Love this campground. Robert and Inez, camp hosts did a super good job keeping bathrooms cleaned and camp sites ready for the next guests!!
Explore Van Hook Glade Campground in 360°
This campground has a full virtual tour with interactive campsite markers. Walk through every loop, inspect individual sites, and see the views before you book.
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What campers say
Van Hook Glade Campground is a small, well-maintained site in the Nantahala National Forest (about 20 sites) with shady, spacious campsites, clean restrooms and hot showers, and potable water spigots. It’s a convenient base for nearby waterfalls, the Cullasaja River, a small lake and the towns of Highlands and Franklin. There are no electrical or water hookups at individual sites, and the campground’s tight loop and narrow approach from Franklin make it less suitable for large RVs. Hosts are welcoming; expect cooler temperatures at elevation and take normal bear and food‑storage precautions. Daytime highway noise can be noticeable.
Our summary of 87 traveler reviews.
✅ Amenities & Features
.GOV.RECREATIONBack-inBathroomsBikingCampfireDirtDogsFamily FriendlyFirst Come First ServedFishingGroupHikingPadsPavedPetsPrimitivePublic ParkPull-InRVScenicShadeShowersSwimmingTent OnlyTentsTrailsTreesWaterWildlife
📖 About This Campground
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.
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.
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.