Within the Nantahala National Forest, Rattler Ford Group Campground operates as a US Forest Service facility designed for larger gatherings. The campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet and provides both drive-in and walk-in access from March through October. Sites range from shaded spots under the forest canopy to open areas on grassy terrain.
A creek runs through the property, offering opportunities for wading and exploration. Basic amenities include drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, and trash service, though one camper noted the restrooms could use better maintenance. The facility sits close to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, known for its old-growth hardwood trees. Reservations are available for the $75 nightly rate, but pets are not permitted.
Description
Overview
Rattler Ford Group Campground sits near the swift-moving Santeetlah Creek in the Nantahala National Forest. Groups of up to 25 guests can enjoy the creek, which is popular for fly fishing, as well as nearby Lake Santeetlah, which provides countless water sports and activities.
Recreation
The campground is located about 2.5 miles from the Avey Branch boat ramp at Lake Santeetlah, which provides visitors access to all types of water-related activities, including fishing, boating, and canoeing. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are available within the campground. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives in the area.
Facilities
The campground offers four sites, each with varying facilities, but all able to accommodate several tents and up to 25 guests. Multiple tables are available at each site, as well as lantern posts and campfire pits. Each site also provides an oversized grill. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided at the campground, as well as hot showers. Some of the sites are situated near the creek.
Natural Features
Large trees and thick forests provide moderate shade for the campground, while vast meadows also allow for sunshine and open play. Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noonday sun," which is appropriate, as the sun only reaches the deep gorges of the western North Carolina mountains and valleys at midday.
Nearby Attractions
The entrance to Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, which contains nearly 17,000 acres, and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, containing nearly 6,000 acres of old-growth forest, is located approximately 1/4 mile from the campground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRattler Ford Group Campground is located in North Carolina
Directions
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, 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.
Address
HWY 1134
Robbinsville, NC 28771
Coordinates
35.3606028 N
83.915625 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/19/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/19/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 48 min from Cleveland, TN
- 2 hrs from Knoxville, TN
- 2 hrs 31 min from Gainesville, GA
- 2 hrs 40 min from Morristown, TN
