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.

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

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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