Van Hook Glade Campground
Van Hook Glade Campground 2
Van Hook Glade Bathroom
Van Hook Glade Waterfall 2
Van Hook Glade Waterfall

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Showers Showers

Available sites

10 total sites

About Van Hook Glade

Van Hook Glade is a scenic, secluded campground in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. Convenient for families and anglers, the campground is in close proximity to hiking trails, scenic views, waterfalls and a nearby lake.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Oct 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Showers Showers
Site Setup and Access

Site Setup and Access

  • Shaded Site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Campfire Ring
  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

10 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: VAN RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ 007, Loop: VAN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 008, Loop: VAN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 012, Loop: VAN Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 013, Loop: VAN RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 014, Loop: VAN RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 015, Loop: VAN RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 016, Loop: VAN RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 019, Loop: VAN RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 020, Loop: VAN RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In

Reviews (346)

What Guests Are Saying

Van Hook Glade is a well-maintained campground with clean facilities, friendly hosts, and a beautiful natural setting, offering privacy and access to nearby hiking trails and waterfalls. Many visitors enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and appreciated the cleanliness of the bathrooms and campsites. However, some reported road noise and the absence of electrical outlets at campsites as potential drawbacks. Overall, it is highly recommended for a serene camping experience close to the charming town of Highlands.

Review Summary

4.7
346 reviews
5
78.3%
271
4
14.2%
49
3
4.0%
14
2
2.0%
7
1
1.4%
5

Ellen G

Verified

August 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: VAN

5

Our tent-only site 12 was right across from the water spigot and (clean) bathroom, yet the short flight of stairs down the hill made it very private. The foliage was thick and the tent sites were spaced very far apart and while we had neighbors we couldn't even see their fire. There was only enough space for a single vehicle at this site. Absolutely no cell service at the campground, but a short 0.3 mi hike towards Cliffside Lake gave us one Verizon bar, enough to check texts. The Lake is more of a pond and felt very over-fished but was beautiful none-the-less. We enjoyed daily hikes out from the campsite and appreciated not having to drive anywhere. Hosts were friendly and informative. Very dog friendly atmosphere as well. We would absolutely come back!

Matthew W

Verified

August 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: VAN

5

We had a great time even though it rained for quite a bit of it. There were plenty of spaces to hang our hammocks and the scenery was amazing. The lakes and waterfalls around here are fun adventures to go on with the kids. Very quiet and everyone we did meet was friendly. We will definitely be back!

Diane G

Verified

August 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: VAN

4

Campsite #19 was very nice. Water spigot very close; walk to bath house not bad. Enjoyed hiking over to Cliffside Lake area and seeing nearby waterfalls. Only negative: the firewood we purchased on site was green and very hard to burn. Since you shouldn’t transport your own firewood, they really should have dry wood available to purchase. Would definitely go there again.

Diane G

Verified

August 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: VAN

4

Campsite #19 was very nice. Water spigot very close; walk to bath house not bad. Enjoyed hiking over to Cliffside Lake area and seeing nearby waterfalls. Only negative: the firewood we purchased on site was green and very hard to burn. Since you shouldn’t transport your own firewood, they really should have dry wood available to purchase. Would definitely go there again.

Robert A

Verified

August 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: VAN

5

We have camped here for years. I have always loved it. It's close to the waterfalls, hiking trails and fishing. Highlands is nearby. The camp host were awesome. Very nice and helpful. The rest rooms were kept clean. I highly recommend camping here.

Robert A

Verified

August 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: VAN

5

We have camped here for years. I have always loved it. It's close to the waterfalls, hiking trails and fishing. Highlands is nearby. The camp host were awesome. Very nice and helpful. The rest rooms were kept clean. I highly recommend camping here.

Karen D

Verified

August 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: VAN

3

The good - beautiful and small campground. Camped here at least 5 times.

The bad - be prepared for rain even if it’s sunny. Always rains here. My small blind dog was attacked here by a fellow camper’s dog that escaped its harness and came into our campsite - was literally hunting my dog. Scary moment. Hosts were nowhere to be found during/after attack. Luckily my dog was OK.

Karen D

Verified

August 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: VAN

3

The good - beautiful and small campground. Camped here at least 5 times.

The bad - be prepared for rain even if it’s sunny. Always rains here. My small blind dog was attacked here by a fellow camper’s dog that escaped its harness and came into our campsite - was literally hunting my dog. Scary moment. Hosts were nowhere to be found during/after attack. Luckily my dog was OK.

Robert B

Verified

September 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: VAN

5

A great feature of Vanhook Glade is it's proximity to the Cliffside Rec Area which ordinarily charges but is free to campers. That area has a beautiful lake and trails including one to a lightly visited beautiful waterfall. I walked the dog each morning up to this area, an easy half hour, and the additional trails would accommodate any ambition level. For those interested in a picnic or BBQ there were great facilities around the Cliffside Rec Area Lake. The scenic Bridal Veil and Dry Falls waterfalls are nearby and many trails in the Highlands area are within easy commute.

Robert B

Verified

September 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: VAN

5

A great feature of Vanhook Glade is it's proximity to the Cliffside Rec Area which ordinarily charges but is free to campers. That area has a beautiful lake and trails including one to a lightly visited beautiful waterfall. I walked the dog each morning up to this area, an easy half hour, and the additional trails would accommodate any ambition level. For those interested in a picnic or BBQ there were great facilities around the Cliffside Rec Area Lake. The scenic Bridal Veil and Dry Falls waterfalls are nearby and many trails in the Highlands area are within easy commute.

Location & Directions for Van Hook Glade

14014 Highland Rd, Highlands, NC 28741 United States

Elevation: 992 ft

Getting There

From Highlands, North Carolina, follow Highway 64 west approximately 4.5 mi. The campground entrance is on the right.

Nearest town

Highlands, NC - 4.7 mi

About 11 min to downtown

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Highway 64, which is approximately 4.5 miles from Highlands, North Carolina.

Nearby National Park

Approximate driving time: 1 hr (60 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • No hookups available
  • Sharp curve inside campground loop may make maneuvering an RV difficult
  • Campground hosts on-site
  • Limit two vehicles and two tents maximum; some walk-in sites are limited to one vehicle
  • Campfires can only be made in fire rings provided
  • This campground is managed by the Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association
  • Click here to learn more about the National Forests in North Carolina
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 20, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Highlands, NC

Population: 1,074

Nearby larger city

Greenville, SC

Approx. 50 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 3,829 ft

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service