Lakeside picnic area

Cliffside Lake Shelters

Open

This is a day-use facility with reservable picnic shelters, not an overnight campground. Open April 1 through October 31, dawn to dusk. Shelters available 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Day-use fee is $5 per vehicle. Small shelter $30, large shelter $40.

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

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is a day-use facility in the Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, North Carolina. The site offers two covered picnic shelters that can be reserved for group events such as family reunions, school outings, and church gatherings. Shelters are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and must be reserved in advance. The recreation area sits at 4,118 feet elevation and provides access to Cliffside Lake for swimming (no lifeguard) and trout fishing. A bathhouse with cold showers and both vault and flush toilets are available. Six hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the area, including routes to nearby waterfalls. This is not an overnight camping facility. Visitors seeking camping should consider the adjacent Van Hook Glade Campground. A $5 per vehicle day-use fee applies April through October. The nearby town of Highlands offers dining and supplies, while Franklin has larger shopping options.

Directions

From Highlands, follow Highway 64 West approximately 4.5 miles. The entrance will be on the right.

Amenities

Water —
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi —
Pets Allowed —
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $5 - $40

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 Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Lakeside picnic area
Lakeside picnic area
View from Small Picnic Shelter
Swim area
Lakeside hike
Shelter
Campground

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!