Water Activities

Whether it's fishing, swimming, whitewater rafting, or a relaxing day in a canoe, water-based recreation is abundant. From lakes and streams to rivers, the National Forests in North Carolina are known for excellent fishing, rafting, boating, kayaking, and more. Water activities are easily worked into camping, hiking, backpacking, and hunting, making for the perfect summer outing. Plan your excursion by using the links below and exploring the water-based opportunities the national forests have to offer.

For information on boat licensing, registration and titling, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 

To help stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species, visit the following link. 

Boating Motorized 

Spend a hot summer day on the water on the National Forests in North Carolina! With few exceptions, boating is limited to non-motorized watercraft. Any boat with a motor or sail operated on public waters must be registered with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 

Boating Non-Motorized 

Floating or paddling through the forests is the perfect way to view wildlife and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. So, bring your kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or tube and enjoy the many waterways. 

Area Specific Rules 

• On the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River Corridor in the Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, being in the water or entering the area with any floatable object or watercraft of every kind unless authorized by a permit is prohibited.  (Forest Order) 
• A U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device must be worn at all times on the Nantahala River within the boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest. (Forest Order)

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (25)

Boating - Non-Motorized (42)

Swimming (29)

Waterskiing (1)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 60 results

Appletree Group Campground

The four sites at Appletree Group Campground accommodates two sites (A and D) for up to 25 people each and two sites (B and C) for up to 50 people each. Each site has its own picnic shelter, outdoor…

Arrowhead Campground

Site Open

Arrowhead Campground has 48 sites for Tent/RV camping. Sites #46-#49 are tent only. A 0.75-mile paved bicycle/walking path loops around the campground. Check out the brochure.

Avey Branch Boat Launch

Site Open

Boat ramp and canoe launch on Santeetlah Reservoir are maintained in coordination with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Badin Lake Group Camp

Site Open

Badin Group Camp was developed for use by clubs, families and other groups up to 50 people. The camp includes three separate areas to accommodate large groups. Each site is limited to a group of no…

Badin Lake Recreation Area

Site Open

Badin Lake Recreation area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. From trails to campsites, boat launch to shooting range, find your niche all located within a convenient radius of one…

Balsam Lake and Picnic Area

Recreation Day Use Area near the 8-acre Balsam Lake offering fishing piers, 1/2-mile hiking trail, picnic shelter and vault toilet. Non-motorized boats are permitted. The fishing piers, trail and…

Balsam Lake Lodge

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Nantahala District, Balsam Lake Lodge offers a special getaway for groups who reserve the whole facility for $170 on weekdays to $200 on weekends, per…

Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Site Open

Established in 1927 to study rehabilitation of cutover, degraded forests, Bent Creek is the oldest experimental forest in the East. The area is now used to research current issues that threaten or…

Black Mountain / South Toe River Area

The South Toe River area is on the Appalachian Ranger District near Burnsville, NC. This area includes the Black Mountains, the Blue Ridge, and the headwaters of the South Toe River. The Black…

Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

Site Open

Dispersed camping in the Blue Valley area. Approximately 22 dispersed sites are available, and most have fire rings and picnic tables. A pit toilet is available. Please pack in and pack out. Wilson…