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Established Camping

Backside Campground at Nantahala

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Backside Campground at Nantahala is located near the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. The area features forested terrain with elevations that can influence temperatures, ranging from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Nantahala River, known for rafting and fishing, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering hiking and scenic views.

Location

Backside Campground at Nantahala is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2024

Backside is a fitting name

This "campground" is two camp sites max being sold as like 6 "LARGE" sites. My brother and I were genuinely confused because it's essentially two group sites with individual sites being grouped together sharing a fireplace. The individual "sites" themselves are not level and barely big enough for a tent. My brother and I took one set of sites and the other person that showed up with small children took the other set of sites thankfully. I'm not trying to be crammed in with other people's small children while I'm camping. Was not expecting that to be a possibility. Any other people had shown up to the campground my brother and I would have just left. The porta potty is an absolute nightmare of spiders and insects. Don't bother opening it. No water supply

Siteno idea, this place is two sites MAX
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Backside Campground at Nantahala by Kaleb B., August 9, 2024
  • Review photo of Backside Campground at Nantahala by Kaleb B., August 9, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2023

How can you beat this place?

The Nantahala National Forest backs right up to the property line of this amazing campground.  The owners have leveled out 6 amazing sites - perfect for tent camping and hanging a hammock.  The one mile gravel/dirt road is so picturesque!  We found ourselves just hiking it each morning.  The creek has some of the best water!  Coming right out of the ground!  The picnic table was perfect for holding our camping stove and cooking up the breakfast bacon.  But, the real treat was sitting around the stone firepit and roasting some marshmallows after an adventurous whitewater trip down the Nantahala River.  Do it mid day - 'cause that water is COOOOLD.  We hiked a short section of the Bartram Trail and found the secret water hole for some awesome shots of the kids jumping off the cliff.  Caught lunch at the Lakes End Marina and rented a kayak for a few hours to explore the lake.  Next time we'll spend more time at the quaint little town of Andrews and maybe catch a movie and some ice cream.  The Ingles Grocery store was perfect for stocking up on some steaks and root beer.  Can't wait to return to the Backside!

SiteF
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Backside Campground at Nantahala by Mike H., April 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Backside Campground at Nantahala by Mike H., April 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Backside Campground at Nantahala by Mike H., April 26, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Backside Campground located in Nantahala National Forest?

Backside Campground is situated right at the edge of Nantahala National Forest with the forest directly bordering the property line. The campground is accessible via a scenic one-mile gravel/dirt road that many campers enjoy hiking along in the mornings. The picturesque setting offers a peaceful retreat within the national forest area, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

What amenities are available at Nantahala Backside Campground?

Backside Campground offers limited amenities in its natural setting. The property features approximately 6 sites that have been leveled for tent camping and hammock hanging. Each camping area includes shared fire rings. The sites are relatively small and some may not be completely level. There is a creek on the property that campers can access. Note that the campground layout consists of what some visitors describe as essentially two larger areas subdivided into individual sites, so privacy between sites may be limited.

Is Backside Campground close to Santeetlah Lake for water activities?

While specific information about the distance to Santeetlah Lake isn't detailed, Backside Campground is positioned within the Nantahala National Forest region where Santeetlah Lake is located. The campground does feature creek access on the property, offering some water-based enjoyment. For those planning dedicated lake activities at Santeetlah, it would be advisable to check with the campground owners about exact distance and driving time before planning your trip.

How far is Nantahala Outdoor Center from Backside Campground?

The exact distance between Backside Campground and the Nantahala Outdoor Center isn't specified in available information. However, both are located within the Nantahala National Forest region, making the Outdoor Center accessible for day trips from the campground. For those planning activities at the NOC, it's recommended to contact the campground directly for precise driving directions and estimated travel time, as this will help in planning your outdoor adventures efficiently.