U.S. Forest Service · National Forests in North Carolina

Cliffside Lake Shelters

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is a large Day Use area outside of Highlands, NC in Nantahala National Forest. The site offers access to Cliffside Lake where visitors can fish and swim. Cliffside is also home to several trailheads, including the popular Ranger Falls Trail. A $5 per car parking fee is charged for all visitors. Picnic shelters are available for reservation and are the perfect venue for a family reunion, school group, or church outing. Cliffside Lake Recreation Area offers six hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, as well as trout fishing, picnicking and swimming. Boating is not permitted. Cliffside is a short drive from Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls, and Rainbow Falls.

Reservable2 sites

Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗

Outside of small picnic shelter — Melissa Robinson

Campsites

picnic	2
Total	2

Amenities & rules

✓ Pets allowed✓ Campfires allowed

Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

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Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.