Tsali Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 15 and operates through October 31. First-come, first-served only.
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
Tsali Campground sits within the Tsali Recreation Area in Nantahala National Forest, offering 42 first-come, first-served campsites near the shores of Fontana Lake. Operating from mid-April through October, the campground is a popular destination for mountain bikers seeking access to Tsali's 40+ miles of renowned single-track trails, rated moderately difficult and organized into four main loops. The trails operate on an alternating schedule, with mountain bikers and equestrians using different loops on different days to minimize conflicts. Many campsites can accommodate small RVs, though no hookups are provided. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. The campground features accessible flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water from a hand pump. Fontana Lake provides opportunities for flatwater paddling, motorized boating, and fishing for walleye, black bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass. Two boat launches serve the area, one at Tsali and another nearby at Lemmons Branch. The campground operates on a cash or check payment basis at the on-site fee station.
Directions
From Bryson City, take US 19 south for 9 miles to NC 28 west. Turn right on NC 28 and go 5 miles, looking for the sign on the right. From Robbinsville, take US 143 north towards Bryson City, turn right on NC 28 east and proceed approximately 8 miles to Tsali Campground Road. Turn left and proceed 1.3 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
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 | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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