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 Parking

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Tent Sites

1 site

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 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 (54)

What Guests Are Saying

Swan Cabin Group Camp offers a secluded and beautiful setting, perfect for enjoying nature and watching fireflies. While some guests noted issues like overgrown trails and cabin maintenance concerns, many appreciated the joy of the swing and the tranquility of the area. Caution is advised for low-clearance vehicles, but overall, visitors had a lovely experience.

Review Summary

4.3
54 reviews
5
64.8%
35
4
11.1%
6
3
14.8%
8
2
7.4%
4
1
1.9%
1

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...

Randy H

Verified

June 11, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

2

Cabin is dirty and full of vermin including mice and bats. It is a shame that this old cabin is not better maintained. Logs are rotting, windows are broken, etc.. Had some midnight visitors who tried to break into my car. This would also be a much easier place and more secure place to stay is you did not have to carry everything up and down the hill. No reason that the driveway should not drive up to the building , except just to make it more difficult.
On the plus side, the location and privacy are Excellent.

Randy H

Verified

June 11, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

2

Cabin is dirty and full of vermin including mice and bats. It is a shame that this old cabin is not better maintained. Logs are rotting, windows are broken, etc.. Had some midnight visitors who tried to break into my car. This would also be a much easier place and more secure place to stay is you did not have to carry everything up and down the hill. No reason that the driveway should not drive up to the building , except just to make it more difficult.
On the plus side, the location and privacy are Excellent.

Jordan G

Verified

May 27, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

Beautiful setting. Peaceful surroundings. Be prepared to secure all food and cooking supplies from mice and bears. Excellent location for viewing the night sky with no light pollution.

Jordan G

Verified

May 27, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

Beautiful setting. Peaceful surroundings. Be prepared to secure all food and cooking supplies from mice and bears. Excellent location for viewing the night sky with no light pollution.

Roy P

Verified

May 11, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

Second visit to Swan Cabin. Got there during a new moon and the stargazing was incredible. The location is peaceful and the American Gold Finch nesting nest the cabin were beautiful to watch and had a lovely song too.

Roy P

Verified

May 11, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

Second visit to Swan Cabin. Got there during a new moon and the stargazing was incredible. The location is peaceful and the American Gold Finch nesting nest the cabin were beautiful to watch and had a lovely song too.

David M

Verified

October 30, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA

5

Location Swan Cabin Group Camp

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

Elevation: 1385 feet

Nearby National Park

Yosemite National Park

Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate driving time: 1 hr 36 min

Distance to downtown

19 mi drive to downtown Robbinsville (about 44 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. 

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 7, 2026

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