About CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND
Overview Cheoah Point Campground lies on a peninsula of the vast Lake Santeetlah in the hills of western North Carolina. The lake and surrounding landscape provide countless recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Recreation Anglers enjoy fishing for trout, walleye, a variety of bass, bream and crappie and more in the 2,800-acre Lake Santeetlah. Boating, canoeing, jet skiing and swimming are also popular activities on the lake. Nearby, the Wauchecha Bald Trail, which begins as a an easy hike and gets progressively more difficult, provides access to the famed Appalachian Trail. Facilities The campground provides multiple open and wooded campsites that can accommodate up to 10 guests and 2 vehicles per site. Six RV sites provide 15/30/50 amp electrical hookups. Tables and campfire rings with grills are provided at each site. Flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are provided to help create a comfortable camping experience.Natural Features Lake Santeetlah sits in the Nantahala National Forest, which covers 1.3 million acres of mountain lands. Old forests grace the hills and valleys, with some of the canyons reaching deep into the earth, providing ample hiking opportunities in the beautiful terrain. Cheoah Point is situated in a forest of mature hardwoods at an elevation of 1,760 feet. The campground covers steep terrain and many of the campsites overlook the lake. Nearby Attractions Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short distance away, offering an ideal day trip from Cheoah point Recreation Area.
How to Get There
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, continue on Highway 129 north for approximately 6 miles. Turn left on SR # 1145 - Thunderbird Mountain Road. Continue approximately 1.3 miles on Thunderbird Mountain Road to the Cheoah Point Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND
Heading to CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234583) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND?
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, continue on Highway 129 north for approximately 6 miles. Turn left on SR # 1145 - Thunderbird Mountain Road. Continue approximately 1.3 miles on Thunderbird Mountain Road to the Cheoah Point Campground.
How do I contact CHEOAH POINT CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 828-479-6431.
References & Official Resources
