How much does camping cost at Van Hook Glade?

Camping fees at Van Hook Glade are $24 - $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Van Hook Glade first-come first-served or reservation?

Van Hook Glade accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Van Hook Glade before I book?

Yes! Van Hook Glade has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Van Hook Glade?

Van Hook Glade is open April 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Van Hook Glade?

Yes, Van Hook Glade has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Van Hook Glade?

Fire policies at Van Hook Glade: Campfires can only be made in fire rings provided. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Van Hook Glade have?

Van Hook Glade has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Van Hook Glade?

Pets are not allowed at Van Hook Glade. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Van Hook Glade?

Van Hook Glade offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Van Hook Glade?

Popular activities at Van Hook Glade include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Van Hook Glade

4.56

262 reviews

14014 HIGHLAND RD, HIGHLANDS, NC, 28741, USA

AReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping North Carolina

Quick Facts

4,118 ft

Price

$24 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,118 ft

Price

$24 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association Official Website

Get Directions

Van Hook Glade

$24.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC- Large: $40.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC- Small: $30.00; MANAGEMENT: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Provider

828-526-5918null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

14014 HIGHLAND RD, HIGHLANDS, NC, 28741, USA

Van Hook Glade

14014 HIGHLAND RD, HIGHLANDS, NC, 28741, USA

Nearby places

Highlands: 4 miles

Franklin: approximately 25 miles

Weather at Van Hook Glade

Current alerts(7)

Campground hosts on-site
Click here to learn more about the National Forests in North Carolina
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Limit two vehicles and two tents maximum; some walk-in sites are limited to one vehicle

Best Time to Camp at Van Hook Glade

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and spectacular high-elevation foliage — the hardwood canopy around 4,118 ft turns vivid oranges and reds from late September into mid-October. Expect daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, ideal for long hikes, photography, and shoreline fishing at Cliffside Lake without summer heat or insects. Weekdays are generally quiet; weekends can be moderately busy during peak color, so plan midweek/ Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Described as 'best season: fall' with vivid oranges/reds at this elevation; reviewers praise foliage.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 to October 30. No bookings available outside this season.

About Van Hook Glade

Van Hook Glade sits in mid-elevation forest near Highlands, operated by the Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association. The small campground offers tent sites with flush toilets, showers, and potable water, drawing visitors who hike to Dry Falls and fish or swim at nearby Cliffside Lake. Reviewers praise the privacy and clean facilities, though road noise can carry through the trees.

The campground supports both tent and non-electric camping. No RV hookups are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and spectacular high-elevation foliage — the hardwood canopy around 4,118 ft turns vivid oranges and reds from late September into mid-October. Expect daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, ideal for long hikes, photography, and shoreline fishing at Cliffside Lake without summer heat or insects. Weekdays are generally quiet; weekends can be moderately busy during peak color, so plan midweek/ Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4118 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a natural bowl where northern hardwood forests meet southern Appalachian species, creating a dense canopy of mixed hardwoods overhead. At this elevation, the rolling Blue Ridge terrain levels out into gentle slopes, heavily wooded enough that sites feel secluded from each other. Cliffside Lake fills a depression below the campground, accessible by a short trail. Nearby waterfalls include Dry Falls, where you can walk behind a 75-foot cascade, and Whitewater Falls, which drops through granite cliffs a bit farther out. The old-growth canopy filters morning light into green-tinted shade.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available. The campground offers only camping facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit two vehicles and two tents maximum. Some walk-in sites limited to one vehicle.

Groups

Group shelters are available for $30-$40 per night, but specific details about group camping are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly detailed, although some sites like #12 include stairs that may affect accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, including options large enough for a 10x18 ft tent. Some sites are noted for accommodating trailers up to 31 feet, although maneuvering larger rigs is challenging.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as secluded and heavily wooded, offering significant privacy. 'Each camp site is very private and feels like you are actually in the woods,' noted Emily O. (August 2023).

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites like 001 for privacy and access to a creek. Avoid sites near the highway (e.g., 020) if sensitive to road noise.

Best CampsitesSites 001 and 016 offer privacy and proximity to creeks. Sites 012 and 019 sit close to water spigots and bathrooms. Some sites handle larger setups. A few fit 10x18-foot tents or trailers up to 31 feet, though maneuvering big rigs is tight.

Need help booking Van Hook Glade?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Van Hook Glade offers 18 secluded campsites equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts, and campfire rings with grills. The campground provides hot showers and flush toilets. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. The heavily wooded area offers shade and privacy, and the elevation is 4,118 feet, providing a cooler climate.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Things to do at Van Hook Glade

Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Boating is not permitted at Cliffside Lake. The campground is near attractions like Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls, and the town of Highlands.

Hiking4.0/5

Short trail from campground to Cliffside Recreation Area, which offers six easy–moderate trails.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming3.0/5

Cliffside Lake has a small beach area suitable for swimming, but it's limited in scope.

Water Sports2.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Nearby Dry Falls, Cliffside Lake, and vivid fall colors provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires can only be made in fire rings provided

Trash & RecyclingTrash bags are provided, and the campground is frequently praised for being clean. 'No trash around the campsite, and the host was very helpful,' noted Brenda T. (January 2020).

Cell CoverageUsers frequently report little to no cell phone service at the campground. 'Absolutely no cell service at the campground, but a short 0.3 mile hike towards Cliffside Lake gave us one Verizon bar, enough to check texts,' wrote Ellen G., August 2021. Another camper mentioned, 'Our cell-phone service is Consumer Cellular, and we did not have service' (Kay D., October 2020).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

262 reviews

Top-Rated

Van Hook Glade is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, helpful hosts, and scenic location. However, some complaints about road noise and bathroom maintenance were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 262 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 262 reviews.

Site #1Loved
Site #1: 'Super private and near a small creek' (Junior B., September 2021). 2.
Site #12Loved
Site #12: 'Recessed down a few steps, very private despite being across from a water pump and bathroom' (Monica H., June 2022). 3.
Site #20Issues noted
Site #20: 'Close to road, vehicle noise noticeable at night' (Josephine R., June 2021).

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the campground's privacy, clean facilities, helpful hosts, and proximity to natural attractions like Cliffside Lake and Dry Falls. Many users described...

Based on 262 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise, limited restroom facilities when the campground is full, and occasionally green firewood being sold on-site.

Based on 262 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood to ensure it's seasoned and planning hikes to avoid peak hours at nearby attractions like Dry Falls. Some users noted the lack of cell service and suggested...

Based on 262 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews during the summer months highlight the campground's cool elevation as a relief from hot weather, while fall reviews praise the colorful foliage. Some winter reviews noted limited...

Based on 262 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms and showers were very clean, and the host was super friendly' (Hank E., August 2020). 2. 'The campsites are very private and well-maintained, and the nearby Cliffside park was...

Based on 262 reviews