Lake Santeetlah?

[MedicineMan]

Santeetlah is gorgeous. One thing I found interesting when paddle camping there was seeing tents at almost every campsite...after a while I became suspicious in a way and paddled over to some of them to discovery no one was there. Finally found an unoccupied sight and set up for the night. The next day while paddle exploring found more of the campsites 'claimed'. My best guess is that locals from the surrounding area claim a sight early in the season and leave an econo tent there staking claim on it.
It is one of the finger lakes of the south and is worth paddling for the scenic beauty. I'll be curious as to how you find the campsite situation.
Leaving a car at the boat ramp is not needed. You can unload and leave your car across the street at the rangers station to remove some fear of theft.
Good diner in Robbinsville and if no one has done the Joyce Kilmer plan on at least doing the loop hike there-last time I did it there was in January and in 10-14 inches of snow.

[L.D. Cakes]

My best guess is that locals from the surrounding area claim a sight early in the season and leave an econo tent there staking claim on it.

Interesting, I have seen that before on Holston Lake. Never understood why they feel it can't be shared by all.

Leaving a car at the boat ramp is not needed. You can unload and leave your car across the street at the rangers station to remove some fear of theft.

That's always a good thing to know, Thanks!

Good diner in Robbinsville and if no one has done the Joyce Kilmer plan on at least doing the loop hike there-last time I did it there was in January and in 10-14 inches of snow.

That's a good plan. Last time I did it it (1988) was in the fall with beautiful colors and is what I'm hoping for again!

[Veto 65]

Santeetlah is gorgeous. One thing I found interesting when paddle camping there was seeing tents at almost every campsite...after a while I became suspicious in a way and paddled over to some of them to discovery no one was there. Finally found an unoccupied sight and set up for the night. The next day while paddle exploring found more of the campsites 'claimed'. My best guess is that locals from the surrounding area claim a sight early in the season and leave an econo tent there staking claim on it.

I recently found that same thing on some islands on the Hudson river. Selfish camping.

[Ewker]

I'm looking at paddle/camping Lake Santeetlah in the fall probably early October. Does anybody have information on this lake? It's in the GSMNP about 20 miles out of Robbinsville, NC.

I like wilderness camping and try to avoid established campgrounds so finding a hide away spot to paddle to is my preference.

Thanks, Cakes

did you ever make it there?

[L.D. Cakes]

No, I didn't get back over there. I did do that trip on Calderwood though and it turned out great. As I read back over these posts you were going to post some pics. I'd really like to see them please.

And if there is interest I will start a planning thread for Santeetlah say...April? Just chime in!

[Ewker]

here you go. The pics aren't that great because I left my camera at home so these pics were taken with a disposable camera

[L.D. Cakes]

Those are great pics! It looks like you went with a big group too. Thanks

[Ewker]

there was quite a few of us. One group camped on an island while the rest of us camped near by

[MedicineMan]

looks like the gears are turning in your head Cakes-2012 Santeetlah Group Hang?

[L.D. Cakes]

looks like the gears are turning in your head Cakes-2012 Santeetlah Group Hang?

It looks like the place to go....Who else wants to go?