Rattler Ford Group Campground
Campground · North Carolina · 4 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Nantahala National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 4
- Bookable sites
- 30 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 25
- People per site
- 2,076 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Rattler Ford Group Campground sits near the swift-moving Santeetlah Creek in the Nantahala National Forest. Groups of up to 25 guests can enjoy the creek, which is popular for fly fishing, as well as nearby Lake Santeetlah, which provides countless water sports and activities.Recreation
The campground is located about 2.5 miles from the Avey Branch boat ramp at Lake Santeetlah, which provides visitors access to all types of water-related activities, including fishing, boating, and canoeing. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are available within the campground. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives in the area.Facilities
The campground offers four sites, each with varying facilities, but all able to accommodate several tents and up to 25 guests. Multiple tables are available at each site, as well as lantern posts and campfire pits. Each site also provides an oversized grill. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided at the campground, as well as hot showers. Some of the sites are situated near the creek.Natural Features
Large trees and thick forests provide moderate shade for the campground, while vast meadows also allow for sunshine and open play. Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noonday sun," which is appropriate, as the sun only reaches the deep gorges of the western North Carolina mountains and valleys at midday.Nearby Attractions
The entrance to Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, which contains nearly 17,000 acres, and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, containing nearly 6,000 acres of old-growth forest, is located approximately 1/4 mile from the campground.The facts
- Season: April 15 – October 31 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 4 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 30 ft
- Up to 25 people per site
- Loops: RFGC
Site types
- 4 Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, pets allowed.
4 campsites at Rattler Ford Group Campground
Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | RFGC | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 30 ft | 25 | |
| 002 | RFGC | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 30 ft | 25 | |
| 003 | RFGC | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | 30 ft | 25 | |
| 004 | RFGC | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 25 |
Getting there
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, take Highway 129 north to 143 West/Massey Branch Road. Pass the Cheoah Ranger District office and continue to the stop sign. Turn right to continue on 143 West for about 7 miles. Rattler Ford Group Campground is on the left.
35.36060, -83.91563 · 35°21'38.2"N 83°54'56.3"W
Typical weather
Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 48°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 52 | 60 | 70 | 77 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 79 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F | 28 | 31 | 37 | 44 | 52 | 59 | 62 | 61 | 57 | 46 | 36 | 31 |
| Precip in | 5.4 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 2.9 | 4.2 | 5.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Rattler Ford Group Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Rattler Ford Group Campground?
- Yes, Rattler Ford Group Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Rattler Ford Group Campground have?
- 4 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Rattler Ford Group Campground?
- 30 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are campfires allowed at Rattler Ford Group Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Rattler Ford Group Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Rattler Ford Group Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Rattler Ford Group Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- $75/night per site; Max group size per site is 25
Camping near Rattler Ford Group Campground
- Cheoah Point Campground 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Swan Cabin Group Camp 4.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Donley Cabin 10.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Indian Boundary 11.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Holder Cove Campground 11.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- State Line Campground 11.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Davis Branch Campground 11.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Horse Cove Campground 0.4 mi · Campground
- Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area 3.6 mi · Facility
- Falls Branch Falls Hike 8.2 mi · Facility
- Birch Branch Campground 11.6 mi · Campground
- Indian Boundary Lake 11.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 828-479-6431
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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