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.

We can't adequately describe how peaceful it is to listen to creek and the birds while watching the sunset turn the sky purple over the Smoky Mountains at our "Backside" campground. With 6 acres of complete solidarity one mile from the nearest paved road, evenings around the firepit w/ the stars are simply magical! Local activities include cliff jumping at a secret swimming hole, hiking the Appalachian and Bartram trails, waterfall bathing, kayaking on the lake, & whitewater rafting the Nantahala River. There are 6 large tent campsites with 2 shared fire pits, a porta-potty, a fresh water creek, & picnic tables. The lack of Cell Reception means this site is for true adventurers who want to Disconnect in order to Re-Connect with the ones they bring.

Backside Campground at Nantahala

Looking for the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, NC? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Nantahala National Forest

The Best Camping Near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

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!

How can you beat this place?

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

Photos of Backside Campground at Nantahala

Real photos from real campers