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Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area

Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area lies on a peninsula of Lake Chatuge – a TVA reservoir that boasts more than 130 miles of shoreline. This destination recreation area offers a large campground and numerous day use activities such as swimming, picnicking, mountain biking and hiking trails, fishing and motorized boating access to the lake.

Sleep under the Stars.Three campground loops offer 92 wooded sites, most of which provide views of Lake Chatuge. Several sites in Loops A and B can accommodate RVs, but no hook-ups are available. Registered campers may access the on-site RV dump station. Reserve a site at visit www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Reservations are required

Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. In the campground, a large picnic pavilion offers lakeside views and room to gather.

Follow the Trail. Ride your mountain bike along the area’s 15-mile stacked-loop system. Many of the trails border Lake Chatuge, while others meander through the woods or ridge-top. These trails appeal to riders of all skill levels.

If you are interested in hiking, try the Jackrabbit Mountain Trail. With a trailhead just outside the campground, this 2.4-mile easy trail loops through open woods and offers glimpses of Lake Chatuge.

Get in the Water. At Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area, a designated swimming area and sandy beach are surrounded by picnic tables on a large grassy lawn. A picnic pavilion offers group picnicking with views of the lake. A short trail connects the campground and beach. The lake is filled with a bounty of fish ranging from spotted, white and striped bass to catfish, crappie and sun-fish. Launch your boat and fish from the lake, or try the accessible fishing pier located near the swim beach.

Don’t have a boat? There are several marinas to rent boats and other small craft. For details, call the Clay County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 389-3704.

Be Safe.Your safety is your own responsibility.

Reservations

Campground reservation only- https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234180

General Information

Tusquitee Ranger District
123 Woodland Drive
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-5152

Campground: May 1 -October 31

Swimming Beach: May 1-September 30

Day use only: open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day

Camping fees: $20 a night for single sites; $40 a night for double sites Jackrabbit Beach: $5/vehicle; $30 annual pass

Brown signs that reads: Nantahala National Forest Tusquitee Ranger District

Address: 123 Woodland Drive Murphy, NC 28906
Phone: (828) 837-5152
Hours: (Mon - Fri) 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.tusquiteerd@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.011245

Longitude: -83.771002

Directions

From Asheville: Take I-40W to exit 27 and exit onto US 19/23/74. Travel southwest past Sylva and exit onto US 23/441 toward Franklin. In Franklin, take US 64W and travel 31 miles to NC 175. Turn left, and go 2.5 miles on NC 175. Turn right on SR 1155 to the recreation area.

From Hayesville:Take US 64E for 6.2 miles. Turn right onto NC 175, and go 2.5 miles. Turn right on SR 1155.

From Hiawassee, GA: Take GA-75N for about 3.5 miles to the NC/GA state line, where it turns into NC 175. Proceed 1.5 miles and turn left onto SR 1155.