A-frames near Robbinsville with showers
Campers in Robbinsville can’t stop looking up at towering trees and clear, starry skies.
- Robbinsville
Popular camping styles for Robbinsville
A-frames near Robbinsville with showers guide
Overview
Nestled into the foothills of North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, Robbinsville offers epic outdoor recreation. A population of around 500 people means light pollution is low and stargazing is easily achieved right from the campground. Lake Santeetlah highlights iconic fishing spots within a 15-minute drive. Roll in with a campervan and book a pull-through site with a firepit for sizzling up freshly-caught fish, or find a tent campsite with a hammock and search for shooting stars after nightfall. Further out is the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest showcasing towering old-growth trees over 100 feet tall. To get a taste of city life, head east to Asheville and stop in at one of the many art galleries.
Where to go
Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah boasts 76 miles of shoreline and tons of freshwater fish. Motorized boats are allowed, with several companies offering boat and jet ski rentals. Head to the Charikus Branch and Ground Squirrel Branch for calm waters. Then, conquer the 3.3-mile North Loop hiking trail—a well-maintained pebble pathway makes it accessible for young kids and strollers. There are pet-friendly tent campsites nearby offering wooden tent pads and picnic tables. Or opt for a glamping experience on a farm featuring wooden cabins equipped with fire rings, outdoor showers, and pit toilets.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a 3,800-acre section of Nantahala National Forest. Some of the old-growth trees found here are more than 400 years old and more than 6 feet in diameter. Drive 30-minutes northwest from Robbinsville and leave early because parking is limited. View the towering ancient giants by walking the 2.1-mile Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail before breaking for lunch at the picnic tables near the entrance. While there are no campsites within the forest itself, there are plenty of tent and RV campgrounds close by.
Asheville
Head 1.5-hours east from Robbinsville to see the hustle and bustle of Asheville. Teeming with art galleries, live music venues, and views of the Appalachian Mountains, there’s plenty to do. Visit the Asheville Pinball Museum, The North Carolina Arboretum, or Asheville Treetop Adventure Park for an exhilarating zipline tour and a forest canopy obstacle course. Settle the campervan into a nearby riverside RV campsite outfitted with full hookups for water and electricity, in addition to dump stations. Or set up a home base at Blue Ridge Recreation Park with tent and RV campgrounds close to waterfalls and lakes.
When to go
The summer season lasts from early June until late September, and it generally doesn’t get hotter than 86°F (but it’s very humid). Rainfall is also common throughout the summer months with July getting the most precipitation. Star gazers should consider visiting in September and October as they typically have the clearest skies. Winter rolls around in early November, and snow is seen from December until March, with the majority of it occurring in January. Spring and fall are usually the best seasons for fishing, just keep in mind that regulations vary depending on the month, so plan accordingly.
