Within the Nantahala National Forest, Tsali Campground operates as a first-come, first-served facility that closes from mid-October through April. The US Forest Service manages this drive-in campground at $10-$20 per night, with sites featuring full hookups for RVs alongside tent-friendly areas.
Campers find themselves in open terrain with varying levels of privacy between sites. Robbie B. notes "roomy camp spots, decent privacy between spots, clean bath houses." Each site includes a dedicated tent area, picnic table, fire ring with grate, and bear pole. Multiple bear-proof trash containers and water spigots serve both loops. Wildlife encounters occur regularly—coyotes call from nearby areas during evening hours.
The campground provides direct access to Lake Fontana for kayaking and swimming, plus immediate trail access for mountain biking on the Tsali trail system. Riders can pedal directly from their campsites onto intermediate-level mountain bike trails. The boat ramp requires only a short walk or drive from most sites. Clean bathhouses with showers serve each loop, though cell service remains limited for AT&T users.
Weekend arrivals should plan for crowds, as sites fill by Friday evening during peak season. D & Jess W. warns that "quiet hours are definitely not proactively enforced." Some sites accommodate larger RVs better than others—site 18 works for 30-foot campers while smaller units have more options. Black walnut trees drop nuts regularly, potentially denting vehicles parked underneath.
For campers wanting hookup-free options, Turkey Creek Campground offers a different atmosphere nearby.
Description
Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping at Tsali Recreation Area, all located within steps of Fontana Lake. Follow the Trail. The Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area’s four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course. The Right Loop , rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible. The Left Loop , rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake. The Mouse Branch Trail , rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads. The Thompson Loop , rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track. Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians–the primary users–are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule: Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec. Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses – Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes –Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday May/July/August/October Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads. Sleep under the Stars. Open early April through October, Tsali Campground offers 42 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Many sites accommodate small RVs, but no hookups are available. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. Campers pay fees at the campground fee station. Get in the Water. Fontana Lake offers flatwater paddling and motor boating. One boat launch is located at Tsali, while another is located nearby on FR 2553 at Lemmons Branch. Ample parking is available at either launch. Fishing is permitted year-round, and anglers will find some of the best fishing for walleye in the state. Anglers can also catch black bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Check out the brochure.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTsali Campground is located in North Carolina near Almond
Directions
From Asheville, NC: Take I-40 west to exit 27 onto U.S. 19/74. Stay on U.S. 74 west to NC 28 west. Turn right and go 5 miles, look for sign on right. From Knoxville, TN: Take U.S. 129 south through Maryville. Stay on U.S. 129 to Deals Gap. Take left onto NC 28 east. Sign is 25 miles on left. From Bryson City: Take U.S. 19 south for 9 miles to NC 28 west. Turn right on NC 28. Go 5 miles and look for sign on right.
Coordinates
35.40725735 N
83.58698418 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 6/15/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 6/15/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Asheville, NC
- 2 hrs 5 min from Knoxville, TN
- 2 hrs 12 min from Morristown, TN
