David M
VerifiedOctober 30, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Helpful
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
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.
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
- Cell Reception
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Missing information?
C01, Loop: SWCA
⛺
Tent
- Gravel
- Pet Friendly
- Campfire
Site Details
Up to 10 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Reviews
55 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.3
Overall rating
Based on 55 reviews
5 stars
65.5% (36)
4 stars
10.9% (6)
3 stars
14.5% (8)
2 stars
7.3% (4)
1 star
1.8% (1)
Showing 55 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
David M
VerifiedOctober 30, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Helpful
David M
VerifiedOctober 30, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Helpful
Charles P
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Swan cabin is a very special place. Visitors should be prepared for isolation, relaxation and adventures. The Stratton bald hike is amazing! Pack a lunch and enjoy the beautiful view of both TN and NC.
Helpful
Charles P
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
Swan cabin is a very special place. Visitors should be prepared for isolation, relaxation and adventures. The Stratton bald hike is amazing! Pack a lunch and enjoy the beautiful view of both TN and NC.
Helpful
Ralph R
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
The Swan Cabin is NOT a place for just anyone to visit, due to it's primitive accommodations and remote location. But, for those of us who wish to escape the heat of summer and the technologically driven culture of our time, it is a true treasure! I have visited Swan Cabin 6 times now and WILL plan to visit again next year if it remains available for public use. I fear the new cabin that is planned for construction to 'replace' it will somehow just not be the same experience as with the present cabin. I personally believe that most of the past visitors with plans to return would rather see the same cabin simply maintained and/or restored in it's present location, if at all possible.
Helpful
Ralph R
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
The Swan Cabin is NOT a place for just anyone to visit, due to it's primitive accommodations and remote location. But, for those of us who wish to escape the heat of summer and the technologically driven culture of our time, it is a true treasure! I have visited Swan Cabin 6 times now and WILL plan to visit again next year if it remains available for public use. I fear the new cabin that is planned for construction to 'replace' it will somehow just not be the same experience as with the present cabin. I personally believe that most of the past visitors with plans to return would rather see the same cabin simply maintained and/or restored in it's present location, if at all possible.
Helpful
Laura E
VerifiedJune 30, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
What a beautiful and special place. The land around the cabin is full of beautiful plants and creatures. Don’t plan on sleeping in the cabin as there are tons of mice and bats. Pitch a tent in the yard and enjoy!
Helpful
Laura E
VerifiedJune 30, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
What a beautiful and special place. The land around the cabin is full of beautiful plants and creatures. Don’t plan on sleeping in the cabin as there are tons of mice and bats. Pitch a tent in the yard and enjoy!
Helpful
Shannon O
VerifiedJune 16, 2021 Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
The cabin is great, but there are a lot of bears around. Proper food storage and handling are necessary. Remember you are in bear country.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Swan Cabin Group Camp
500 Swan Cabin Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771 United States
Elevation: 1,385 ft
Getting There
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, take Highway 129 north. After about 2 mi turn left onto 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Pass the Ranger Office and continue to the stop sign (2.2 mi). At the stop sign, turn right, continuing on 143 West for appro...
From Robbinsville, North Carolina, take Highway 129 north. After about 2 mi turn left onto 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Pass the Ranger Office and continue to the stop sign (2.2 mi). At the stop sign, turn right, continuing on 143 West for approximately 6.9 mi. Turn right on NC 1134 toward Joyce Kilmer. Continue only about 50 ft. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 81. Continue on this gravel road approximately 8 mi. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 81F and continue for 2.7 mi. Swan Cabin Group Camp is located on the left, off of Forest Service Road 81F.
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The closest entrance is: Townsend Entrance
Approximate drive: 32.6 mi · 56 min
Near Yosemite National Park
The closest entrance is: Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate drive: 55.9 mi · over 1 hr (96 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: October 22, 2026
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Explore Robbinsville, NC
Population: 577
Nearby city: Knoxville, TN
Approx. 42 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,060 ft
Robbinsville, NC
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service