Get outdoors on the adventure of a lifetime with a 3-day trip to the untamed lake of Graham County, NC – Lake Santeetlah!
Lake Santeetlah, a reservoir lake formed in 1928, is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest on 90% of its 72-mile coastline. The pristine waters and land are protected areas, reserved for the natural enjoyment of all, including the wildlife that call this area home. Visitors can expect to see bald eagles, osprey, otters, woodchuck, plenty of jumping bass, pike, and crappies, and if you’re lucky, perhaps even a deer swimming across the lake or a bear sipping the freshwater in the early morning. In addition to a few named campgrounds serviced by the US Forest Service, there are also roughly 50 primitive campsites surrounding the lake, perfect for coming ashore and relaxing overnight.
With so much protected shoreline, there is plenty to see and do during your adventure. Outlined below is a 3-day travel plan and some helpful tips for making the most of your experience.
Start by downloading this handy map of Lake Santeetlah, provided by Santeetlah Marina: https://santeetlahmarina.com/lake-santeetlah-map/
Be safe, have fun, and PLEASE be sure to leave no trace, and fully extinguish all fires before departing from campsites. Additionally, while visiting dispersed campsites, be considerate and bury all human waste.
Day 1: Exploring the East and Southern Shores
While there are several options for lake access, we suggest putting in at Santeetlah Marina, where you can park your vehicle overnight with a relative level of peace of mind. (1 Marina Dr, Lake Santeetlah, NC 28771) The Marina also offers kayak and pontoon rentals as well as a limited offering of supplies.
From the marina, paddle out and towards the LEFT. As you paddle, take note of the jagged shorelines and imagine being halfway up the side of a mountain! Before the reservoir was formed, the area was a mountain valley. If you look closely, you can see the signs along the shores. Keep in mind that the elevation of Lake Santeetlah is roughly 1940 feet!
As you work your way east and south, you’ll begin to see dispersed campsites along the perimeter of the lake. These campsites are all free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. See one you like and feel like taking a lunch break? Pull off and relax, that’s what you’re here for after all. Depending on your fitness level, continue paddling as far south as you like until you find the perfect spot. When you’re finally ready to call it for the day, pull ashore and get settled in! These campsites are equipped with fire pits and lantern holders for your convenience. Feel like hammock camping? There is no shortage of trees for you to set up your home away from home. One particular crowd favorite is an island (technically, a mountain peak – the rest of the mountain is submerged by the lake).
Don’t worry – due to the relatively remote nature of the lake, you’re unlikely to face serious competition finding a spot to settle in for the evening.
If you think you might like a morning hike to start day 2, we suggest ending the day in the Carver Cemetery area. This is in close proximity to the Lake Santeetlah Trail and offers impressive lakeside views.
Day 2: Horse Cove Campground and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Day 2 will be focused on the northwest side of the lake, and we will be continuing counterclockwise. Our final destination for the day will be the Horse Cove Campground, which is serviced by the US Forest Service and offers some extra amenities. If you chose to camp towards the cemetery, spend the morning on the Lake Santeetlah Loop trail.
As you get back to your kayak adventure, paddle your way north and west. The lake will narrow, and you’ll make your way up to the campground, which offers boat access. We love the close proximity to the creek, which provides therapeutic sounds of cascading water during your stay.
While at the Horse Cove Campground, you’re perfectly located for a hike through Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Plan ahead for a picnic under the trees and enjoy a gentle 2.8-mile loop that showcases original growth, old-growth Tulip Poplars, some of the largest you’ll ever see! If you are visiting during summer, this campsite stop is an absolute must – Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is world-renowned for its seasonal display of synchronous fireflies. Head to the forest once the sun sets for a unique display.
Please note, Horse Cove Campground has a $15 campsite fee paid to the National Forest Service.
More info – Horse Cove Campground
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48924
Address: Joyce Kilmer Rd, Tapoco, NC 28771
Phone: (828) 479-6431
Day 3: Santeetlah Dam, Cheoah Point Campground
The final day of our adventure will focus on exploring the area adjacent to the Santeetlah Dam. We’ll also spend some time and soak up the sun at the Cheoah Swimming area, and end for the day at the Cheoah Point Campsites ($20 per night.) Day 3 is a particularly great time to schedule a fishing guide to meet you on the lake in the morning. With the underwater terrain being so mountainous, a knowledgeable guide who understands the different fish species with access to depth charts is your ticket to a tasty campfire dinner when you make it to camp for the night.
We’d recommend Jared at Smoky Mountain Kayak Fishing and Rentals: (Phone: 828-479-9070. Email: info@smokymountainkayakfishing.com.) Alternatively, you can reach out to Santeetlah Boat Rentals – Address: 270 Deyton Camp Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Phone: (828) 244-0641.)
You’ll pass the Santeetlah Dam on your way to Cheoah Point. Santeetlah Dam, completed in 1928, is a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, transforming the landscape by creating Lake Santeetlah. The dam’s construction marked a pivotal moment in Graham County’s development, providing hydroelectric power to the area. Visitors can marvel at this historical structure while paddling by on the way to Cheoah Point.
Cheoah Point is a heavily wooded peninsula on the northern side of the lake, and at the campsite there are restrooms, hot showers, and drinking water, to help create a comfortable camping experience. Campsites are also equipped with picnic tables, grills, and a fire pit. There’s also a wonderful swimming area, with a gradually sloping bottom (much of the lake’s coast has sharp drop-offs).
To shorten this adventure, you can end the journey by paddling back to the marina’s boat launch after enjoying the beach instead of making camp for night 3.
More Info – Cheoah Point Campground
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234583
Address: 1373 Thunderbird Mountain Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Phone: (828) 479-6431
Alternative Put-ins
- Blue Boar Boat Ramp
- Looking to lengthen your adventure? Consider staying at the adjacent Snowbird Mountain Lodge. Address: 4633 Santeetlah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Phone: (828) 479-3433 Alternatively, plan a comfortable stay (or just swing in for a meal) at Blue Waters Mountain Lodge
- Massey Branch Boat Ramp
- This boat ramp also features a handicap-accessible fishing pier.
Words of Caution
- Weather: Stay vigilant and regularly check forecasts; sudden storms can pose significant risks on the water. If a storm moves in, make your way to shore immediately.
- Hydration: Ensure you have a plentiful supply of water; dehydration is a serious concern during prolonged paddling. Consider bringing electrolyte packets. You’ll find potable water at Horse Cove Campground and Cheoah Point Campground.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen diligently and wear protective clothing; UV exposure is intensified from the reflections of open water.
- Navigation: Equip yourself with a map and compass or a reliable GPS. Cellular service can be spotty on the lake but you will likely find pockets of cell service.
Best Practices
- Safety Gear: Always wear a life jacket and carry essential safety equipment such as a whistle and signaling device.
- Buddy System: Kayak with a partner to enhance safety and mutual support.
- Packing: Distribute your gear’s weight evenly in the kayak and ensure it is securely fastened. Don’t forget a first aid kit and plenty of calorie-dense foods!
- Leave No Trace: Commit to packing out all trash and preserving the pristine natural environment.
Changing Seasons
Seasonal changes at Lake Santeetlah offer a dynamic and ever-evolving experience for visitors. In spring, the area bursts into bloom with vibrant wildflowers and the awakening of local wildlife, making it a perfect time for hiking and bird-watching. You’re most likely to see scavenging bears along the coast during this time. Summer brings warmer temperatures ideal for swimming, kayaking, and camping under the stars. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, providing breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere for leaf-peepers. Winter reveals a serene and peaceful landscape, dusted with snow, perfect for those seeking solitude and reflection. Each season unveils a unique charm, ensuring that every visit to Lake Santeetlah is a fresh and enchanting adventure.
By following this itinerary and these tips, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on Lake Santeetlah. Happy adventuring!
