51 campground
51
The best time of year to visit these camping areas in North Carolina largely depends on personal preference and the desired outdoor activities. Spring and fall are generally recommended as they offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, but it is a popular time for camping due to school vacations. Winter camping is also an option for those seeking a peaceful experience, but campers should be prepared for colder temperatures and possible campground closures.
When camping in North Carolina, there are several items of interest and things to be cautious about. Many campgrounds are located near rivers, lakes, or mountains, providing opportunities for activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. However, campers should be cautious of wildlife encounters, especially with bears, and must practice appropriate food storage techniques. It is crucial to adhere to campground rules, follow Leave No Trace principles, and be mindful of potential weather hazards, such as thunderstorms or hurricanes. By conducting further research and consulting reliable sources, campers can plan a safe and enjoyable camping experience in the diverse camping areas of North Carolina.
What's on-site at 51
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of 51, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| #51 George's Branch | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| #46 Estes Branch | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| #57 Bryson Place | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| #59 Mc Cracken Branch | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| #58 Nicks Nest Branch | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of 51 -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Oconaluftee River At Birdtown | 954 cfs | → |
| Tuckasegee River At Bryson City | 2,180 cfs | → |
| Tuckasegee River At Barker's Creek | 1,170 cfs | → |
| Little Tennessee River At Needmore | 1,160 cfs | → |
| Tuckasegee River At Sr 1172 Nr Cullowhee | 720 cfs | → |
| Little River Above Townsend | 247 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of 51 -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson City 4 | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| New Found Gap | 7.1 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Gatlinburg | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Dillard 0.7 Nnw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Germany Valley | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Brevard | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Swain County Park
- Needmore Game Land
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Sevierville City Park
- Cold Mountain Game Land
- Wilderness Middle Prong
Boat launches
- Church Street Jackson County
- Great Smoky Mountains Expressway 5453, Jackson County
- Cable Cove Road, Fontana Dam
- Cable Cove Road Graham County
- North Lakeshore Drive 103, Haywood County
- Fontana Road 12574, Robbinsville
Fishing spots
- Birchfield Branch
- Augerhole Branch
- Bear Creek Lake
- Massey Branch Fishing Pier
- Santeetlah Lake
- Allen Branch Pond
Points of interest
- Museum Of The Cherokee Indian
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Joe Queen House
- Floyd/Enloe Barn (Mountain Farm Museum)
- Webb Overlook
- History Exhibit Overlook
Paddle runs
- Natahala Powerhouse To Lake Fontana (River Mile 4)
- Headwaters In Standing Indian Basin To Slackwater Of Natahala Lake
- Polecat Branch To Snowbird Picnic Area
- Yellowstone Prong From Headwaters To Confluence With East Fork And Yellowstone Prong
- Owlcamp Branch To Polecat Branch
- East Fork From Us Highway 276 To Confluence Of Dark Prong And Yellowstone Prong
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save 51 as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About 51
Can I make reservations at 51?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to 51?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of 51.