Best mountain lakes ... Chatuge, Hiwassee, Santeetlah, Nantahala, etc...? (Murphy, Robbins: homes, camping)

[Fogbubble]

We've camped twice recently at Jackrabbit Mountain on Lake Chatuge near Hayesville. Loved it and the area, but there are many boats/jet skis zipping by just offshore. I don't mind folks having fun on the water, I just worried a few times about our kids swimming out there. We checked out Hanging Dog campground on Hiwassee lake near Murphy and didn't care as much for it (the campground - the lake itself was fine). Nantahalah Lake is gorgeous, but I can't find a camping or swimming area accessible to those who DON'T have million dollar homes on it. I know it may not be popular to say so here, but Nantahala Lake seems to be one of those places locked up and completely out of reach to the average-income locals. What is Santeetlah like (near Robbinsville)? I'm interested in camping at Cheoah Point there. Lake Glenville seems nice but also innaccesible to the natives. I grew up near Lake James and already know about it (it's great!). Any thoughts?

[JaniceinTexas]

my friends in georgia go camping at lake lure and love it.

[vandemusser]

I'd check out Lake Jocassee. Very little development and a pretty good campground / state park, although it can get crowded on a nice weekend. Essentially deserted during the week, though, so if you can swing it, that's the time to go.

The water is crystal clear to 40 feet. Even if there are boats on the lake, it's so huge there is room for everyone.

Here's the link to Devil's Fork State Park:

http://www.lakejocassee.com/devils_fork.htm (broken link)

[MI.SC]

X2 on Lake Jocassee. I think the main campground is booked solid through the summer. Check out the primitive boat in sites located across the lake. You can book online in advance