Rattler Ford Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Open annually from April 15 through October 31. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Rattler Ford Group Campground sits near the swift-moving Santeetlah Creek in the Nantahala National Forest, offering a unique group camping experience in western North Carolina. The campground features four sites, each able to accommodate up to 25 guests with multiple picnic tables, lantern posts, campfire pits, and oversized grills. Hot showers and flush toilets are provided, making this one of the more comfortable group camping options in the area. Some sites are situated directly along the creek, which is popular for fly fishing. The campground is located in a mixed landscape of large trees and thick forests that provide moderate shade, along with vast meadows that allow for sunshine and open play. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are available for recreation. The name Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noonday sun," as the sun only reaches the deep gorges of these western North Carolina mountains and valleys at midday. Rattler Ford serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the area. Lake Santeetlah is about 2.5 miles away via the Avey Branch boat ramp, providing access to boating, canoeing, and fishing. The entrance to Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, containing nearly 6,000 acres of old-growth forest, is located approximately a quarter mile from the campground. Numerous hiking trails and scenic drives in the Nantahala National Forest are easily accessible from the campground.
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 to continue on 143 West for about 7 miles. Rattler Ford Group Campground is on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (828) 479-6431 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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