Swan Cabin Group Camp
However, group camping outside the cabin in adjacent grassy field is allowed. Nestled in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest, this primitive log cabin was built in 1931 by Frank Swan in a different location, then later it was moved to its current location near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. The cabin and the surrounding meadows are named for the Swan Family, who came to the area from Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. Swan Cabin Group Campsite offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax and enjoy birdsong and views of the surrounding wilderness.
More like this: reservable in North Carolina · pets allowed in North Carolina · group sites in North Carolina
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Group tent areas | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Surface | Shade | Water / sewer | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | Gravel | Full | No / No | Springs | 10 / 3 | Yes | Basic |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Max vehicle length | 30 ft |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Tents may be pitched in the surrounding meadows for group camping. A pit toilet is located adjacent to the group camp, and a nearby spring may provide a water source, although it should be boiled or treated. There is no electricity or running water at the group site. A picnic table, grill and fire ring are available for use. Visitors may wish to bring their own drinking water, as well as supplies and equipment for food preparation. All equipment must be carried in from the parking area, located approximately 100 feet from the group camp. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring many of their own amenities. Hunting is also a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the area from September through December. Hunters and their dogs may frequent the nearby trails during that time.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, take Highway 129 north. After about 2 miles turn left onto 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Pass the Ranger Office and continue to the stop sign (2.2 miles). At the stop sign, turn right, continuing on 143 West for approximately 6.9 miles. Turn right on NC 1134 toward Joyce Kilmer. Continue only about 50 feet.
| Nearest town | Robbinsville, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35.3597° N, 84.0031° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | North River Checking Station ↗ | 7.6 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Lovin Equipment & Sales, Inc - Outdoor Equipment & Sportsman ↗ | 12.3 mi |
| RV sales & service | Rick's RV Center ↗ | 20.6 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Worth a stop
Swan Cabin Group Camp is an ideal base for exploring the pristine Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only a short drive away and makes an excellent day trip.
- 7.7 miCheoah Point Beach ↗Swimming
- 7.7 miCheoah Point Beach ↗Swimming
- 9.2 miWalnut Grove Picnic Area ↗Day use
- 9.8 miMassey Branch Fishing Pier ↗Fishing site
- 10 miBaby Falls Day Use Site ↗Day use
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miSwan Cabin0.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.9 miStrawberry Knob - Bmt1.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.9 miStratton Bald ↗7.5 mi trail · hiking, horse
- 0.9 miSouth Fork of Citico Trail ↗10.4 mi trail
- 1.3 miHaoe Lead ↗6.5 mi trail · hiking, horse
- 1.4 miWolf Laurel0.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside National Forests in North Carolina.
- inNational Forests in North Carolina ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 3,026,237 acres
- 0.7 miJoyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 19,246 acres
- 0.7 miCitico Creek Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 16,213 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- L. D. Giddens and Son Jewelry StoreBuilding · Goldsboro · 1.6 mi
- Calderwood DamStructure · Calderwood · 9.2 mi
- Graham County CourthouseBuilding · Robbinsville · 11.3 mi
Natural features
The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is particularly known for its old-growth forest of oak, poplar and hemlock within the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This is one of the largest old-growth forests east of the Mississippi. Sun-loving wildflowers are abundant in the spring, and rhododendron, azalea and mountain laurel bloom in the late spring and early summer. The 2 major watersheds in this wilderness are Slickrock Creek and Little Santeetlah Creek. The mouth of Slickrock Creek has the lowest elevation in the wilderness at 1,086 feet. Swan Cabin Group Camp is situated near the highest elevation in the wilderness: 5,341-foot Stratton Bald in the Unicoi Mountain Range.
Recreation
There are several nice hikes in the area, including the 3-mile Swan Meadows and the 7-mile Stratton Bald Trails. There is an easy 5-minute hike from the group camp to a waterfall. Nearby boat ramps are available on Santeetlah Lake.
Guidebooks for North Carolina
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
- Great Day Hikes on North Carolina's Mountains-To-Sea TrailFriends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Jim Grode, 2020Find at Bookshop.org
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Swan Cabin Group Camp?
Sites at Swan Cabin Group Camp are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Swan Cabin Group Camp?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Swan Cabin Group Camp have?
1 site, including 1 group tent area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Swan Cabin Group Camp?
The longest site here provides 30 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Swan Cabin Group Camp?
Yes, pets are allowed at Swan Cabin Group Camp. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Swan Cabin Group Camp?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Swan Cabin Group Camp?
There are several nice hikes in the area, including the 3-mile Swan Meadows and the 7-mile Stratton Bald Trails. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Swan Cabin Group Camp?
Robbinsville, North Carolina. Swan Cabin Group Camp is an ideal base for exploring the pristine Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.
Source: Getting there
What if Swan Cabin Group Camp is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Horse Cove Campground (4.7 mi, first-come), Rattler Ford Campground (4.9 mi, first-come), and Rattler Ford Group Campground (4.9 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby