Van Hook Glade

A gentle breeze stirs the rhododendron bushes that crowd the edges of Van Hook Glade, carrying the faint rush of traffic from nearby Highway 64. The quiet hum of cicadas fills the air, punctuated occasionally by distant motorcycle engines slicing through the mountain air. As you pull onto Highlands Road and follow the narrow, winding approach, the campground reveals itself in small clusters of spacious sites, each framed by towering trees that filter dappled sunlight onto the forest floor. The scent of pine and damp earth hangs heavily here, setting a calm tone that draws campers back year after year despite the challenging drive.

Early mornings at Van Hook Glade invite exploration through a network of hiking trails that thread through the surrounding national forest. Just steps from the campsites, a creek babbles quietly, its banks a favorite spot for those seeking peaceful moments with a book or camera. A short stroll leads to a small, picturesque lake where reflections of the sky ripple with each light breeze. Waterfalls nearby reward hikers who venture onto paths winding through thick woods. The campground’s proximity to the town of Highlands means a quick drive can bring you to quaint shops and local eateries, though the area’s limited cell service encourages visitors to disconnect and immerse themselves fully in the outdoors.

Van Hook Glade’s amenities speak to a simpler camping experience: sites offer no electrical or water hookups, but potable water spigots and clean, older restrooms with individual showers stand ready to refresh. The campground’s loop road tightens at the end, making navigation tricky for longer rigs, so smaller trailers and vans find a better fit here. Sites 7 and 8 are favorites among families, connected by a hidden trail that bypasses the steps leading back to the parking area, creating a natural play space for kids and easy access to bathrooms. Privacy grows between sites thanks to thick vegetation, and while daytime traffic noise drifts in, nighttime hushes the forest into near silence, broken only by the call of nocturnal wildlife.

Campers return to Van Hook Glade for its blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, where the absence of modern distractions becomes a gateway rather than a hindrance. Here, the contrast between the white-knuckle drives required to reach the site and the tranquil forest haven waiting at journey’s end sharpens the sense of accomplishment and calm. The gentle splash of lake water and the whisper of forest trails offer a quiet refuge that lingers