NANTAHALA LAKE DISPERSED CAMPING SITE - LAKE ACCESS

Open

Open year-round for dispersed camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Fire restrictions are in effect starting April 15, 2026, prohibiting open burning and campfires outside developed recreation sites. Portable propane stoves and covered charcoal grills are permitted. 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period.

Flood Watch issued October 10 at 10:47PM EDT until October 11 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC

October 10th, 10:47 PM — 7:00 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...In Northeast Georgia, the following counties: Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun and Stephens. In western North Carolina, the following counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, Mitchell, Jackson, Transylvania and Yancey. In Upstate South Carolina, the following counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Central Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Spartanburg, and Oconee. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - As the remnants of Isaias move northward into the lower Ohio Valley, periods of rain will continue. High rainfall rates will continue in short bursts through the overnight hours. By Sunday morning, total accumulations of generally 5 to 8 inches are expected along the southeast-facing Blue Ridge Escarpment, with 2 to 5 inches elsewhere in the watch area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Nantahala National Forest

Closures in anticipation of Hurricane Isaias

Out of an abundance of caution, the following sites on the Pisgah National Forest are closing in preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Isaias: Pisgah Visitor CenterCradle of Forestry Heritage Site and Discovery CenterBlack Mountain Campground (including NFSR 472 South Toe Road from the…

Nantahala National Forest

Siddie Fields Day Use Area closed for improvements

The Siddie Fields Day Use Area on the Croatan National Forest closed this week as we kick off 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…

About

Nantahala Lake Dispersed Camping Site offers primitive camping with lake access in the Nantahala National Forest. The site sits near Nantahala Lake, a scenic high-mountain lake whose waters feed into the Nantahala River. This area provides a quieter alternative to the developed campgrounds in the region. As dispersed camping on national forest land, visitors should come prepared for a primitive experience. There are no developed facilities, potable water, or designated services. Campers must bring all water and supplies and pack out all trash. The 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period applies to all dispersed camping in the forest. The surrounding Nantahala Ranger District offers over 250,000 acres of recreation opportunities including fishing in Nantahala Lake, hiking on interconnecting trails, and access to the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Nearby Appletree Group Campground is approximately 10 minutes away for those needing developed facilities.

Directions

From Franklin, NC, take US-64 West to Old Murphy Road (SR 1442), then turn onto Wayah Road (SR 1310) and continue approximately 28 miles. The route passes Nantahala Lake.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed No
Toilets —
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
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 —

Contact

Email sm.fs.nantahalard@usda.gov
Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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