Appletree Group Campground

Open

Open April 1 through October 31. Reservations required by phone through the Nantahala Ranger District at (828) 524-6441. Summer weekends are popular; weekdays are quieter.

Nantahala National Forest

Rainbow Springs Road closed for reconstruction

Rainbow Ridge Road (NFSR 437) on the Nantahala National Forest will close on Monday, October 19, to begin permanent repairs after a large section the road collapsed during Hurricane Helene. Our contractor anticipates this work will be completed in February 2027. While repairs are underway, the…

Nantahala National Forest

Siddie Fields Day Use Area closed for improvements

The Siddie Fields Day Use Area on the Croatan National Forest is closed for a wide-ranging project to repair storm damage on sites along the Neuse River, improve access and infrastructure, and strengthen resiliency to withstand future hazardous weather events.Members of the public should avoid the…

Nantahala National Forest

Uwharrie Cave and Mine Closure Order

Entering a cave or mine on Uwharrie National Forest is prohibited.

About

Appletree Group Campground sits within Nantahala National Forest on the Nantahala Ranger District, offering four dedicated group sites for organized camping. Sites A and D accommodate groups up to 25 people, while sites B and C can host up to 50 people each. Every site includes a covered picnic shelter, an outdoor gathering area with a fire ring and lantern posts, flush toilet restrooms, a water hydrant, designated gravel parking, and an open grassy field for tent camping and group activities. The campground serves as a base for exploring over 20 miles of interconnecting hiking trails nearby, including access to sections of the Bartram National Recreation Trail. Mountain streams in the area hold rainbow, brown, and native brook trout for anglers with valid North Carolina fishing licenses. Nantahala Lake lies about 10 minutes away, and the Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting opportunities. The 61-mile Mountain Waters Scenic Byway passes through the region. Reservations are required and must be made by calling the Nantahala Ranger District. Only one wheeled camping unit is permitted per site and must remain in the gravel parking area. The campground sees its heaviest use during summer weekends but remains quieter on weekdays.

Directions

From Knoxville: Take U.S. 129 south to Topton, NC. Turn left onto U.S. 19. Turn right at the Nantahala River Launch Site onto SR 1310 (Wayah Road). Go about 8 miles and turn right onto SR 1401 (Junaluska Road). Go about 2.5 miles; the campground entrance is on the right.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station —
Wifi —
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store —
Price $75 - $150

Vehicle

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

Contact

Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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