Welcome to our little slice of heaven.
We are a privately owned campground surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. We are located just off the Appalachian Trail along the Nolichucky River Gorge, which surrounds us with gorgeous views at the base of Unaka Mountain. We are a fee-based/ pay-to-play property as we depend on the recreation traffic to fund our campground. Also, due to our small size and access road, we have decided to discontinue taking 3 axle 5th wheel trailers.
After your day's adventures, you can camp out in tents under the stars or stay in a cabin with all of the comforts of home (including air conditioning and wifi). We offer hot showers and restrooms for all guests in the public shower house (cleaned several times daily) and wi-fi access near the office. BYO marshmallows to roast by the fire.
Thousands of wilderness acres are just out the back door, plus eight miles of class three to class four whitewater rapids are right outside our front door. Stay with us after you paddle the gorge or enjoy a hike down the nearby Appalachian Trail among other gorgeous places to hike.
Our Community Partners
Mahoney's Outfitters, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Wahoo's Adventures, CafePress, Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, Clinchfield Railroad, Johnny's Seeds, ACE Adventure Resort, Blue Heron Rafting Company on the French Broad River, Lowe's Home Improvement, plus Erwin Utilities for Road Maintenance and Mulch!
WE ARE:
2 hours Northeast of Knoxville, TN
2 hours North of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
30 minutes Southeast of Johnson City, TN
1 hour South of Bristol TN/VA
45 minutes North of Asheville, NC
Not sure where to go?
If you're in the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee or near Asheville, North Carolina, take I-26 towards Erwin and follow the road signs from exit 40 for the campground and whitewater rafting. Just go over the river and through the woods and stop by during the daytime to visit or stay longer if you can.
From I-26, take exit 40 in Erwin, TN.
Turn East onto Jackson Love Highway.
Turn Right on Temple Road (towards the gas station.)
Go 1/2 mile, turn left onto River Road.
Go 1/2 mile to the STOP sign.
Turn left across the Nolichucky River onto Chestoa Road.
Turn right 50 feet past bridge onto Jones Branch Road.
Go 1.2 miles to end of road.
In 25 feet, veer left over the small bridge at the big yellow Nolichucky Gorge Campground sign.
Stop at the main office to check-in.
Follow the road signs for rafting and national forest from exit 40 off I-26.
Campground Map
Click to Enlarge.
*Use the Google Map above for detailed driving instructions from your address.
Visit Yelp for the most up to date restaurant info & reviews for local restaurants (Rocky's Pizza will deliver to the campground!)
If you've forgotten any supplies, have no fear - WalMart is only 8 miles away at exit 34 off I-26. Specialty grocery stores and outdoor stores are just 20 miles away in Johnson City or 45 miles away in Asheville.
Float the Nolichucky River through class four rapids from Poplar, North Carolina
THE NOLICHUCKY GORGE
Even though we are open year-round, the best months to make your trip are June through October when the weather is warm and the water is warm, too!
We welcome everyone including families, fishermen and paddlers - even if you are a novice to whitewater, we have access to local outdoor wilderness for any age or experience level right at our fingertips.
Whether you're fishing or paddling, all river trips conveniently end at the campground where hot showers and bathrooms await you. Stay in a cabin or camp under the stars at the end of your day enjoying the great outdoors.
There are several local whitewater rafting companies to book any size group; private boaters can also arrange shuttles to the put-in in Poplar, North Carolina.
Paddle the Upper Noli for some amazing class four whitewater waves. With rapid names like Jaws and Rooster Tail, you can imagine what will take shape on your trip.
Always keep your hand on top of your T-grip while rafting (don't be like these guys on the left!)
If you want to start at the campground and hike or shuttle back to base, the Lower Noli offers tubing and beginners a way to experience class one and two rapids. Learn how to read the water currents, swim to safety and please start from here if you've never been on a river.
Air beds can double as rafts!
*Rocks can be very slick, so please watch your step and wear old sneakers or river sandals for better footing friction. Helmets are also recommended!
**Rain brings higher water levels, so be sure to check out the local weather and water levels before you plan your trip downstream. Flash floods in North Carolina watersheds can create high water levels, so please be safe!
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS & VIDEOS!
We will post to our gallery with photo credits and any links you want to include to your own website (plus we'll share on Facebook and YouTube if you'd like!)
