Cliffside Lake & Van Hook

Admission & Camping​ Fees

Plan Ahead for Day-Use and Overnight Camping Fees

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Van Hook Glade Campground have separate fee types depending on how you plan to visit. Day-use visitors to Cliffside Lake should plan for a per-vehicle day-use fee, while overnight campers at Van Hook Glade should reserve and pay for a campsite before arrival.

Operated by FIND Outdoors, an outdoor recreation nonprofit, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Van Hook Glade Campground are supported in part by visitor and recreation fees. These funds help maintain the sites, trails, facilities, and visitor services while supporting the outdoor experiences that make both areas special places to explore and enjoy within Nantahala National Forest.

Camp Site

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is a fee and day-use site where visitors can swim, fish, hike short forest trails, picnic, and enjoy time by the lake. Current day-use fees are $5 per vehicle, with a reduced rate of $2.5 per vehicle for eligible Interagency or Senior passholders. A $25 season pass is also available, with a reduced $12.5 season pass rate for eligible passholders.

Picnic shelter rentals are separate from the standard day-use fee. Current shelter rental rates are $30 for a small picnic pavilion and $40 for a large picnic pavilion. Shelter reservations and availability may vary, so visitors should review current information before planning a group picnic or gathering.

Van Hook Glade Campground

Van Hook Glade Campground is located near Cliffside Lake and offers overnight camping in the Nantahala National Forest. Campsites are reserved separately from day-use admission. Current single campsite rates are $24 per night, or $12 per night for eligible Interagency or Senior passholders. Each standard campsite allows up to 8 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents or 1 RV and 1 tent.

Campers staying at Van Hook Glade do not need to purchase a separate Cliffside Lake day-use pass during their stay. The Van Hook Glade camping pass includes access to nearby Cliffside Lake day-use recreation, so campers should display their campground parking pass as directed.
Before visiting, campers and day-use guests should check current rates, reservations, pass eligibility, seasonal dates, and site updates.