. Nearest grocery stores are Ingles in Waynesville, or Food Lion in Cherokee. The popular Asheville is about a 50minute drive from our Sanctuary. Plenty to explore here, while being able to unplug and unwind.
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$45
 / night
93%
(40)

Nantahala: Cabins & Campsites

13 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · NC
We just retired from Active Duty Air Force! My ancestors have owned the land our NC cabins sit on since 1836. In fact, my mother grew up there after my Grandfather returned from WWII when there was no electricity and the outhouse was a bench over the creek. I grew up hiking the mountains with my brothers and our BB guns and my Uncle Frank at our family reunions. In 2005 he deeded us a parcel of land and we built our first cabin - Smawlie. We love to come to the cabin and Hike the trails on our own property, and of course, the world famous ones that join them, namely the Bartram and the Appalachian Trails. As you explore the lake, the trails, the rivers, and the mountain roads you'll see why our ancestors settled here. In 2018 - we bought the remainder of Uncle Frank's land - and in his honor built our second cabin - Frank's Landing. Also in that year I started managing my brother Bill's cabin. When we were stationed in Alaska for 6 heavenly years - we purchased a remote parcel of property and have slowly begun to develop it. We just completed building our cabin there. Thanks for reading this little tid bit about us. We love to explore the mountains and are excited to share our cabins with you.
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$45
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Star Hosts in Lake Santeetlah

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Forest camping near Lake Santeetlah guide

Overview

Looking to camp near Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina? Hipcamp offers over 2300 options for you to choose from, all with a forest setting to satisfy your preferences. From the peaceful Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews) to the picturesque Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows (266 reviews) and the serene Chattooga Belle Farm Lakeside (266 reviews), there are plenty of top campsites to choose from. With prices ranging from as low as $9 to an average of $40 per night, you can find the perfect spot that fits your budget. Popular amenities such as pets, trash, and showers are available at many of these campsites, and popular activities like boating, fishing, and surfing are just a stone's throw away. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of the forest while camping near Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina.

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