Fontana Village, Inc. (click here to visit web site)
Hwy 28, P.O. Box 68, Fontana Dam, NC 28733
1-800-849-2258

US Forest Service Campgrounds

Tsali - Nantahala National Forest - Located off Hwy 28 on the shores of Fontana Lake, with a total of 41 camp units with flush toilets and showers. Four trails, a total of 38 miles of mountain bike/horse trail are adjacent. Tsali is approximately 8 miles from the Nantahala Gorge and the Nantahala River, famous White water rafting, kayaking and canoeing. From Bryson City take US 19-S 9 miles, then bear right on NC 28-N for 5.5 miles. Turn right on USFS Rd 521 at Tsali Campground sign.

Cable Cove - North on Hwy 28, about 5 miles east of Fontana Village, with a total of 26 camp sites. Approximately 4 miles to Fontana Dam and the Appalachian Trail entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Fontana Village take NC 28-E, 4.7 miles, turn left on FR 520 for 1.4 miles.

Horse Cove - about 13 miles northwest of Robbinsville and adjacent to the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness. From Robbinsville take US 129-N 1 mile, turn left on NC 1116, go 3.5 miles to NC 1127, turn right. Go 12 miles to FR 416. Turn right. Two routes of entry, either south of Santeetlah Lake or north of Santeetlah Lake accessed from US 129. 17 camp sites with flush toilets.

Cheoah Point - Located on Santeetlah Lake, about 6 miles north of Robbinsville off US Hwy 129, turn left at sign, go 0.8 miles. 26 camp sites with low volume flush toilets.

Rattler Ford - group campgrounds located 1/4 mile south of entrance to Joyce Kilmer Forest. 4 units will accommodate up to 50 people per unit. Horseshoe pits and a volleyball court are provided. Reservations should be made about 3 weeks in advance for this area. Flush toilets and hot showers are available.


Additional information can be obtained at the Cheoah Ranger District Headquarters of the United States Forest Service is located about 2.7 miles outside Robbinsville. From the junctions of U.S. Highway 129 & Highway 143 east in Robbinsville, take Highway 129 north for 1½ miles to the junction with Highway 143 west (Massey Branch Road). Turn left and proceed west on Highway 143 for approximately 1¼ miles to the Cheoah District Ranger's Office. Turn left into Ranger Headquarters and park in the visitors parking lot. There are picnic tables and restrooms. Be sure to visit the Ranger's Office during business hours. They have a large selection of information bulletins and an excellent selection of books on nature studies.

The Cheoah District office is open every day from April 15 to late October. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From November 1 to April 14, office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The telephone number is 828-479-6431.