The mountains of North Carolina have long captivated the hearts and attention of travelers both near and far. From the mountains themselves to the tiny towns filled with picturesque views of those mountains, Western North Carolina is teeming with hidden spots full of adventure. Located just outside of Robbinsville is a lake many people simply overlook in favor of a much larger, neighboring lake. But Lake Santeetlah is a magical spot and any visit here is indeed like experiencing a dream.
Lake Santeetlah, in North Carolina’s Graham County, is perhaps one of the last great (mostly) unspoiled mountain lakes in the country.
Facebook/Santeetlah Marina It has 76 miles of shoreline, approximately 80% of which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t visit! There are various points of access, both public (U.S. Forest Service points) and private (businesses, accommodations, and more).
Google/Christos Giannopoulos Any day spent at, on, or in Lake Santeetlah is a day well spent. The Cheoah Point Campground near Robbinsville has both lakeside cabin rentals (approx. $40/night) and campsites (approx. $20-$25/night). Pack up your gear and prepare for a day or weekend on this gorgeous mountain lake. The campground has a beach and swimming area that’s ideal for basking in the sun while enjoying some fresh mountain air and spectacular views. The campground is open seasonally from April 1 through October 31. ( Address: 1373 Thunderbird Mountain Road, Robbinsville, NC, 28771 )
You can also access the lake from a scenic car ride.
Google / maps
Google/Justin P The Cherohala Skyway kisses the edge of Lake Santeetlah for several miles and has several overlooks where you can stop and admire the view. To learn more about the Skyway and the scenic 18 miles it covers in Western North Carolina, keep reading here.
From swimming to boating, fishing, camping and picnicking, you’ll seemingly never run out of things to do while visiting this hidden mountain lake.
Google/Tiff Lovin Want to rent a boat and get out ON the lake?
There’s a place for that, too!
Facebook/Santeetlah Marina At the Santeetlah Marina near Robbinsville, pontoon boats are at the ready (reservations are recommended) for your next mountain lake adventure. If you prefer something a little more ‘sporty,’ the marina rents deck boats also. ( Address: 1 Marina Drive, Lake Santeetlah, NC, 28771 )
Ready to discover this hidden gem for yourself? Now is the perfect season to go check it out!
Google/byron matthews
Love discovering North Carolina’s hidden gems? While you’re checking out Lake Santeetlah, pop over to nearby Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest!
Facebook/Santeetlah Marina
It has 76 miles of shoreline, approximately 80% of which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Google/Christos Giannopoulos
Any day spent at, on, or in Lake Santeetlah is a day well spent. The Cheoah Point Campground near Robbinsville has both lakeside cabin rentals (approx. $40/night) and campsites (approx. $20-$25/night). Pack up your gear and prepare for a day or weekend on this gorgeous mountain lake. The campground has a beach and swimming area that’s ideal for basking in the sun while enjoying some fresh mountain air and spectacular views. The campground is open seasonally from April 1 through October 31. ( Address: 1373 Thunderbird Mountain Road, Robbinsville, NC, 28771 )
Google / maps
Google/Justin P
The Cherohala Skyway kisses the edge of Lake Santeetlah for several miles and has several overlooks where you can stop and admire the view. To learn more about the Skyway and the scenic 18 miles it covers in Western North Carolina, keep reading here.
Google/Tiff Lovin
Want to rent a boat and get out ON the lake?
At the Santeetlah Marina near Robbinsville, pontoon boats are at the ready (reservations are recommended) for your next mountain lake adventure. If you prefer something a little more ‘sporty,’ the marina rents deck boats also. ( Address: 1 Marina Drive, Lake Santeetlah, NC, 28771 )
Google/byron matthews
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