Rattler Ford Group Campground

Star4.20
70 reviews
HWY 1134, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA

Quick Facts

2,119 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open April 15 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Recreation.gov / USFS 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
Rattler Ford Group Campground
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for group tent-only areas are $75 per night during the peak season (April 15 through October 31). Prices do not include taxes,...
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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$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
828-479-6431
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 70 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and helpful hosts. However, issues with restroom cleanliness and maintenance are frequently noted."

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Campground Map

HWY 1134, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA

Rattler Ford Group Campground

HWY 1134, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but the drive includes narrow and winding stretches characteristic of mountain travel. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Robbinsville: approximately 7 miles / ~15 minutes drive
Nearby supplies
Ingles supermarket in Robbinsville, NC (~15 minutes drive). Robbinsville is a dry county
visitors should plan accordingly for alcohol.

Best Time to Camp at Rattler Ford Group Campground

Summer mornings at Rattler Ford greet you with a refreshing coolness that gives way to pleasantly warm afternoons, all wrapped in the embrace of mountain humidity that makes the forest feel alive. The campground transforms with the seasons, closing its gates during winter months when the forest rests. Summer visitors should come prepared for the occasional dramatic thunderstorm that rolls through the valleys, bringing spectacular light shows and the fresh scent of rain-washed pine. Remarkably, despite the lush environment, mosquitoes rarely disturb the peaceful evenings, allowing for comfortable stargazing and late-night campfire stories.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer popular with cool mornings and warm afternoons; reviews note wet conditions some seasons.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31 and near Joyce Kilmer suggests strong fall foliage appeal; fewer reviews cited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 15; late spring likely pleasant though early spring access is closed and runs wet.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 1–Apr 14; not available for winter stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 15 through October 31 annually. Closed for reservations from November 1 through April 14.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Rattler Ford Group Campground

Escape to Rattler Ford Group Campground, where the pristine waters of Santeetlah Creek wind through the heart of Nantahala National Forest. This hidden gem beckons groups seeking adventure and camaraderie, offering a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and modern comforts. Spend your days casting lines into crystal-clear waters, exploring winding forest trails, or engaging in friendly volleyball matches on sun-dappled courts. When evening falls, gather around oversized grills and sprawling picnic tables designed for memorable group meals. After a day of exploration, you'll appreciate the convenience of flush toilets and rejuvenating hot showers that make roughing it feel remarkably civilized.
Rattler Ford Group Campground caters exclusively to group camping with no individual sites. It offers tent camping only, with facilities designed for larger parties.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 16:00 (4 PM).
Check-out
Check-out ends at 12:00 (noon).
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Rattler Ford offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, and camping are popular, and the proximity to Lake Santeetlah allows for boating and canoeing. On-site horseshoe pits and volleyball courts add to the available activities. "We loved playing volleyball and exploring the creek." (Cassady White). Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant due to the surrounding Nantahala National Forest.
HikingHiking trails are available nearby, including the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest trails. "Beautiful campground, right next to Joyce Kilmer trail. (I would drive to the TH—it is close but can be dangerous walking.)" (Sarah Dobbins).
FishingFishing is available in nearby Santeetlah Creek and Lake Santeetlah. "Fishing, hiking, family atmosphere, and great bathrooms with showers!" (Nancy Spears).
BoatingBoating is accessible from the Avey Branch boat ramp located 2.5 miles away. Activities include canoeing and kayaking. "Lake Santeetlah and the beach were wonderful." (Kristina C).
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common due to the location in the Nantahala National Forest. "Beautiful group campground along the river." (Cris Sleightholm).
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo major wildlife hazards mentioned, but visitors should pack hiking maps due to lack of cell service. The area experiences occasional storms.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

Weather at Rattler Ford Group Campground

Reviews

4.2
70 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rattler Ford Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and helpful hosts. However, issues with restroom cleanliness and maintenance are frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 70 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the proximity to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, clean water spigots, large site sizes, and friendly hosts. "Beautiful group campground along the river." (Cris Sleightholm). "Scott,...
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Based on 70 reviews

Common Concerns

Restroom cleanliness is a recurring issue. "Bathrooms are in dire need of painting. The shower is totally unacceptable." (Ana B). "Females Bathroom needs an overhaul...paint peeling, private stalls...
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Based on 70 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest downloading hiking maps due to lack of cell service and packing essentials like beer/wine before arrival due to the dry county. "Pack your own beer/wine—the Ingles in Robbinsville is...
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Based on 70 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer as popular but highlight challenges such as wet conditions and rain. "The area is very wet. Bath towels didn't dry over the 4 days we were there." (Ryan Cheek). Fall reviews...
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Based on 70 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground, right next to Joyce Kilmer trail." (Sarah Dobbins). "My friends and I had a great time here! GPS location was accurate, plenty big for my group of 8." (Jess M). "Awesome...
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Based on 70 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1: Not creekside but within walking distance to the river. "Site (#1) was great with plenty of room for tents." (Ray Hundley). Site 2, 3, 4: Creekside locations. "Sites 2, 3, and 4 are on the...
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Based on 70 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed. Group sites are noted for accommodating larger parties, which may offer some accessibility advantages.
Based on 70 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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