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Best Campgrounds near Fontana Dam, NC

2,787 Reviews

The Fontana Dam region encompasses a variety of camping environments in western North Carolina, where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Nantahala National Forest. Fontana Village Resort and Campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and shower facilities near the dam, while primitive options like Lake Santeelah Dispersed sites provide free lakeside camping with minimal amenities. Camping in this area ranges from established campgrounds with water and electric hookups to dispersed sites along forestry roads and lakeshores. The proximity to Fontana Dam, the highest dam east of the Mississippi, and access to the Appalachian Trail creates unique camping opportunities within reach of both wilderness areas and resort amenities.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Roads to dispersed sites can present challenges for larger vehicles, particularly at Lake Santeelah. "GPS coordinates got me exactly to where I wanted to go. Lots of twists and turns going up the dragon with beautiful scenery of the trees changing colors in late October," noted one Lake Santeelah camper, referring to the popular "Tail of the Dragon" scenic drive nearby. Weather conditions vary significantly by elevation, with cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cell service is limited throughout the area, with several reviewers mentioning Verizon has better coverage than other carriers. Campground facilities range from full bathhouses at established sites to completely undeveloped areas requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The lakefront camping experience draws consistent praise from visitors to the region. Lake Santeelah dispersed sites offer direct water access with mountain views, though campers note varying site sizes and layouts. Some campers appreciate the patrol presence, with one reviewer mentioning, "Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female." Fontana Village Campground receives mixed reviews, with some visitors enjoying the peaceful setting and dam views while others note maintenance issues with facilities. The campground's proximity to the Appalachian Trail makes it popular with hikers, particularly those visiting the "Fontana Hilton" - the trail shelter known for its relative luxury compared to other AT shelters. Visitors frequently mention the area's abundant wildlife, fishing opportunities, and access to kayaking as highlights of camping in the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fontana Dam, North Carolina (671)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."

    "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    3. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "I spent three days hiking from Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap. I spent two nights in shelters on the AT (Mollies Ridge and Silers Bald). Well worth the effort."

    "There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."

    4. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    24 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."

    "Way if they beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp.. absolutely gorgeous location and rangers keep it clean every day."

    5. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    15 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    9 miles

    "Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."

    "There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143.  Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables."

    6. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $20 / night

    "The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."

    "The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."

    7. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."

    "Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."

    8. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private."

    "There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."

    9. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars."

    "Campsite L8 was one of 30 something dispersed primitive sites scattered around Lake Santeetlah, and it was an amazing place to spend 4 nights."

    10. Fontana Village Resort and Campground

    11 Reviews
    Fontana Dam, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 498-2211

    "The campground was rustic, but absolutely gorgeous, right beside Fontana Dam. Trout fishing here is top notch. We camped in the overlander tent here."

    "This is an absolute nature lover's dream, kayaking, fishing, and the legendary Applician Trail crosses the dam."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fontana Dam, NC

1237 Photos of 671 Fontana Dam Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fontana Dam, NC

2787 Reviews of 671 Fontana Dam Campgrounds

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Great RV Park

    This park is conveniently located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville with access to lots of western NC attractions. The staff is excellent and cares about the campers' experience here.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Pride RV Resort

    Excellent RV Park. The staff is great and hospitable.

    The staff here care about the campground and put their best effort towards being hospitable to the guests.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • Jessi B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Soaring Eagle Campground

    Huge disappointment

    !Infested with termites! They price gouge. The lots are basically right on top of each other(some spots are not big enough for slide outs). The check-in lady is very condescending and will rob you blind while wearing the biggest smile. There's cornhole, a basketball hoop, and a volleyball net, but they are all falling apart or are inaccessible. No fire rings at your site. There's a huge hive of ground nesting bees by the picnic tables that are set up next to the pool. The pool area is also the only area in which you can access a fire ring. The lake is beautiful and is accessible to boats. Low riding cars beware of double speed bump and sinking concrete. There is no bathroom for the pool area. The maintenance man seems a bit unfriendly. They do not honor their online rates. 😒 We also had to move from a spot that we were already paying for bc she reserved it out from under us. I-40 echoes through the campsite. We were constantly woken up by j braking semis and emergency service vehicles. We will definitely not be visiting again.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

Guide to Fontana Dam

Camping near Fontana Dam, North Carolina, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of campgrounds to suit different preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone in this picturesque area.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Tubing: Enjoy fishing or tubing in the nearby rivers. A review from Deep Creek Campground noted, "There is a path down to the creek for swimming, fishing, or getting out of your tube for lunch."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground said, "The bathrooms were amazing."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds have a welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Indian Boundary mentioned, "The staff are super friendly at the camp store."
  • Scenic Views: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A camper at Balsam Mountain Campground remarked, "Amazing climate during the hot summer. Lush forest near great hiking trails."

What you should know

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Some sites are a bit close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A visitor at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "No running water at the campsite, but plenty of water spouts around."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious about food storage due to bears. A camper at Greenbrier Campground warned, "Due to the amount of black bears in the area, they’re very vigilant about keeping trash in trash cans."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed "lots for the kids to do."
  • Safety First: Always keep food secured to avoid attracting wildlife. A camper at Cades Cove Campground reminded others, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."
  • Plan for Downtime: Bring books or games for quiet evenings. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA suggested, "Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Balsam Mountain Campground noted, "Don’t fudge much from website posted size limitations for each site."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Deep Creek Campground mentioned, "The campground has a dump station and water as you exit the park."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas. A visitor at Smokemont Campground shared, "No cell or TV service here."

Camping near Fontana Dam, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to camp at Fontana Dam?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience at Fontana Dam. May through September provides ideal weather conditions with comfortable temperatures for hiking, fishing, and water activities. Summer (June-August) is peak season with the warmest temperatures, perfect for enjoying Fontana Lake, though it can be busier. Fontana Village Resort and Campground is particularly beautiful in late spring and early summer when the surrounding forest is lush and green. Fall brings spectacular colors to the area, especially along hiking trails like those near Mollies Ridge Shelter on the AT, making September and October excellent for camping with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

What amenities are available at Fontana Dam campgrounds?

Amenities vary across campgrounds near Fontana Dam. Indian Creek Campground offers clean bathhouses, well-maintained sites with lush greenery for privacy, and a campsite store carrying essential supplies. The unique Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter provides hikers with modern comforts including a solar charging station for electronic devices—a rare luxury for trail accommodations. Campgrounds in the area typically offer basic facilities like pit toilets or bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some have access to drinking water, while others may require you to bring your own. Boat-in sites like those at Double Island are more primitive. For those seeking more amenities, Smokemont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides flush toilets and running water. Cell service is limited throughout the region.

Can you camp directly on Fontana Lake?

Yes, you can camp directly on Fontana Lake, but primarily at designated boat-in sites. Double Island — Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers remote camping accessible only by watercraft. This campground requires check-in at stations, with one located at Fontana Dam Boat ramp. For those seeking alternatives with lake access, Jackrabbit Mountain is an excellent option on nearby Lake Chatuge, offering lakeside sites where you can launch paddleboards or kayaks directly from your campsite. Remember that many shoreline areas around Fontana Lake are part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park or managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, so always camp in designated areas and follow local regulations.

Where are the best campgrounds near Fontana Dam?

The area around Fontana Dam offers several excellent camping options. Fontana Village Resort and Campground is located right beside the dam and provides a rustic yet beautiful setting with great trout fishing opportunities. For hikers, the Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter along the Appalachian Trail offers modern amenities unusual for a trail shelter, including a solar charging station for electronics. Indian Creek Campground provides relaxing creekside camping with private, well-maintained sites and clean facilities. For those seeking dispersed options, the Lake Santeetlah area offers free camping with beautiful mountain views. Each location provides unique access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Fontana Dam region.

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