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Established Camping

Santeetlah Lake Primitive

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Santeetlah Lake Primitive is located near Santeetlah Lake in the National Forests of North Carolina. The area features forested terrain with a mix of trees and water access. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and the Cherohala Skyway, offering opportunities for hiking and scenic drives.

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Location

Santeetlah Lake Primitive is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.36773158023818 N
83.85077224779405 W

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Connectivity

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    Last on 5/9/25
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    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Last on 5/9/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Santeetlah Lake Primitive needs a permit.

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General Info


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1 Review

Reviewed Feb. 21, 2023

Lake Santeetlah is a stunning lake

I have camped at several different dispersed locations around lake Santeetlah. Superb views of the clear lake water. Some sites are high above the lake so hard for direct water access. Some are at water level. The cell service for Verizon is useable in a few spots but mostly there is no cell signal. Some sites are ok for solar panels but others are very shady so choose your location wisely. One site has a pit toilet but most don’t. Nearly all are Drive in locations.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Santeetlah Lake Primitive by Andy K., February 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Santeetlah Lake Primitive by Andy K., February 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Santeetlah Lake Primitive by Andy K., February 21, 2023
  • (20) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cheoah Point Campground on Lake Santeetlah?

Cheoah Point Campground offers more developed facilities compared to the primitive camping areas around Lake Santeetlah. While specific amenities at Cheoah Point aren't detailed in available information about Santeetlah Lake Primitive camping, it typically provides basic campground services. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on amenities such as water access, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at Cheoah Point, contact the Nantahala National Forest office or check the official USFS website before your visit.

Can I find RV rentals near Lake Santeetlah in North Carolina?

RV rental options near Lake Santeetlah are limited due to its remote location in western North Carolina. The closest towns that might offer RV rentals would be Robbinsville or larger communities like Bryson City and Cherokee. Keep in mind that many of the dispersed camping areas around Lake Santeetlah are primitive with rough access roads, making them unsuitable for large RVs. For RV rentals, check with outdoor recreation businesses in nearby towns or consider renting from larger cities like Asheville before heading to the lake area.

Is there a map available of the Lake Santeetlah camping areas?

Maps of the Lake Santeetlah camping areas are available through several sources. The US Forest Service provides maps of Nantahala National Forest, including the dispersed camping locations around Lake Santeetlah. Visitors can obtain these maps at ranger stations in the area. Additionally, topographic maps showing the various camping sites, some of which are elevated above the lake while others are at water level, can be helpful for navigation. Contact the Nantahala Ranger District office for the most detailed and current maps of dispersed camping locations around the lake.

Where is Lake Santeetlah camping located in North Carolina?

Lake Santeetlah camping is located in western North Carolina, nestled in the Nantahala National Forest. The lake and its primitive camping areas are situated near Robbinsville in Graham County. This remote location offers dispersed camping opportunities with stunning mountain views and access to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Santeetlah. The area is surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, providing a secluded outdoor experience.