Rattler Ford Campground

Star4.23
41 reviews

Quick Facts

2,165 ft

Price

$8 - $80/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Not specified

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Not specified site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Rattler Ford Campground
$8.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for group camping are approximately $80 per night per unit. Fees vary by location, activity, and method of reservation (online, contact center,...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 41 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioushiking

"Rattler Ford Campground is praised for its beautiful natural surroundings, spacious and well-equipped group sites, and clean facilities. Camp hosts are often described as friendly and helpful. However, the lack of cell phone service and the wet environment are noted challenges."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Rattler Ford Campground

35.3578, -83.9167

Driving directionsLocated ¼ miles south of entrance to Joyce Kilmer Forest.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, although user reviews suggest that for flatlanders, the drive to the campground can be an experience in itself due to winding terrain.
Nearby supplies
User reviews mention a nearby Ingles grocery store in Robbinsville for camp food supplies. However, note that Robbinsville is a dry county, so beverages like beer or wine need to be packed in advance.

Best Time to Camp at Rattler Ford Campground

Embrace the misty magic of this temperate rainforest environment, where moisture-laden air creates an authentically wild atmosphere. The persistent humidity means packing quick-dry gear is essential—as one visitor noted, even bath towels remained damp throughout a four-day stay. Complete digital detox is guaranteed here, with cellular signals unable to penetrate the dense canopy, making weather apps and last-minute updates impossible once you arrive. Come prepared for nature's whims and discover the freedom of unplugging completely.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer popular for group gatherings though wet conditions are common.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest setting at elevation likely offers strong fall color and pleasant hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Temperate rainforest conditions mean lush spring growth but also persistent wetness and mud.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter may be challenging due to cold; limited seasonal reviews and potential wet/cold issues.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not specified. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Not specified
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Rattler Ford Campground

Escape to Rattler Ford Campground, where four spacious group sites welcome gatherings of up to 25 adventurers each. This haven in the wilderness comes equipped with modern comforts including pristine bathhouses with hot showers, while recreational amenities like volleyball courts and horseshoe pits invite friendly competition. Gather around oversized grills for memorable meals at sturdy picnic tables, all while the melodic babble of a nearby trout stream provides nature's soundtrack to your outdoor experience.
Rattler Ford Campground is most suitable for group camping, with spacious sites and basic amenities catering to larger gatherings. "Group camp location" and "plots will hold about 25 people" were highlighted in user reviews.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified
Check-out
Not specified
Stay Limit
Not specified

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Rattler Ford Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and volleyball. It is also ideally located near a trout stream and Joyce Kilmer Forest, making it a hub for nature exploration.
HikingHiking trails are available near the campground, and they include access to Joyce Kilmer Forest. A user recommended, "Download hiking maps before going," due to a lack of cell service. Trails feature scenic and natural beauty, although specific trail lengths or difficulties are not detailed.
FishingFishing is supported, with a trout stream located nearby. One reviewer highlighted fishing as a key activity: "Fishing, hiking, family atmosphere, and great bathrooms with showers!"
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight potential hazards including dangerous walking areas to trailheads. Rainy weather conditions can also pose challenges.
Active AlertsNull
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Rattler Ford Campground

Reviews

4.2
41 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rattler Ford Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Rattler Ford Campground is praised for its beautiful natural surroundings, spacious and well-equipped group sites, and clean facilities. Camp hosts are often described as friendly and helpful. However, the lack of cell phone service and the wet environment are noted challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

- Spacious group sites accommodating up to 25 guests - Clean shower and bathroom facilities - Access to trout stream and hiking trails - Friendly and helpful camp hosts - Peaceful and private site...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of cell phone service - Wet environment resulting in difficulty drying towels - Some users found group sites expensive at ~$80 per night
Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Download hiking maps before arrival due to no cell phone service - Bring all necessary supplies including beverages, as the area is in a dry county - Be prepared for rain and wet conditions by...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for group gatherings, but wet conditions are common. Winter may present challenges due to cold temperatures, though specific seasonal reviews are limited.
Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The bathhouses are clean." 2. "Sites 2, 3, and 4 are on the river; site 1 is not, but you can still hear it and walk to it." 3. "The campground is nestled in a beautiful area." 4. "Ladies...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Sites 2, 3, and 4 are on the river and are more desirable. Site 1 is not directly on the river but is within walking distance.
Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically mentioned accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 41 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Rattler Ford Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in North Carolina

Campgrounds
National Forests in North Carolina
Rattler Ford Campground