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

Cristen F

Verified

August 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: VAN

5

Van Hook was well manicured with trails cut & bathrooms cleaned daily. Hosts were very friendly & helpful!

Rachel G

Verified

August 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: VAN

5

The staff is amazing. The bathrooms are really clean. This is a relaxing place to stay.

Rachel G

Verified

August 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: VAN

5

The staff is amazing. The bathrooms are really clean. This is a relaxing place to stay.

Ann J

Verified

July 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: VAN

5

Beautiful, quiet campground just 4.5 mi from Highlands, NC. Lots of waterfalls to see and some great hiking trails nearby. Sites 20 and 21 are pretty but so close to the road the highway sounds will make you a little nuts if you are in a tent. Clean bathroom and shower facilities. I totally recommend Van Hook Glade.

Ann J

Verified

July 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: VAN

5

Beautiful, quiet campground just 4.5 mi from Highlands, NC. Lots of waterfalls to see and some great hiking trails nearby. Sites 20 and 21 are pretty but so close to the road the highway sounds will make you a little nuts if you are in a tent. Clean bathroom and shower facilities. I totally recommend Van Hook Glade.

Robert C

Verified

July 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: VAN

4

This is a rare gem among campgrounds. If you enjoy tent camping there are several excellent sites; if you enjoy popup or have a smaller travel trailer there are excellent sites for you, as well.
Most sites have abundant privacy and are well laid out and level. The bathhouse is well kept and maintained. The CG host is accommodating and approachable.
The location just a few miles below Highlands, NC is convenient to restaurants and groceries.
The approximate 3,500 ft elevation regulates the temps nicely in the Summer and makes for cool/cold mornings and evenings in the Spring & Fall. This area of the country gets high annual rainfall totals. Come prepared to deal with morning and late afternoon rainstorms in the warmer months.
There is no such thing as a perfect campground but Vanhook checks a lot boxes toward that achievement.

Robert C

Verified

July 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: VAN

4

This is a rare gem among campgrounds. If you enjoy tent camping there are several excellent sites; if you enjoy popup or have a smaller travel trailer there are excellent sites for you, as well.
Most sites have abundant privacy and are well laid out and level. The bathhouse is well kept and maintained. The CG host is accommodating and approachable.
The location just a few miles below Highlands, NC is convenient to restaurants and groceries.
The approximate 3,500 ft elevation regulates the temps nicely in the Summer and makes for cool/cold mornings and evenings in the Spring & Fall. This area of the country gets high annual rainfall totals. Come prepared to deal with morning and late afternoon rainstorms in the warmer months.
There is no such thing as a perfect campground but Vanhook checks a lot boxes toward that achievement.

Lynn G

Verified

July 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: VAN

5

Friendly host, and a low-light-pollution campground.

Lynn G

Verified

July 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: VAN

5

Friendly host, and a low-light-pollution campground.

Richard W

Verified

July 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: VAN

5

Have been camping here for many years! Always a very anticipated getaway for us. It’s secluded and kept clean. Cliffside lake is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing. Frank (this year’s host) does a fine job of helping people and keeping everything in order. Had a bear pass thru the campground this year. All the camper’s were made aware of the situation and took proper actions. Remember, we are basically setting up house in their “living room”. I Strongly recommend everyone take proper bear precautions anytime you are camping in their territory.
We are already talking about next year’s trip to Van Hook.

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

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Explore Highlands, NC

Population: 1,074

Nearby larger city

Greenville, SC

Approx. 50 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 3,829 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service