Campground & Recreation Area

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & Van Hook Glade Campground

Location
14014 Highlands Road
Highlands, NC 28741
Phone
828.787.1980
Hours

Open April-October

Reservations
Van Hook Glade 877.444.6777 Reservations CANNOT be made by calling the office. Use the reserve link below or follow this step-by-step guide.
Have You Been here?
Maps & Rules

Van Hook Glade and Cliffside Lake offer secluded camping, swimming, fishing and hiking – all within minutes of Highlands, NC!

Van Hook Glade Campground is a small and peaceful campground located just four miles from Highlands, North Carolina, in the scenic Nantahala National Forest. Tucked away in the mountains of Western North Carolina and conveniently close to Franklin, NC, this quiet campground offers a relaxing escape surrounded by forest and river landscapes.

The campground sits directly across the road from the beautiful Cullasaja River, providing easy access to fishing, relaxing by the water, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Just up the hill, visitors will find Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, a hidden gem in the Nantahala National Forest where guests can swim, fish, hike forest trails, picnic with family, and participate in seasonal nature programs.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a peaceful mountain retreat, Van Hook Glade Campground near Highlands, NC offers a quiet and scenic place to experience camping in the Nantahala National Forest. Pair your stay with a visit to Cliffside Lake Recreation Area for even more outdoor adventure in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Fees
Campsites:
Site Type
Standard
Interagency & Senior
Single Campsite

Primitive (8 persons/2 vehicles/2 tents or 1 tent and 1 RV)

$24 $12

 

Paid Amenities:
Amenity Type
Standard
Interagency & Senior
Season Pass $25 $12.50
Day Use $5 per vehicle $2.50 per vehicle
Small Picnic Pavilion $30
Large Picnic Pavilion $40
Season Passes

Season passes are available. Click here to purchase.

Directions

From Highlands, North Carolina, follow Highway 64 west approximately 4.5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right.

FIND Your Next Adventure

Amenities
  • 18 Tent and Small RV Campsites
  • Hot Showers and Flush Toilets
  • Firewood and Starter Available for Purchase
  • Picnic Tables
  • Tent Pads
  • Fire Rings
Things to Do…
  • Swimming and Fishing
  • Hiking Trails
Please, be sure to #RecreateResponsibly so that your public lands can be enjoyed for generations to come!

Additional Information




FAQ
May I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash or kenneled at all times. Please clean up after your pet!

How long is the shelter rentals for?

Shelter rental fees are for the ½ day and do NOT include the Day Use fee.

What fish species are at Cliffside Lake?

Largemouth Bass, Trout, and Bluegill can be found in Cliffside Lake.

Nearby…

Love the RV life?

You could be a campground host!

Being a campground host is an exciting opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet new friends and provide assistance and information to visitors.