Cable Cove Campground
Closed — The campground and restrooms are closed due to health and safety issues requiring facility upgrades. The Cable Cove boat launch remains open for lake access.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Cable Cove Campground sits on the shores of Fontana Lake within the Nantahala National Forest, approximately 4 miles from Fontana Dam and close to the Appalachian Trail. The campground features 26 campsites nestled in a wooded setting near a stream, roughly half a mile from the lake itself. The recreation area provides access to Fontana Lake for fishing and boating activities. The Cable Cove boat launch serves as a popular starting point for paddlers and boaters exploring the lake and accessing backcountry campsites in the North Shore area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The location offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and water-based recreation in a scenic mountain lake environment. The campground operated on a first-come, first-served basis when open, with no advance reservations accepted. While the camping facilities are currently closed, the boat launch remains accessible year-round for those seeking to enjoy Fontana Lake's recreational opportunities.
Directions
Located about 15¼ miles from Robbinsville on Highway 28 North, about 3 miles from Fontana Dam. From Robbinsville, take US 143 North towards Bryson City, turn left on NC 28 West and proceed approximately 6 miles towards Fontana Village, then turn right on Cable Cove Road and proceed 1 mile to the boat launch.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (828) 479-6431 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Cable Cove Recreation Area | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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