Magazine Branch Lake Access

Most of the campgrounds in the area are closed during the winter and we stumbled upon this one for the night. There are several dry camping spots on the river. A few had fire ring, grill, and picnic table. There were also several porta potties on the other side of the access road and a couple trash dumpsters. Brookfield Smokey Mountain Hydropower operates these sites and they are free. We stayed in our van overnight and nobody else came into the area until the early morning locals arrive for fishing. There are several dusk to dawn lights down the road so it’s not completely pitch black at night. The entrance is located on the east side of Highway 129 south just south of Deals Gap “Tail of the Dragon”.

The was just a stretch of a gravel road with tents and campers set up right on the road. No more than 5-10 feet from the road. The water was stagnant and dirty. This may be good for fishing I heard but the picture posted here do not paint an accurate picture. Also don’t try taking a camper down highway 129. We have never heard of the tail of the dragon but if you follow GPS, it will take you down this road and it is not safe for campers. It’s basically a big racetrack for sports cars and motorcycles.

Great location we found and amazed that it was not on here already. A local told us of this spot.
Approximate 11 sites here. Trash dumpster but no other services. Was able to get our big rig in quite easily. 14 day max stay. This area is right along the lake just sw of the Cheoah damn on the little TN River. Just minutes from Deals Gap. Sites are fairly level, all have grills and fire pits. Very quiet, but the LED night lights should be avoided if you have options for sites. They are VERY bright. Wifi is available at the Tapoco Lodge which is about 1 mile away. $3 for 8 hours of wifi. Even at this lodge cell service is very limited. Verizon could make calls in some spots. AT&T no luck.