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Van Hook Glade is a scenic, secluded campground in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. Convenient for families and anglers, the campground is in close proximity to hiking trails, scenic views, waterfalls and a nearby lake.
Campers can easily relax with a book or deck of cards in the shaded campsites, or seek out many activities close by. A short trail in the campground leads to the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, which offers six hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, as well as trout fishing, picnicking and swimming. Boating is not permitted.
Van Hook glade is a short drive from Dry Falls and Whitewater Falls.
Van Hook Glade offers 18 secluded sites, all equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills. Hot showers and flush toilets are also provided, and firewood is available for purchase on-site.
The campground is located just 4 miles from the scenic and cultural attractions of Highlands, North Carolina, offering shady campsites in a heavily wooded and secluded area situated on rolling hills. The elevation is 4,118 feet, and the calm waters of Cliffside Lake sit adjacent.
A morning or late afternoon drive down scenic Highway 64 is sure to present visitors with amazing views. The quaint town of Highlands has a general store and various attractions, while the larger town of Franklin has shopping, a casino, grocery stores and performing arts.
From Highlands, North Carolina, follow Highway 64 west approximately 4.5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right.
Great mountain campground at 3,600 ft elevation. No hook-ups. Nice showers for a rustic campground. Great for small campers and tents.
Not recommended for anything larger than a 30ft travel trailer and only approach campground from Highlands, NC. The road from Franklin, NC to the campground is very narrow, with lots of sharp curves.
Also, site 20 and 21 are the only two sites that can easily accommodate larger campers. If you take either site, you do not need to circle the loop. Simply pull in past the bulletin board and the sites are on the left. Pull up the hill slightly and back right in.
Lots of shade. Site 9 is the only full sun site, for those using solar. Site 9 is also only steps way from the shower house.
A few sites are reservable. If you go during the week, there’s a good chance you can find several first-come, first-serve sites.
We stayed in site 21. Very level side to side. Lots of room. It’s right beside the entrance and backs up to the main road. The road noise is pretty loud during the day, not too bad at night.
Have to put a plug in for the campground host, Frank Dillon. Supper nice. He kept the bathhouse clean and was very accommodating.
Stayed in Van Hook with an RV, site 014. This is a "dry" site (no power or water), but the setting is so beautiful and the bathrooms so clean you won't miss it. Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are available but most likely you will have no mobile service. Cement picnic table and fire-ring were perfect for cooking. Site 014 has a little stream running behind it. Bear activity is common; be smart about your cooking and food waste (bear-proof trash cans are on site). Surrounded by hiking trails (we did Ranger Falls), towering spruce firs, and creeks, this densely-shaded site is perfect for unplugging and enjoying the Nantahala National Forest. Firewood and camp hosts are on-site. If you're in an RV there are a few tight spots so take it slow. Hwy 64 from Franklin is also terrifying with hairpin turns and dizzying views. Laws in place restrict vehicles longer than 30'. I would camp here again without a second thought - but in a smaller camper.
Nice campground. Be ready for some thunderstorms in the Summer! Easy access to Highlands, NC, numerous hiking trails, and waterfalls. Very ecologically diverse area. Saw the most terrestrial salamanders I've ever seen walking around in the woods!
