Jackrabbit Mountain

About

Jackrabbit Mountain Campground sits on a wooded peninsula jutting into Lake Chatuge in southwestern North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest. The 100 campsites spread across three loops (A, B, and C), most offering views of the lake through mixed deciduous and pine forest at 1,860 feet elevation. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Facilities include accessible flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and an RV dump station for registered campers. No hookups are available. Lake Chatuge offers over 130 miles of shoreline for recreation. A swimming beach with sandy shore operates May through September, and a boat ramp provides lake access for fishing, boating, and jet skiing. An accessible fishing pier serves anglers who prefer staying on land. The recreation area features 15 miles of mountain bike trails in a stacked-loop system, plus hiking trails and paved campground roads suitable for casual cycling. All sites require advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Loop A operates May through September; Loops B and C remain open through October. Pets are permitted in the campground on leash but prohibited at the beach and swimming areas. A $5 day-use fee applies per vehicle for beach access, separate from camping fees.

Directions

From Hayesville, NC: Take US Highway 64 east for 6.2 miles. Turn right onto NC-175 and go 2.5 miles. Turn right onto State Road 1155, which becomes Forest Road 248. From Hiawassee, GA: Take GA-75 north for about 3.5 miles where it becomes NC-175, continue 1.5 miles, then turn left onto State Road 1155/FR 248.