The Hala

I have spent 6 summers in the Nantahala Gorge and the last 15 years dreaming of those summers. The HALA is a place I’ll certainly be returning to. We planned a few nights on the NOC campus and the remainder of our trip just up river at The HALA ⛺️— The owners were there with their family and were so accommodating. Truly amazing people. I have been waiting 6 years to take my little girl rafting so she could experience my love for the area. THIS spot, waking up to the rolling fog on the river, under the trees, ending the evening with stories by a beautiful fire and sleeping with the cool river air (June 30) is not something you’ll experience in many other places. We spent our first morning playing in the water before the dam was released, prepping lunches while the GSMR Steam engine chugged by, which we rode the day prior. Waving at the kayakers and the rafters and treating them to a friendly cold water gun/paddle fight was a lot of fun. You seriously couldn’t choose a better spot. Easy access to a hot shower and clean, really nice, restrooms is a huge plus.
What an adventure we had:
🌊T—NOC rafting is always a wonderful experience… BUT Endless River is across the street, if Debbie is your guide or driver, she’s my hero and the most amazing person ♥️
💦T—Deep Creek, Bryson City. We brought tubes but you can rent them. My kiddo and her cousin (6yr and 10yr) had a blast. Great family fun!
🚂 W—GSMR was amazing.
The Steam Engine was everything! We got a shot at our camp site too!
🪨Th—Sliding Rock & Looking Glass Falls, this one was a trip at 1hr 45min but a huge highlight of our stay. We all had so much fun.

A fantastic campsite situated off to the side of highway 19. The campsite is placed on the bank of the river with the sounds of the forest and running water. Each area has power, water, fire pit, and wooden bench. Little light pollution and the stars shine bright. Pick up some logs on the way as they run out quick. The toilets and showers were clean and I had ample hot water. Only one of the 3 cubicals had toilet roll which could have been kept up on.
Great place to stop along your journey. As it is right along the side of highway 19 the road can have a bit of traffic at night and for those light sleepers I would recommend some ear plugs. Beautiful spot, would use again most definitely.

So when I started staying in NC for work as a pit stop, I randomly came across the Hala. I was coming in kinda late, but they answered the phone and got me a room at the lodge. I was very happy they did because the room was amazing and comfortable and right on the Nantahala river. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. Fast forward a few months, and I still stay there whenever I can. I have had the pleasure of meeting the owners and they are so great! They have treated me well and are very responsive and genuinely care about the property.

I also want to talk about the property manager Amanda. When I first met her, she came up to me and was very welcoming and introduced herself to make sure everything was good with my stay. Every time I stay there I see her working hard to make sure the people are happy and got what they need. Since I was kinda new around the area, she also told me about places to go and see to enhance my experience. It’s always a pleasure going there and seeing Amanda and getting to do different things that I might not have thought about. I had taken my daughter up to experience what I love and we had a great time!

All in all, I love being at the Hala and dunking in the river, or a great campfire and meeting new people.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Ryan

This campground/ lodge rental is what all campgrounds should be. I first rented the glamping cabin for a night. I come to the area frequently for work, and all I ask for is clean space with hot water and AC for a fair rate. They far exceeded my expectations for the rate. I then stayed in a lodge room the following night.

Both were spotlessly clean. Smelled nice. Updated furniture nice decorations, comfy beds, and ice cold air. Due to my last minute booking I got to meet the cleaning person and the service tech. Both were kind, respectful, and efficient. I am delightfully surprised with the excellent service and care I got from a campground.

The cleaning person thoughtfully brought me extra towels after she finished her laundry as she didn’t think I had enough.

I had a great experience at the Hala campground. Nice and clean bathrooms and showers. Nice grills and fire ring. Can’t beat the location to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. My friends and I made a pit stop at our campsite for lunch while running the river, then seal launched right from our site back into the Nanty. Can’t beat that!