#1 Ammons Branch Campground

ammons branch campground nc

Greetings, North Carolina nature lovers! If your ideal getaway involves disconnecting from the digital world and immersing yourself in the raw beauty of our state's mountains, then Ammons Branch Campground near Highlands is a destination you should certainly consider. This unique spot offers a genuine primitive camping experience, perfect for those who cherish solitude and the untouched wilderness. Get ready to learn more about this hidden gem in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest.

Ammons Branch Campground is not your typical developed campground with paved roads and extensive amenities. Instead, it offers a small, dispersed, and free primitive camping experience within the vast Nantahala National Forest. It's designed for campers who are self-sufficient and appreciate a more rustic setting. With only a few designated campsites, it provides a quiet and secluded atmosphere, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds often found at larger, more popular campgrounds. The focus here is on connecting with nature, with each site providing basic necessities for a comfortable primitive stay. Reviewers consistently highlight its beauty, tranquility, and the sense of being truly "off-grid." It's a fantastic option for tent campers, van campers, and small RVs (though larger rigs might find access challenging due to the road conditions). If your vision of camping involves falling asleep to the sounds of a babbling brook and waking up to the fresh mountain air, without the distractions of modern life, Ammons Branch Campground delivers. It's a place where the simplicity of camping allows for a deeper appreciation of the surrounding natural environment.

Ammons Branch Campground is located near Highlands, NC 28741, USA, specifically along Bull Pen Road. Its address places it deep within the Nantahala National Forest, a vast expanse of mountains, rivers, and forests in Western North Carolina. While the town of Highlands is relatively well-known, accessing Ammons Branch Campground requires navigating some unpaved roads, adding to its secluded charm. To reach the campground from Highlands, you follow Main Street east for about 4.5 miles through Horse Cove Road. When the pavement ends, you bear right onto Bull Pen Road and travel approximately 1.5 miles further. One reviewer noted that reaching the campground involved driving "seven miles past the end of paved roads," suggesting a more adventurous approach than some might expect. Another mentioned that the "road to get here is very bumpy and narrow, seems like it should be a one way," and that "GPS spotty approaching the campground." This indicates that a sturdy vehicle (like a van or truck, as recommended by some) and careful driving are advisable. Despite the remote feel, its location offers close proximity to outdoor recreation. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, leading you to a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle. While cell phone service is mostly unavailable, this contributes to the desired "off-grid" experience for many visitors.

As a primitive and dispersed campground, Ammons Branch offers fundamental services designed to support a basic camping experience rather than extensive facilities. These services are geared towards self-sufficiency and minimal environmental impact:

• Designated Campsites: There are typically four distinct campsites, sometimes described as three or four, with two potentially sharing a parking area. Each site is equipped with essential features.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite includes a concrete or sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining outdoors.
• Lantern Posts: A lantern post is available at each site, useful for hanging lights and illuminating your camping area after dark.
• Fire Rings: Each site has a fire ring, allowing campers to safely build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance (always check current fire restrictions).
• Elevated Tent Pads: Reviewers mention "elevated tent pads," which help provide a flatter and drier surface for pitching tents, improving comfort and protecting the ground.
• Vault Toilet: The campground features a single vault-style toilet (also known as a pit toilet), offering a basic restroom facility. Visitors should manage expectations as these are primitive.
• Bear-Resistant Trash Container: A bear-resistant trash container is provided, which is crucial for safely storing waste and preventing wildlife encounters in this bear-prone area.
• Natural Water Source: One site specifically has a "running brook just behind it," and the area generally provides access to a "small stream" or natural water sources, though water should always be filtered or treated for consumption.
• Free, First-Come, First-Serve: Camping at Ammons Branch is free of charge and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning no reservations are needed.

Ammons Branch Campground may be primitive, but it offers several compelling features and highlights that draw campers seeking an authentic wilderness experience:

• True Seclusion and Quiet: Consistently described as a "very nice small back country dispersed campground" and "very quiet and secluded," it offers a genuine escape from crowds and noise, ideal for finding peace in nature.
• Basic but Essential Amenities: Despite its primitive nature, the inclusion of elevated tent pads, picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings at each of the 4 sites provides a comfortable base for camping.
• Bear Safety Measures: The presence of a "bear resistant trash container works well" is a critical feature, emphasizing safety and responsible wildlife interaction in an area known for bear activity.
• Proximity to Chattooga River: A significant highlight is its close access to the Chattooga River, with one reviewer suggesting to "go up the road about a mile or so and check out the Chattooga river bridge and cascade." This offers opportunities for exploring, potentially swimming, and fishing.
• Hiking Opportunities: The campground is noted for its proximity to hiking trails, with one source mentioning it "lines the accessible Ellicott Rock Wilderness Trail," making it a great base for hikers.
• Natural Beauty and Stream Access: The presence of a "running brook just behind it" at one site, and a "small stream" nearby, enhances the natural ambiance and provides a water source (to be treated).
• Year-Round Accessibility: The campground is open year-round, allowing for winter camping experiences which are noted for fewer crowds and clear long-range views due to lack of tree leaves.
• Free Camping: As a free, first-come, first-serve site, it offers an incredibly accessible option for budget-conscious campers looking for a quality wilderness experience.

For specific inquiries or information regarding Ammons Branch Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Highlands, NC 28741, USA (specifically located along Bull Pen Road)

Phone: (828) 524-6441

Mobile Phone: +1 828-524-6441

It's important to note that these phone numbers are for the Nantahala Ranger District, which operates Ammons Branch Campground. As a primitive, dispersed campsite, there is no direct on-site management or phone at the campground itself. It is highly recommended to call the Ranger District directly before your trip to inquire about current conditions, any alerts or warnings (such as road closures or bear activity), fire restrictions, and any specific regulations for the area. Given the limited cell phone service at the campground, making preparations and gathering information beforehand is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.

For North Carolina locals seeking an authentic and unfettered connection with nature, Ammons Branch Campground is an exceptional choice. Its location deep within the Nantahala National Forest, though requiring a bit of adventurous driving, provides a truly secluded and quiet escape from urban life. This is not a place for those who need extensive amenities, but rather for those who embrace self-sufficiency and the raw beauty of our state's mountains. The fact that it's a free, first-come, first-serve campground makes it highly accessible for spontaneous trips or for those on a budget. The presence of elevated tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet, while basic, are thoughtful provisions for a primitive site. Furthermore, the close proximity to the stunning Chattooga River and various hiking trails, including the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Trail, means endless opportunities for outdoor exploration right at your fingertips. For North Carolinians who yearn for a genuine wilderness experience, where cellular signals are scarce and nature's symphony is your only soundtrack, Ammons Branch Campground offers a pristine and memorable retreat that embodies the wild heart of our beautiful state. It's a chance to truly disconnect and appreciate the natural heritage of North Carolina.

#1 Ammons Branch Campground

Highlands, NC 28741, USA