Tsali Recreation Area

Star4.71
144 reviews
1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,185 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Cheoah Ranger District site

Official Website
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Tsali Recreation Area
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per night per campsite. Fees are paid at the campground fee station and only cash is accepted.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(828) 479-6431
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What Campers Say

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 144 reviews

131 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews generally highlight the campground’s proximity to activities like mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking. Its peaceful atmosphere, affordability, and access to Fontana Lake are commonly praised. Cleanliness of facilities is a recurring issue, with some users reporting dirty restrooms and showers. Camp hosts received mixed reviews."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771

Tsali Recreation Area

1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771

Driving directionsFrom Asheville, NC: Take I-40 west to exit 27 onto U.S. 19/74. Stay on U.S. 74 west to NC 28 west. Turn right and go 5 miles, look for sign on right. From Knoxville, TN: Take U.S. 129 south through Maryville. Stay on U.S. 129 to Deals Gap. Take left onto NC 28 east. Sign is 25 miles on left. From Bryson City: Take U.S. 19 south for 9 miles to NC 28 west. Turn right on NC 28. Go 5 miles and look for sign on right.
Roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible from major highways; navigation is straightforward following the signs. No indication of seasonal closures was noted.
Nearby places
Robbinsville (less than 10 miles), Bryson City (approximately 15 miles), Nantahala Outdoor Center (about 10 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies like firewood and ice are available at Tsali Grocery on Route 28. For groceries and camping essentials, Robbinsville is the nearest town with full services.

Best Time to Camp at Tsali Recreation Area

Experience the full spectrum of Appalachian seasons at Tsali. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland with temperatures hovering in the 40s by day and dipping into the 30s at night—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. Summer brings warm, adventure-friendly days in the 80s, ideal for lake activities and evening trail rides. Many seasoned visitors favor the gentle embrace of spring and fall, when moderate temperatures create perfect conditions for exploring the trails and the surrounding forest bursts with either fresh blooms or spectacular autumn colors.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in NC

High praise in summer for biking, paddling and swimming; campground fully open.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Highly rated in fall for scenery and trail use; peak foliage and vistas noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens Apr 15; good spring trail access and pleasant weather into late spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr (open Apr 15–Oct 31); winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 - October 31 coincides with the campground's open season. Peak trail use may vary by user group (mountain bikers vs. equestrians) and seasonal schedules.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 15 - October 31. The adjacent recreation area and trails are open year-round.

About Tsali Recreation Area

Nestled within the renowned Tsali Recreation Area, this 42-site forested haven beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its seamless blend of comfort and adventure. Mountain bikers and equestrians find their paradise here, with direct access to an extensive four-loop trail system that winds through the Appalachian wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the canopy or settling in with a small RV, you'll enjoy thoughtful amenities including fresh drinking water, modern flush toilets, and revitalizing hot showers after a day on the trails.
Tsali Campground offers a mix of camping styles, including tent camping, small RV camping, and primitive camping. All sites are first-come, first-served.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is anytime as sites are first-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is not explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Tsali Recreation Area offers an impressive range of recreational activities including mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and boating. The area is especially renowned for its mountain biking trails and proximity to Fontana Lake.
HikingThe campground offers access to a variety of hiking trails that are also shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders. The trail system includes four loops, with distances of 7.3 to 13.9 miles, and is rated as moderately difficult. Trail use days alternate between bikers and equestrians.
FishingFishing is permitted year-round in Fontana Lake, which is known for excellent walleye fishing. Anglers can also catch black bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass.
SwimmingFontana Lake offers swimming opportunities, with one camper mentioning a "trail to the lake for a good swim." However, no designated swimming areas or safety measures were detailed.
BikingMountain biking is the highlight of Tsali Recreation Area, with four challenging single-track loops ranging from 7.3 to 13.9 miles. The trails are described as "flowy" and well-maintained. A user review praised the trails as "Mountain Biking Heaven," and another noted, "These trails have awesome single track with views of the lake."
BoatingFontana Lake supports both motorized and non-motorized boating activities. Two boat launches are available: one at Tsali and another nearby at Lemmons Branch.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a passive highlight, with campers reporting the sounds of birds and whippoorwills at night. However, no specific viewing areas or species lists were provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include low-hanging tree limbs, uneven trails, and wildlife encounters (e.g., bears). Some sites are prone to ants and other insects.

Weather at Tsali Recreation Area

Reviews

4.7
144 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Tsali Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground’s proximity to activities like mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking. Its peaceful atmosphere, affordability, and access to Fontana Lake are commonly praised. Cleanliness of facilities is a recurring issue, with some users reporting dirty restrooms and showers. Camp hosts received mixed reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 144 reviews

What Campers Love

Campground is well-situated for outdoor activities like mountain biking and kayaking. "Lots of cyclists of course," commented one user. The peaceful environment, affordable fee of $20 per night, and...
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Based on 144 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints about the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A user stated, "Be prepared to bring some cleaning supplies of your own." Another common issue was the lack of reservations, as the...
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Based on 144 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cleaning supplies for restrooms, a lantern for lighting, and firewood from local stores like Tsali Grocery on Rt 28. Campers also suggested arriving early during busy weekends to secure a site.
Based on 144 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground receives high praise in the summer and fall for its access to outdoor activities. However, during peak seasons, cleanliness of facilities and availability of campsites can be...
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Based on 144 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The trails are awesome... I would call it Mountain Biking Heaven!" "Clean bathrooms and showers, but some maintenance issues." "Be prepared to bring some cleaning supplies of your own." "Hot and...
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Based on 144 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific highlights include site 2 being described as "HUGE" and accommodating several tents, while site 39 was noted for fitting a 31 ft Class A RV. Campers remarked on the compact nature of...
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Based on 144 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has accessible flush toilets and showers, but no specific feedback on accessibility features for disabilities was identified in the reviews.
Based on 144 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific feedback from pet owners was identified in the reviews.
Based on 144 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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