Weekend availability at Cliffside Lake Shelters
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 18, 3:15 AM PT- Fri, Sep 25Limited1/2 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Limited2/2 sites
- Fri, Oct 9Limited2/2 sites
- Fri, Oct 16Limited2/2 sites
- Fri, Oct 23Limited2/2 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
About this campground
Overview Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is a large Day Use area outside of Highlands, NC in Nantahala National Forest. The site offers access to Cliffside Lake where visitors can fish and swim. Cliffside is also home to several trailheads, including the popular Ranger Falls Trail. A $5 per car parking fee is charged for all visitors. Picnic shelters are available for reservation and are the perfect venue for a family reunion, school group, or church outing. Recreation Cliffside Lake Recreation Area offers six hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, as well as trout fishing, picnicking and swimming. Boating is not permitted. Cliffside is a short drive from Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls, and Rainbow Falls. Cliffside is also adjacent to the well maintained and secluded Van Hook Glade Campground. The nearby Cashiers Valley offers recreationalists a plethora of activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, rock climbing, and whitewater. Nearby Whiteside Mountain is the perfect hike for an adventurous family with young children. Facilities The Cliffside Lake Picnic shelters offer visitors a large covered area with picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets. These shelters must be reserved in advance. Visitors can utilize the beach and swimming area (no lifeguard on duty), a fishing pier, flush toilets near the beach, and several small uncovered picnic areas complete with tables and grills. Natural Features Cliffside Lake is located adjacent to the beautiful Cullasaja Gorge where visitors can see several large waterfalls a short walk from Highway 64. The site is nestled between three beautiful mountains, all of which can be explored on the extensive trail system. At 4,118 feet elevation, visitors will enjoy the cooler temperatures that the unique temperate rainforest ecosystem brings to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The calm waters of Cliffside Lake offer anglers of all ages a unique opportunity to catch multiple species including trout, bass, and bream. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (828) 787-1980. Nearby Attractions A morning or late afternoon drive down scenic Highway 64 is sure to present visitors with amazing views. The quaint town of Highlands has a general store and several fantastic restaurants, while the larger town of Franklin has shopping, grocery stores and performing arts.
Activities
- ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING
- BIRDING
- DAY USE AREA
- WATER ACCESS
- WATER ACTIVITIES
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
- FISHING
- HIKING
- PICNICKING
- SWIMMING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Van Hook GladeNational Forests in North Carolina0 mi
- Glen Falls TR 8National Forests in North Carolina3 mi
- Blue Valley Route TR493National Forests in North Carolina4 mi
- Blue Valley Dispersed CampingNational Forests in North Carolina5 mi
- Ammons Branch TR441National Forests in North Carolina6 mi
- Panthertown Valley TR474National Forests in North Carolina13 mi
Never miss an opening at Cliffside Lake Shelters
Popular North Carolina campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Cliffside Lake Shelters around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
Not ready to subscribe? Get a free weekend heads-up.
We'll email you if Cliffside Lake Shelters opens up for a weekend you pick. No account needed.
Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.