OutReserve

Swan Cabin Group Camp

Warning

General

Due 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. 

Swan Cabin
Swan Cabin Group Camp
Camping Amenities

Featured amenities

Parking

About Swan Cabin Group Camp

Please be advised: due to health and safety concerns, occupancy within Swan Cabin will no longer be permitted. However, group camping outside the cabin in adjacent grassy field is allowed. Nestled in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest, this primitive log cabin was built in 1931 by Frank Swan in a different location, then later it was moved to its current location near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. The cabin and the surrounding meadows are named for the Swan Family, who came to the area from Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. Swan Cabin Group Campsite offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax and enjoy birdsong and views of the surrounding wilderness. This group campsite is available from April 15 through October 31.ATTENTION: Swan Cabin Group Camp is considered remote, and is located at a high elevation where climatic conditions can be extreme and can change very quickly. Forest Service Roads 81 and 81 F that provide access to Swan Cabin Group Camp are gravel roads. During certain times of the year, these roads may be muddy or covered with snow. During ideal conditions, Swan Cabin Group Camp may be accessed with two wheel-drive vehicles. During muddy or snow covered conditions, four wheel-drive and higher clearance vehicles are required. Please be aware that staying at Swan Cabin Group Camp requires proper preparation, thorough review of predictive weather reports, and the ability to be self-sufficient during unplanned weather events, which can happen at any time of the year. Refunds will not be issued for inclement weather conditions or the inability to access the group camp due to inclement weather conditions.

Number of accommodations: 1

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 15 to Nov 1

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Connectivity and Media

Connectivity and Media

  • Cell Reception
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Missing information?

C01, Loop: SWCA

Price not available
⛺ Tent Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 10 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View 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.

Review Summary

4.3
50 reviews
5
64.0%
32
4
12.0%
6
3
16.0%
8
2
8.0%
4
1
0.0%
0

Jay F

Verified

July 23, 2023 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

4

Solo overnight 7/21-7/22. Evening had a pleasant thunderstorm and was low/mid 60's overnight. Perfect for summer. As others have mentioned expect mice (I had 6 that I found wandering around in the evening) and bats (4, all named, all happy to flutter about for pictures or hang out over me while reading a book). They are harmless. As long as you have everything in sealed plastic containers you are fine. There was some leftover junk from a previous visitor in the room with the door on it (table frame, empty Styrofoam cooler, etc.) that I didn't have room to pack out with me but otherwise it was left in good shape. A few cans of food, lots of pots/pans and cooking utensils, garbage bags were on the shelf, etc. A few books, local map, etc. WATER: There isn't any so either bring your own or go straight down the hill from the porch to the clear running creek and filter it. There are two more trails to the lower right side, the furthest is the most navigable, the one closer to the parking area is vastly overgrown. At least two were good, the 3rd good for winter or spring. Food: I wasn't kidding about the mice, they come out in the evening and randomly roam the beams at night. Lots of hiding holes, you'll see them then they are gone. Again, harmless but they will nail any food if it's not kept properly. Beds: They are wood with ropes and a couple have some questionable foam/viny pads on them. Someone else had left huge cardboard pieces so I used one and put my air mattress on it then had a rather nice night's sleep. Bring air mattresses! Intex are cheap at walmart. There are 6 twin-sized bunkbeds, 2 larger beds in the main area, and a queen sized in the master room with a closet of sorts. The room with the door needed a ton of work and had one of the bunk beds. I'd avoid that until it's remedied. That's also where most mice came from. The construction is amusing, the repairs more so. There were plenty of wood bees in the place but harmless and go to sleep at dusk.
-Enjoy!

Jay F

Verified

July 23, 2023 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

4

Solo overnight 7/21-7/22. Evening had a pleasant thunderstorm and was low/mid 60's overnight. Perfect for summer. As others have mentioned expect mice (I had 6 that I found wandering around in the evening) and bats (4, all named, all happy to flutter about for pictures or hang out over me while reading a book). They are harmless. As long as you have everything in sealed plastic containers you are fine. There was some leftover junk from a previous visitor in the room with the door on it (table frame, empty Styrofoam cooler, etc.) that I didn't have room to pack out with me but otherwise it was left in good shape. A few cans of food, lots of pots/pans and cooking utensils, garbage bags were on the shelf, etc. A few books, local map, etc. WATER: There isn't any so either bring your own or go straight down the hill from the porch to the clear running creek and filter it. There are two more trails to the lower right side, the furthest is the most navigable, the one closer to the parking area is vastly overgrown. At least two were good, the 3rd good for winter or spring. Food: I wasn't kidding about the mice, they come out in the evening and randomly roam the beams at night. Lots of hiding holes, you'll see them then they are gone. Again, harmless but they will nail any food if it's not kept properly. Beds: They are wood with ropes and a couple have some questionable foam/viny pads on them. Someone else had left huge cardboard pieces so I used one and put my air mattress on it then had a rather nice night's sleep. Bring air mattresses! Intex are cheap at walmart. There are 6 twin-sized bunkbeds, 2 larger beds in the main area, and a queen sized in the master room with a closet of sorts. The room with the door needed a ton of work and had one of the bunk beds. I'd avoid that until it's remedied. That's also where most mice came from. The construction is amusing, the repairs more so. There were plenty of wood bees in the place but harmless and go to sleep at dusk.
-Enjoy!

Benjamin H

Verified

July 17, 2023 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

3

Overall a fun experience. There were a number of mice and bats in the cabin (as expected), hopefully the hole patching and trash removal performed will mitigate this a little for future stays. If everyone in the future left this place a little better than they found it has the potential to be a great place.

Benjamin H

Verified

July 17, 2023 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

3

Overall a fun experience. There were a number of mice and bats in the cabin (as expected), hopefully the hole patching and trash removal performed will mitigate this a little for future stays. If everyone in the future left this place a little better than they found it has the potential to be a great place.

Keaten P

Verified

May 2, 2023 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

The Swan Cabin is amazing! The isolation of the cabin makes for a wonderful experience. My wife and I described it like backcountry camping with a car. That would be how we go about planning our next trip here. Leave all food in your vehicle. Coolers/dry goods/etc. Mice have taken up residence inside and can find ways into anything. Sleeping…. I would recommend a tent on the front porch. We stayed on the beds in our sleeping bags but the mice made it hard to sleep…they make noise. Cook outside also. Our mistake was thinking we knew what mouse proofing meant. Don’t let the mice situation keep you from experiencing this getaway. It’s basically like a really interesting AT shelter that’s your private area for a few nights.

Keaten P

Verified

May 2, 2023 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

The Swan Cabin is amazing! The isolation of the cabin makes for a wonderful experience. My wife and I described it like backcountry camping with a car. That would be how we go about planning our next trip here. Leave all food in your vehicle. Coolers/dry goods/etc. Mice have taken up residence inside and can find ways into anything. Sleeping…. I would recommend a tent on the front porch. We stayed on the beds in our sleeping bags but the mice made it hard to sleep…they make noise. Cook outside also. Our mistake was thinking we knew what mouse proofing meant. Don’t let the mice situation keep you from experiencing this getaway. It’s basically like a really interesting AT shelter that’s your private area for a few nights.

Julio T

Verified

November 8, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

The Best place to stay..a very quiet place...the cabin does not have a fire place...so You have to bring your own heating...there mice and bats..but nothing that you hace not seen...the reality is that it is worth it... You Will not regret it.

Julio T

Verified

November 8, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

The Best place to stay..a very quiet place...the cabin does not have a fire place...so You have to bring your own heating...there mice and bats..but nothing that you hace not seen...the reality is that it is worth it... You Will not regret it.

Greg G

Verified

August 9, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

3

The folks who stayed in the cabin before us left tons of trash, candy wrappers and water bottles everywhere. Left Badminton, corn hole boards and other stuff. Rained a lot...

Greg G

Verified

August 9, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

3

The folks who stayed in the cabin before us left tons of trash, candy wrappers and water bottles everywhere. Left Badminton, corn hole boards and other stuff. Rained a lot...

Location Swan Cabin Group Camp

Address:
500 Swan Cabin Road
Robbinsville, NC, 28771
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 35.3597 / -84.0031

Elevation: 1385 feet

Nearby National Park

Yosemite 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

General

Due 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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Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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