SMOKY MOUNTAIN FISH CAMP 2K25

MAY 21 - JUNE 4 (approx) | Little Santeelah Creek
Join us at a favorite drive-up car camping locale during one of the best times of the year. Drop in, drop out. Scroll for more details.

camping - snorkeling - fishing - swimming - hiking - bicycling - moss - piscivory - salamanders - giant salamanders - creekwalking - tubing - running - book reading - fish smoking - cheese - fire watching - ferns - gravel roads - wild strawberries - fireflies - snacks - chess - literary stuff - poems - coffee nuts - gummies - physical paper maps - etc

WHERE

Forest road south of Joyce Kilmer memorial forest, North Carolina. About 3 hours from Chattanooga. It’s a worthwhile drive via the glorious Cherohala Skyway. Lay claim to a spot along the creek road and commune with the peak spawning runs of trout and minnows. There will be a strategically large spot where several vehicles can join, or set up separately in within easy bike range of the rest. https://maps.app.goo.gl/agjiXeFNDPiCykPh6

FACILITIES

Not much. Car camping by the road with some picnic tables and a big creek. Long-drop outhouse at Stewart Cabin. Bring your sleeping van or your car tent. Or just backpacking stuff for primo spots. We will set up a big tarp, fire pit and chem toilet.

GEAR TO BRING

Like burning man, be ready to be self sufficient with meals and a water supply. Nearby Robbinsville has groceries and other supplies. It’s a dry county, so bring your booze. All the standard camping advice applies.

SNORKEL GEAR

If you have a mask and snorkel, bring that. There may be a few around for borrowing, but you’ll appreciate having your own. The water will be between 55 and 70 degrees, so you’ll need a wetsuit for sustained creature watching. Check four bridges, they sometimes have some great options. Typically a 3/2 or 4/3 is recommended. A hood, gloves and booties make it real nice.

BIKES!

Bikes are very useful on this trip! There are miles and miles of gravel roads to explore. Getting to a hiking trailhead or different swimming/fishing spot can be a fun chill bike ride from camp. There may be a couple of hard gravel rides to join in for.

HIKING STUFF, RAIN STUFF

Your hiking stuff. Your rainy day stuff. (hideout)

TIMING

We aim to straddle Memorial Day and the peak of spawning season at this elevation. In the past, we have had great luck right at the end of May or first day of June.