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Open

Open April 1 through October 31. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Operated by FIND Outdoors.

Nantahala National Forest

Old Fort Picnic Area -- closed Aug. 28-30, 2026

The Old Fort Picnic Area will be closed starting today through the weekend for paving. The area will reopen for parking Monday, August 31. The parking lot, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene, is being repaved as part of a larger project to restore and improve the picnic area. Due to the…

Nantahala National Forest

Commissary Ridge Dispersed Camping Area Temporarily Closed

Due to an increase in bear activity in the dispersed camping area at Commissary Ridge on the Pisgah National Forest near Mt. Mitchell State Park the camping area will be temporarily closed. This measure is to help provide visitor safety and minimize bear encounters.

Nantahala National Forest

Croatan Ranger District Office Relocation

Beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, the current Croatan Ranger District Office building will permanently close as North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) begins its US 70 widening project. Until construction of the new Croatan Ranger District is complete, visitor services will operate…

About

Van Hook Glade Campground occupies a secluded, heavily wooded setting in the Nantahala National Forest, just 4 miles west of the mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina. Situated at 4,118 feet elevation on rolling terrain along scenic Cullasaja Gorge, the campground provides 18 shaded sites with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts, and campfire rings with grills. Hot showers and flush toilets are available, and firewood can be purchased on-site. A short trail from the campground leads directly to Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, offering trout fishing, swimming, and seven hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Boating is not permitted on the lake. The campground is also a convenient base for visiting nearby Dry Falls and Whitewater Falls. The quaint town of Highlands offers a general store and various attractions, while the larger town of Franklin provides shopping, grocery stores, and performing arts venues. A drive along scenic Highway 64 showcases the dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and gorge.

Directions

From Highlands, North Carolina, follow Highway 64 west approximately 4.5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $24 - $30

Vehicle

Max RV Length 36ft
Max Trailer Length 36ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (828) 526-5918

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

One of the many campground at van hook glade
Waterfall
Waterfall
Waterfall
Bathroom

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