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

Hurricane Florence Closures- Croatan National Forest

Due to Hurricane Florence the following areas will remain closed on the Croatan National Forest: The Neusiok Trail from Pinecliff Recreation Area Trailhead to Pinecliff Equestrian Trail Detour Fishers Landing Recreation Area Pinecliff Recreation Area Siddie Fields Neuse River Recreation Sites…

Nantahala National Forest

Max Patch Restrictions- Appalachian Ranger District

Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.

Nantahala National Forest

Appalachian Ranger District Office Closed

The Appalachian Ranger District Office is closed until further notice for HVAC repairs. The office is available for phone calls, however, in-person sales and services are currently closed.

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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