Rattler Ford Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season from April 15 through October 31. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Check-in at 2:00 p.m., check-out at 12:00 p.m. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

High Wind Warning issued October 10 at 5:24PM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC

5:24 PM — October 11th, 3:00 AM

* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning at elevations above 3500 feet, southeast winds 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. For the Wind Advisory in effect below 3500 feet, southeast winds 5 to 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Most of the mountains of western North Carolina, from Graham and Macon counties northeast to Mitchell County. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines especially in higher elevations. Widespread power outages are expected in higher elevations. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and may cause a few tree limbs to fall and cause isolated power outages in lower elevations.

Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 5:24PM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC

5:24 PM — October 11th, 3:00 AM

* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning at elevations above 3500 feet, southeast winds 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. For the Wind Advisory in effect below 3500 feet, southeast winds 5 to 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Most of the mountains of western North Carolina, from Graham and Macon counties northeast to Mitchell County. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines especially in higher elevations. Widespread power outages are expected in higher elevations. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and may cause a few tree limbs to fall and cause isolated power outages in lower elevations.

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…

About

Rattler Ford Group Campground occupies a forested setting along swift-moving Santeetlah Creek in western North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest. The campground offers four group tent sites, each capable of hosting up to 25 guests. Every site includes multiple picnic tables, a campfire pit, an oversized grill, and lantern posts. Centralized facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water from a hand pump, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court. The location is exceptional for those seeking wilderness immersion without sacrificing basic comforts. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, featuring nearly 6,000 acres of old-growth forest with tulip poplars over 400 years old, lies just a quarter mile away. The adjacent Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness encompasses nearly 17,000 acres of backcountry. Santeetlah Creek offers quality fly fishing for native trout, and Lake Santeetlah provides additional water recreation nearby. This is a tent-only campground with no RV hookups. Each site allows a maximum of 3 vehicles up to 30 feet in length. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Directions

From Robbinsville, take Highway 129 north to 143 West/Massey Branch Road. Pass the Cheoah Ranger District office and continue to the stop sign. Turn right and drive approximately 7.3 miles, bearing right at the junction of Santeetlah Gap and the Cherohala Skyway. Continue 1.5 miles to the campground entrance on the left.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

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

Contact

Phone +1 (828) 479-6431

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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