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Located in the Cheoah Point Recreation Area in Nantahala National Forest, this cabin is part of a campground that includes tent and RV sites as well as a second cabin.The campground is situated on a peninsula in Santeetlah Lake, surrounded by mixed hardwood forest. Cheoah Point Cabin 2 is reservable from April 1 through October 31. This retreat offers a view of the lake from the front room and patio. Natural Features: Santeetlah Lake is man-made and offers 76 miles of shoreline surrounded by natural forest. There are many coves and inlets to discover and mountain views to enjoy. Birders will find several bird species here. Spotted sandpiper and osprey are sometimes seen in the spring and summer. Red crossbills, green herons and prothonotarywarblers have been known to visit during migration. Recreation: Theres a campground within the recreation area, as well as a swim beach and boat ramp. Santeetlah Lake is ideal for fishing, power boating, non-motorized boating, sailing, jet skiing and water skiing. Anglers can find bass, walleye, trout, crappie and bream. The Wauchecha Bald Trail is nearby, which starts as an easy hike but becomes more difficult. This trail eventually leads to the well-known Appalachian Trail. Facilities: This primitive cabin has two rooms and can sleep up to six people. The front room has a full bed frame and the back room has a set of bunk bed frames. Outside of the cabinis a concrete patio with a grill, picnic table, lantern post and electric outlet unit. There are no electrical outlets inside. There is no running water inside the cabin,but there are water spigots located throughout the campground. Flush toilets and shower facilities are located approximately 150 feet away. Visitors may wish to bring pads or mattresses and bedding. Supplies and equipment for preparing food, in addition to a cooler, are recommended. Nearby Attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short distance away, offering an ideal day trip from Cheoah Point.
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. The cabin is located in the Cheoah Point Campground.
Just north of Robbinsville on Lake Santeetlah. Fresh water faucets throughout the park but not at the site, so fill up before you get settled. No dump station. I had 50 amp electric at the site $25 a night. Also free hot showers. Not far at all from Tail of the Dragon. A great ride is to take the Joyce Kilmer to the Cherohala Skyway, then up through Novore to 129 South, to the Tail of the Dragon and Deals Gap, and back to the campsite. It'll take you about 4-5 hours if you stop and take pictures like I did. What a ride! There is not much signal at the campsite, I had one, sometimes two of Verizon, but that was it. But it was still a great place.
This is definitely a new favorite spot for me! It was not crowded at all, the campsites are spread out nicely, and there IS lake access through little trails down to the water. There is also a swimming area withing walking distance of the campground. Probably some of the cleanest campsite bathrooms and showers I've seen, and all of the roads and trails around camp were very well maintained. We went swimming and hiked in the area a bit and really enjoyed our stay.
(Disclaimer: we stayed here in mid-April, so some of the privacy, cleanliness, and lack of crowding could be because it was technically before peak season started. And in reference to a previous review, this is also why the camp host was not there yet.)
The park is a beautiful spot. I was greated by the host and led to my campground. He made pretty regular rounds making sure everyone was good. Most views have trees in the way but if you go to the small cove with water access you have a clear view of the mountains. The biggest downside for me was the ability to hear traffic noise, not a lot but the occasional roar of a motorcycle would be loud and clear. The path down to the lake was step so would be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. The bathrooms were older but clean enough and plentiful.
Gorgeous, peaceful, clean. We stayed in the first come first serve site 17, which is the best site! There is access to the water to take your kayak onto the lake. It can also be accessed for others, but it is right off the site we stayed at. Almost like our own private piece of heaven.
I saw lots of trout swimming but didn't manage to catch any using powerbait, kastmaster, nor rooster tail. We saw a couple of snakes swim by also. The bathroom is kept clean. Several located around the campground.
The first come first serve price is currently $20 a night, self paid with cash or check in envelope. It is a very short walk from the car to the site which has an incline, so it is a mini workout for someone who is out of shape. There is a host who kept a caring eye on us.
Nearby the campground (maybe 10-15 minute drive) is a short hike with waterfalls called Yellow Falls Creek. Highly recommend.
