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Open

Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or fees. Nantahala National Forest is currently under high fire danger status.

Nantahala National Forest

Old Fort Picnic Area -- closed Aug. 28-30, 2026

The Old Fort Picnic Area will be closed starting today through the weekend for paving. The area will reopen for parking Monday, August 31. The parking lot, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene, is being repaved as part of a larger project to restore and improve the picnic area. Due to the…

Nantahala National Forest

Commissary Ridge Dispersed Camping Area Temporarily Closed

Due to an increase in bear activity in the dispersed camping area at Commissary Ridge on the Pisgah National Forest near Mt. Mitchell State Park the camping area will be temporarily closed. This measure is to help provide visitor safety and minimize bear encounters.

Nantahala National Forest

Croatan Ranger District Office Relocation

Beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, the current Croatan Ranger District Office building will permanently close as North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) begins its US 70 widening project. Until construction of the new Croatan Ranger District is complete, visitor services will operate…

About

Ammons Branch Campground is a small, free dispersed camping area tucked into Nantahala National Forest in Macon County, North Carolina. The campground consists of four primitive tent sites accessible via Bull Pen Road, a gravel forest road that branches off from Horse Cove Road east of Highlands. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, lantern hanger, and fire ring for campfires. This is true primitive camping with minimal amenities. A shared pit toilet serves all four sites, but there is no potable water available, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash service provided. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations or fees. The area offers access to hiking trails including the Ammons Branch Trail and provides opportunities for scenic forest recreation. The remote setting and lack of development make this a quiet destination for experienced campers seeking a backcountry-adjacent experience without venturing far from road access.

Directions

From Highlands, NC, travel Main Street east approximately 4.5 miles through Horse Cove Road. When pavement ends, turn right on Bull Pen Road and continue about 1.5 miles to the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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