Remote enough that cell service drops out entirely, Appletree Group Campground sits within Nantahala National Forest along the Nantahala River, operating from April through October under US Forest Service management. The campground has four group sites, each sized to accommodate a gathering rather than a single family. Access involves a rough road, and at least one reviewer noted that backing a trailer uphill on wet grass required some effort, so drivers with larger rigs should plan accordingly.
Each site includes a large pavilion, a fire ring, a water spigot, and toilets, with a bathhouse on site providing warm showers. An open field adjacent to the camping area gives groups room to spread out beyond their individual sites. One RV is permitted per site, though there is no dump station. The Nantahala River runs through the campground, drawing anglers, and the Bartram Trail passes directly through the property for hikers looking to get on trail without driving elsewhere.
"The Nantahala river runs through the campground for fishing and Bartram trail for hiking," notes Jeffrey S., who also points out that the Appalachian Trail is nearby and several routes lead to fire tower overlooks. No cell service means the campground functions as a genuine digital disconnect. Reservations are available and worth securing, as groups return annually. Campers traveling through western North Carolina can also browse pet-friendly campgrounds around Nantahala National Forest if Appletree is already booked for your dates.
Description
Sleep under the Stars. Looking for a campsite for a group of people near the Nantahala River? The four sites at Appletree Group Campground accommodates two sites (A and D) for up to 25 people each and two sites (B and C) for up to 50 people each. Each site has its own picnic shelter, outdoor group gathering area with a fire ring and lantern posts, restroom with flush toilets, water hydrant, designated parking area and a grassy field for tents and activities. The campground offers a shower house. Open April 1 – October 31, the campground is most popular during summer weekends and quieter on the weekdays. Reservations are required at 828-524-6441. Only the occupants have access through a combination lock on the gate. Follow the Trail. Hike near the campground on more than 20 miles of interconnecting loops. Nearby, catch a section of the long-distance Bartram National Recreation Trail, named for William Bartram, an American naturalist noted for his botanical expeditions in the late 1700s. Get in the Water. Avid anglers can cast their lines for rainbow, brown and native brook trout that live in the cold mountain streams near the campground. State fishing regulations apply, and licenses are required for fishing in national forest streams. Nantahala Lake is 10 minutes away. If you enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting, use your personal craft to raft the lower section of the Nantahala River or use local outfitters’ services. Check out the Sights. From Appletree Campground, you can sightsee along the 61-mile Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. This scenic drive links U.S. 19 and U.S. 64, and it winds through the Cullasaja and Nantahala River gorges, passes Nantahala Lake, Wayah Bald’s restored fire tower, numerous waterfalls and the rural countryside. Be Safe. Your safety is your own responsibility. Check out the brochure.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNantahala National Forest Appletree Group Campground is located in North Carolina near Topton
Public CampgroundDirections
From Franklin, NC follow US 64 west and turn right at the LBJ Corps/Wayah Bald sign. Take the first left beside Loafer's Glory gas station onto Wayah Road (SR1310). This goes over Wayah Gap and passes Nantahala Lake. After passing Lake's End Store take first right onto Junaluska ROad (SR 1401), toward Andrews for about 2.5 miles to the campground entrance. Be sure you have the combination to the lock.
Coordinates
35.22461173 N
83.66001175 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/13/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/13/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 55 min from Gainesville, GA
- 2 hrs 35 min from Knoxville, TN
