Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & Van Hook Glade Campground

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & Van Hook Glade Campground Offering tent & rv sites, secluded camping, swimming, fishing and hiking, picnic tables, hot showers

Van Hook Glade Campground is approximately four miles from the heart of Highlands, NC in Nantahala National Forest and very close to Franklin, NC. This small, secluded campground is directly across the street from the beautiful Cullasaja River. Up the hill from the campground, you’ll find Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, a tucked-away haven of tranquility, where you can swim, fish, hike, picnic, an

d take part in family nature programs. Gather your favorite people and escape the everyday routine at Van Hook Glade Campground and Cliffside Lake Recreation Area.

We are honored that you chose to spend your time outdoors with us!
03/15/2026

We are honored that you chose to spend your time outdoors with us!

Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful and glowing review!
02/12/2026

Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful and glowing review!

Just a reminder than in few short months, Cliffside Lake will look like this again!
02/05/2026

Just a reminder than in few short months, Cliffside Lake will look like this again!

Your review brightens our entire team’s day and lifts our spirits!
01/12/2026

Your review brightens our entire team’s day and lifts our spirits!

12/10/2025

Attention Nature Lovers: FIND Outdoors is HIRING!

We’re filling multiple positions across North Carolina and Georgia. If you’re passionate about public lands, visitor services, and working outdoors, we want to hear from you. Explore open roles and apply today at gofindoutdoors.org/about/employment

We love being included in your outdoor adventures and memories!
12/08/2025

We love being included in your outdoor adventures and memories!

Five stars to you for being such an amazing guest!
11/19/2025

Five stars to you for being such an amazing guest!

Your 5-star experiences remind us why we do what we do every single day!
10/08/2025

Your 5-star experiences remind us why we do what we do every single day!

Cliffside & Van Hook are OPEN! :) FIND Outdoors is pleased to announce our sites will remain open throughout the Governm...
10/02/2025

Cliffside & Van Hook are OPEN! :)

FIND Outdoors is pleased to announce our sites will remain open throughout the Government Shutdown. Come on by!

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You may have learned about the many capital cities of the U.S., but have you heard of the many “capitals” for species di...
09/29/2025

You may have learned about the many capital cities of the U.S., but have you heard of the many “capitals” for species diversity?

Located within the Nantahala National Forest, several species “capitals” serve to remind us of the biodiverse haven that thrives throughout this wilderness. It may come as no surprise to know that North Carolina is known as the salamander capital, with nearly 60 species of salamanders that live among waterfall-abundant slopes and low-sediment rivers throughout the state.

Commonly sighted organisms include:
the Dusky salamander (Desmoganthus spp.), Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus), Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber), and the Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). Of course, we can’t forget the famous Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), which derives its namesake from the Alleghany Mountain region where it was first discovered.

One particular concern for amphibians - and especially salamanders - in the U.S. is the introduction of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, or Bsal. This harmful fungal pathogen has been known to decimate amphibian populations across Europe, leaving the highly diverse Appalachian region particularly vulnerable to the same fate. Risk mitigation efforts have included setting high restrictions on pet trade imports, and encouraging the segregation of imported and native populations.

(Pictured: Red Salamander)

Did you know that Cliffside Lake has been around since 1939? It first started out as a recreation area, as you can see t...
08/28/2025

Did you know that Cliffside Lake has been around since 1939?

It first started out as a recreation area, as you can see the families swimming and enjoying a picnic!

Morning calm at Cliffside Lake -- thanks to Mark for sharing this photo! 📍 Cliffside Lake Recreation Area – Highlands, N...
08/19/2025

Morning calm at Cliffside Lake -- thanks to Mark for sharing this photo!

📍 Cliffside Lake Recreation Area – Highlands, NC; Nantahala National Forest

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Address

14014 Highlands Road
Highlands, NC
28741

Telephone

(828) 526-5912

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