Robbinsville, NC

Rattler Ford Group Campground

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

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.

Typical weather

Santeetlah Creek

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for Santeetlah Creek, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.43°JJanuary: average water temperature 43°F45°FFebruary: average water temperature 45°F50°MMarch: average water temperature 50°F58°AApril: average water temperature 58°F65°MMay: average water temperature 65°F72°JJune: average water temperature 72°F76°JJuly: average water temperature 76°F76°AAugust: average water temperature 76°F71°SSeptember: average water temperature 71°F62°OOctober: average water temperature 62°F52°NNovember: average water temperature 52°F46°DDecember: average water temperature 46°F

Water: CHEOAH RIVER NR BEARPEN GAP NR TAPOCO, NC (USGS 0351706800)

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