Summary
The campground offers scenic and breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake. The surrounding area is home to several hiking and biking trails, including the Tsali Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing.
The campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water and restrooms. The camping area is a first-come, first-serve campground that offers 42 campsites during the peak season. There are no hookups available, but generators are permitted during certain hours.
An interesting fact about the Tsali Camping Area is that it is named after a Cherokee Indian who lived in the area in the 1800s. Tsali was known for his resistance to the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their homeland during the Trail of Tears.
The best time to visit the Tsali Camping Area is in the fall and spring when the weather is mild, and the foliage is vibrant. The average temperature in the fall is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. In the spring, the average temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and visitors can enjoy the blooming wildflowers and lush greenery.
Nearby Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations |
|---|---|
Tsali
|
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Tsali Campground
|
|
Tsali Recreation Area
|
|
#73 Lone Pine
|
|
Turkey Creek Campground
|
|
#98 Chambers Creek
|
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Tennessee River At Needmore
|
663cfs |
Tuckasegee River At Bryson City
|
1250cfs |
Oconaluftee River At Birdtown
|
447cfs |
Tuckasegee River At Barker's Creek
|
406cfs |
Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco
|
149cfs |
Little River Above Townsend
|
214cfs |
Camping Essential Practices
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.
Related Links
Nearby Snowpack Depths
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BRYSON CITY 4
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0" |
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NEW FOUND GAP
|
84" |
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GATLINBURG
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0" |
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DILLARD 0.7 NNW
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0" |
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GERMANY VALLEY
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0" |
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BREVARD
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0" |
Natahala Powerhouse To Lake Fontana (River Mile 4)