Santeetlah Lake

Really loved our experience at this site! There was a little trash in the fire pit (which we picked up before we left) but other than that, super clean and pristine. Great views, gravel site (which was nice when it rained) and stayed in our CamperVan conversion. Got a decent signal and cloud coverage for our solar panels, very quiet and peaceful all around. About every other site was occupied and the people we saw were all kind. There’s a bathroom at one of the sites (about a 10 min walk from our site). About 10 min drive from Robbinsville, where we were able to refill our water for free at the gas station and locals have us recommendations on their favorites (it’s a REALLY small town so everyone knows everyone and they knew we were visiting immediately). Get T Dubbs while you’re in the area! Highly recommend and WILL be back!!

Awesome private spots along Santeetlah Lake, only 1.2 hour drive from Smoky Natl Park.
Only about 10 spots I saw (15 max.) I camped here the last week of October. On the weekdays I had no problem grabbing a site near sunset. BUT on the weekends plan to arrive early! I was fortunate to snag the last site around 1-2 pm on a Friday.
Each site has its own picnic table, fire pit, and leveled out perimeter for tents.
Lots of trees, providing Lots of privacy! Some of these sites connect to the lake, which is pretty neat. One has a large creek, which gave me great water supply for my portable shower bag.

Whitewater kayaking put in and put out less than 20 minutes from this site.
Recreational kayaking put in only a 5 min drive at Cheoah boat ramp. Absolutely beautiful lake, some of the best paddling done. Many boat ramps within the area of Robbinsville. Like I am talking every 15-20 min driving around I saw a formally built launch sites.
Sections of the Appalachian Trail less than 25 min away.

I didn't get any cellular reception here (I have sprint), but maybe others have better luck.
Oh! And I didn't have to drive on long dirt roads to get to this campsite. It's all linked through a well maintained asphalt road, making access quite easy. Car traffic dies down at night, so no worries about the noise. The only occasional pests are the mosquitoes, and if you have dogs, the ticks. (I've been using the natural sprays for my dog, and they work great.)

When you turn off Hwy 129 for the Cheoah Point State Park. About a mile after the turn off there is a marina on your left. There is a small paved road that goes off to the left next to the marina. Once you make the turn, there is a turn off to the right that takes you down a small dirt road to three spots. The porta john is located at the corner of the turn-off. The spot at the end of the road is large enough for 30 ft to turn around. This spot is on the water with an amazing view. There is a spot on the left and right that will accommodate a smaller RV. There are additionals sites further up the paved road that is for tents only as you park on the side of the road and walk down to the site that is on the water The road gets very little traffic. You will hear noise from Hwy 129

The lake is wonderfully warm and clean. Very private spots, not too close to neighbors. The Joyce Kilmer Forest is nearby, you can't miss it. No place to put your trash, make sure to pack it out. Water is available at horse cove campground up the road, you can also fill up at cheoah point campground which is also nearby. Btw, cheoah point has flush toilets and showers, and a few(about 6,I think)sites with electric, no sewer.

All sites have shade and sun areas. Most sites are nicely shaded and not great when using solar. Road traffic is minimal to almost none overnight. Sites are fairly secluded, but close enough to hear other inconsiderate noisy campers. Several sites have a rather steep slope to pack into, with parking alongside the road. A few sites could accommodate small to mid-sized RVs. Lake access makes this place perfect for swimming or bringing your boat to tie off at your site (launch site is close to camp sites). Bring your camp toilet as there are no facilities. Going into the woods and not digging a hole first is not acceptable...

These sites are mostly made with 2 mid to large size tent pads, picnic table and fire ring. Perfect spot for motorcycle & tent camping with the Tail of the Dragon (11 miles of road with 318 curves) being close. Plenty of rafting, kayaking, zip lines, and fishing opportunities nearby.

Please leave the sites in as good or better condition than they were when you got there. Show good stewardship and keep free campsites like this one open!

This is truly a beautiful spot! Each sites (there are 7, I believe) is prime lakefront with an amazing view of the mountains. It was a little chilly in Jan of 2020 and the wind sure does whip right off the water (stake your tent down, lesson learned... again). I normally sleep in a hammock but didn’t feel like risking it in the low temps AND the wind.
I looked at 4 of the 7 sites and they all seem able to accommodate at least 2 medium sized tents. Some of them are much bigger than others. All had a picnic table and a nice fire ring with grate.
It felt like a safe area, that doesn’t mean a whole lot but as a female who camps alone I’ve learned to trust that feeling.
There are two downsides to this place. 1) it’s right off a small road that I didn’t expect to have much traffic but once I went to bed there were many cars up and down.
2) it’s close to a more main road and on clear nights the road noise is definitely heard.
All in all it was a great spot and one I’d like to go back too with a group.