Van Hook Glade

Star4.26
228 reviews
14014 HIGHLAND RD, HIGHLANDS, NC, 28741, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,118 ft

Price

$24 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Showers

Opens Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Van Hook Glade
$24.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for individual sites range from $24 to $40 depending on site type. Additional reservation fees ($8 online/$9 via contact center) apply....
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 228 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanlakewell-maintained

Some mention

noise

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

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Campground Map

14014 HIGHLAND RD, HIGHLANDS, NC, 28741, USA

Van Hook Glade

14014 HIGHLAND RD, HIGHLANDS, NC, 28741, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highlands, North Carolina, follow Highway 64 west approximately 4.5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right.
Sharp curve inside campground loop may make maneuvering an RV difficult. Roads are paved but larger rigs may face challenges due to tight entryways and highway approach. No dump station available.
Nearby places
Highlands: 4 miles
Franklin: approximately 25 miles
Nearby supplies
Highlands has a general store
Franklin offers grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel, and performing arts.

Best Time to Camp at Van Hook Glade

Van Hook Glade enjoys a delightfully temperate mountain climate that rewards visitors with crisp, clear days perfect for outdoor adventures. During the cooler months, expect invigorating mornings around 31°F that warm to comfortable 45°F afternoons—ideal for hiking without breaking a sweat. The area's characteristically dry conditions mean more sunny days for your camping experience, with the best weeks offering brilliant blue skies and minimal precipitation that showcase the forest at its finest.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool elevation provides relief in summer; reviews highlight pleasant summer stays.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews praise colorful foliage and scenic views nearby.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open beginning April; pleasant temperate climate though fewer spring-specific reviews than summer/fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 1–Oct 30; winter access limited/closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 1 to October 30. No bookings available outside this season.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were noted.

About Van Hook Glade

Escape to Van Hook Glade, where 18 intimate campsites nestle among towering hardwoods in the heart of Nantahala National Forest. Each secluded site invites you to unwind beneath ancient canopies, with thoughtfully placed amenities including sturdy picnic tables, level tent pads, convenient lantern posts, and stone-ringed fire circles perfect for evening gatherings. After a day exploring nearby Cliffside Lake's hiking trails and fishing spots, you'll appreciate the modern comfort of hot showers and flush toilets—a rare luxury in such a pristine wilderness setting.
The campground supports both tent and non-electric camping. No RV hookups are available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground features a short trail that leads to the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, which offers six hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Nearby notable hikes include the Ranger Falls Loop and Whiteside Mountain Trail. 'I definitely recommend hiking into Ranger Falls, it's an amazing location,' stated Torgny B. (April 2021).
FishingFishing is permitted at Cliffside Lake, which is known for trout and panfish. 'The lake is maybe a mile-and-a-half away and was full of trout and panfish,' wrote Matthew P. (August 2020). However, some users noted that the lake felt over-fished.
SwimmingCliffside Lake offers a small beach area suitable for swimming. 'The lake has a small beach area, perfect for a quick dip,' noted Michael K. (September 2020).
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad noise is mentioned as a recurring issue in user reviews. Large rig maneuvering may be difficult due to tight entryways.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were noted.

Weather at Van Hook Glade

Reviews

4.3
228 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Van Hook Glade is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 228 reviews

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...
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Based on 228 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 228 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...
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Based on 228 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...
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Based on 228 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...
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Based on 228 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site #1: 'Super private and near a small creek' (Junior B., September 2021). 2. Site #12: 'Recessed down a few steps, very private despite being across from a water pump and bathroom' (Monica H.,...
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Based on 228 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges noted include steep stairs at certain sites like #12. No other accessibility-specific reviews were identified.
Based on 228 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Van Hook Glade is described as 'very dog-friendly' by several reviewers, including Michael H. (April 2021).
Based on 228 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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