Warning
GeneralDue to health and safety concerns, occupancy within Swan Cabin will no longer be permitted. However, group camping outside the cabin is allowed and reservation holders have the choice to maintain their existing reservation or cancel for a full refund by calling Recreation.gov at 877-444-6777 or directly through your Recreation.gov profile. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
About Swan Cabin Group Camp
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Connectivity and Media
- Cell Reception
Parking and Transport
- Parking
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C01, Loop: SWCA
Site Details
Reviews (50)
What Guests Are Saying
Swan Cabin Group Camp is highly praised by campers for its charm and tranquility. Reviewers highlight its isolation, making it a perfect retreat for those who enjoy camping. Overall, it is regarded as a true gem for nature lovers.
What Guests Are Saying
Swan Cabin Group Camp is highly praised by campers for its charm and tranquility. Reviewers highlight its isolation, making it a perfect retreat for those who enjoy camping. Overall, it is regarded as a true gem for nature lovers.
Review Summary
Shaun S
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2025 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
5 star
Shaun S
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2025 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
5 star
Arthur G
VerifiedJuly 26, 2024 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
If you love camping , this place is a real treat!
Arthur G
VerifiedJuly 26, 2024 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
If you love camping , this place is a real treat!
Charles P
VerifiedJuly 13, 2024 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Swan cabin is a true gem. It is isolated and peaceful.
Charles P
VerifiedJuly 13, 2024 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Swan cabin is a true gem. It is isolated and peaceful.
Robert P
VerifiedOctober 11, 2023 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Been a few years since we've stayed. The mold smell has increased, porch sunk lower & windows broken out. 3 mice this time but no bats. Trail to waterfall overgrown.
Thanks to folks who donated wheel barrel & ax & put plastic over window panes.
This is an old 3 room cabin with loft that used to be a residence decades ago. The cabin was moved here & turned into a rental for the USFS. There is a set of bunk beds in each of the 2 bedrooms & in the loft there are two sets of bunk beds. There are an additional 2 beds in the living room for a total of 10 beds.
The USFS removed wood stove about 4 years ago so no heat or cooking source supplied or water.
About a 7 mile drive from the cabin to the nearest pavement & can be driven in a car although you may bottom out.
There is a gate at the entrance to the drive that you SHOULD close & lock if you bring your own. We have stayed here 5 times & 4 of the 5 times we have gotten numerous visitors especially during hunting season as people think this is a public tourist spot. Finally the USFS put a sign on the gate stating it is a rental but while that limited visits it did not stop them. Be ready for unwanted visits & keep your stuff locked up.
There is a fire pit with picnic bench. We were able to get a 2 Bar 4G Verizon signal up by the gate & along the main road by the gate but none at the cabin.
The vault pit toilet is usually clean. Good size porch. There are also great hikes to some balds nearby if you search the internet for them.
Of 34 USFS cabins we've stayed this is in the worst condition. There has been discussion over the past 3-4 years that a new cabin or two are to be built here. This may be why NONE of the money paid to stay here is being used to fix up the cabin. Some like the rustic cabin & have great memories even with all the mice and bats. We think that one new cabin would be nice & would be able to create new experiences. We wish they would renovate or build the new cabin.
Robert P
VerifiedOctober 11, 2023 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Been a few years since we've stayed. The mold smell has increased, porch sunk lower & windows broken out. 3 mice this time but no bats. Trail to waterfall overgrown.
Thanks to folks who donated wheel barrel & ax & put plastic over window panes.
This is an old 3 room cabin with loft that used to be a residence decades ago. The cabin was moved here & turned into a rental for the USFS. There is a set of bunk beds in each of the 2 bedrooms & in the loft there are two sets of bunk beds. There are an additional 2 beds in the living room for a total of 10 beds.
The USFS removed wood stove about 4 years ago so no heat or cooking source supplied or water.
About a 7 mile drive from the cabin to the nearest pavement & can be driven in a car although you may bottom out.
There is a gate at the entrance to the drive that you SHOULD close & lock if you bring your own. We have stayed here 5 times & 4 of the 5 times we have gotten numerous visitors especially during hunting season as people think this is a public tourist spot. Finally the USFS put a sign on the gate stating it is a rental but while that limited visits it did not stop them. Be ready for unwanted visits & keep your stuff locked up.
There is a fire pit with picnic bench. We were able to get a 2 Bar 4G Verizon signal up by the gate & along the main road by the gate but none at the cabin.
The vault pit toilet is usually clean. Good size porch. There are also great hikes to some balds nearby if you search the internet for them.
Of 34 USFS cabins we've stayed this is in the worst condition. There has been discussion over the past 3-4 years that a new cabin or two are to be built here. This may be why NONE of the money paid to stay here is being used to fix up the cabin. Some like the rustic cabin & have great memories even with all the mice and bats. We think that one new cabin would be nice & would be able to create new experiences. We wish they would renovate or build the new cabin.
Charles P
VerifiedJuly 25, 2023 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Swan cabin is a jewel in the NC mountain wilderness. We have stayed at swan cabin for many years and it is one of our favorite places to unwind, unplug and enjoy nature.
Charles P
VerifiedJuly 25, 2023 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Swan cabin is a jewel in the NC mountain wilderness. We have stayed at swan cabin for many years and it is one of our favorite places to unwind, unplug and enjoy nature.
Location Swan Cabin Group Camp
Address:
500 Swan Cabin Road
Robbinsville, NC, 28771
United States
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, take Highway 129 north. After about 2 miles turn left onto 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Pass the Ranger Office and continue to the stop sign (2.2 miles). At the stop sign, turn right, continuing on 143 West for approximately 6.9 miles. Turn right on NC 1134 toward Joyce Kilmer. Continue only about 50 feet. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 81. Continue on this gravel road approximately 8 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 81F and continue for 2.7 miles. Swan Cabin Group Camp is located on the left, off of Forest Service Road 81F.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.3597 / -84.0031
Elevation: 1385 feet
Nearby National Park
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 1 hr 36 min
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Vehicles & parking
- Do not lock the road gate to ensure access for private landowners.
- Access roads may become muddy or snowy, requiring 4WD vehicles during poor conditions; no refunds for access issues due to weather.
- Equipment must be carried in from the parking area, about 100 feet away.
Utilities
- There is no running water at the group camp.
Accessibility
- Expect unreliable cell phone service at the cabin.
Safety & rules
- Guests are required to bring trash bags and pack out their garbage.
- Guests are advised to check hunting season dates and take precautions during that time.
General
- Click here for more information about National Forests in North Carolina
Fires & fuel
- Do not move firewood; obtain it locally to prevent pest spread.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralDue to health and safety concerns, occupancy within Swan Cabin will no longer be permitted. However, group camping outside the cabin is allowed and reservation holders have the choice to maintain their existing reservation or cancel for a full refund by calling Recreation.gov at 877-444-6777 or directly through your Recreation.gov profile. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
