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
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Sara S
VerifiedJune 7, 2021 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
This place is heaven! So isolated that you can go days without seeing another sole. Cabin was clean and yard had just been mowed. The first night the bats were active in the cabin and upon check out we saw the black snack that lives under the plywood and rock. Have been going for years and we are planning are return already.
Sara S
VerifiedJune 7, 2021 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
This place is heaven! So isolated that you can go days without seeing another sole. Cabin was clean and yard had just been mowed. The first night the bats were active in the cabin and upon check out we saw the black snack that lives under the plywood and rock. Have been going for years and we are planning are return already.
Mukesh J
VerifiedJanuary 5, 2021 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
If you’re planning to stay here, come prepared for mice, and know that the cabin has no insulation at all. I do think this place would be nice to stay in spring or summer if you came with full knowledge, but since we came in winter with only the information on the website, our experience wasn’t great. We may return in the future, however, as the cabin itself was fairly nice, though our visit was cut short.
Mukesh J
VerifiedJanuary 5, 2021 • Stayed at: C01, Loop: SWCA
If you’re planning to stay here, come prepared for mice, and know that the cabin has no insulation at all. I do think this place would be nice to stay in spring or summer if you came with full knowledge, but since we came in winter with only the information on the website, our experience wasn’t great. We may return in the future, however, as the cabin itself was fairly nice, though our visit was cut short.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 3, 2026
