The address is 2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650. Here is a Google Map link showing Resort location.
Red Banks Campground is conveniently located just off I-26 for easy access and parking. The address is 109 Burrell Farm Rd, Erwin, TN 37650. Here is a Google Map link showing our Red Banks Campground location. All rafting, tubing, and activities trips must meet and park at this location.
Parking at The Resort is primarily available to our lodging guests, and visitors to the Take Out Tavern. If you have booked a rafting, tubing, or activities trip, you are allowed to park 1 car per group at the Resort. Additional vehicles are required to be parked at the Red Banks Campground. Guests can carpool or take a complimentary shuttle between the Resort and Red Banks. If parking is full at the Resort, all vehicles must be parked at Red Banks. Please contact us with any questions.
Parking for activities and private beach access at Red Banks Campground is available in the large gravel lot near the Outfitters Store. For camping at Red Banks, you are welcome to park one car next to your campsite. Any additional cars need to be parked in the gravel lot around the Outfitter Store.
Our two locations are only 2 miles apart, about a 5 minute drive.
Our Camp Store offers premium outdoor gear and essentials for your day on the river and beyond! We offer a wide range of apparel, USA Raft merch, stand up paddleboards, duckies, Onewheels, footwear, eyewear, gifts, ice cream, snacks, cold drinks, and more!
Yes we sell ice at both The Resort and Red Banks Campground.
Firewood is not provided if you’d like to have a private fire. We have firewood available for purchase at the Camp Store and the Red Banks Campground.
Yes we can start your fire! Please locate a camp host to inquire.
At The Resort, please notify the camp host and they will help with your trash and recycling. At Red Banks Campground, please take your trash and recycling to the dumpster near the property entrance.
At The Resort during business hours a camp host can be found by contacting staff at the Welcome Center/Camp Store or Take Out Tavern. Also, a camp host can be found in the apartment above the Welcome Center by ringing the doorbell at the front door, or calling 423-749-7111.
At Red Banks Campground, a camp host is located at the entrance to the campground. After business hours a camp host can be contacted by dialing 423-743-7111.
Fresh linens, towels, coffee, travel-sized shower essentials are supplied for every lodging unit excluding campsites.
Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am. An early check in fee of $35 will be assessed if an early check in is possible. Check-out times can be extended for up to 2 hours maximum with a $35 fee.
Pets are allowed in all units besides Love Shack Airstream with a $10.00 fee. Pets are allowed at Red Banks Camoground also for a $10.00 fee. Pets are not allowed to be left alone in units or tents. Pets must be leashed at all times.
Yes! We offer free 1G fiber WiFi service at both The Resort and Red Banks Campground. At The Resort, WiFi is available throughout the property, and signal is strongest closest to the Welcome Center and Take Out Tavern.
At Red Banks Campground, WiFi is available near the bath house and at the private beach.
We have limited campsites at The Resort and these tend to fill up quickly. At Red Banks Campground we offer 63 primitive campsites along the Nolichucky River with access to our private sandy beach. See our camping page for pricing and more details.
Yes this can generally be accommodated for the price of a campsite in addition to the lodging cost (see camping pricing), within reason and depending on the unit. Please notify your reservationist ahead of time for approval. Any unapproved tents will be asked to be taken down.
There is A/C in all units except Land Yacht Airstream, Safari Airstream, Boone Cabin, and Crockett Cabin. During winter we provide heaters in every unit.
Cancellations made 15 days out from your arrival date are eligible for a full refund, and anything under 15 days from arrival date will be held on credit toward a future lodging or activity reservation.
Yes, quiet time is after 11:00pm until 6:00am.
Yes, free parking is available to all of our lodging guests. There is room for up to at least one vehicle at each unit and additional overflow parking spaces are available nearby.
Check in before 5pm is at the camp store at the entrance to the Resort. After hours check-in occurs at The Take Out Tavern, or with a camp host. There is also a doorbell at the Camp Store, please ring this for after hours check in assistance. In the event someone is not available, your unit will be unlocked with the key inside.
Camp hosts can be contacted via the camp store doorbell or Take Out Tavern. In the event of an emergency, dial 911. After hours call 423-743-7111 for camp host contact and non-emergencies.
Please see your welcome book in each unit for a full list of local food delivery, including Dominos Pizza.
Cooking capabilities vary from unit to unit; please see our Lodging page for each unit’s unique description and amenity offerings. There is also a public kitchen located next to the Camp Store that is open 24/7 for guest use. This public kitchen has full cooking capabilities with dishes and silverware included and is open to all guests to use, including those camping and staying in the Hiker Barn.
At this time we are unable to provide laundry facilities on site. Check with your Camp Host for recommendations for laundromats in nearby Erwin, TN.
At this time we are unable to provide laundry facilities on site. Check with your Camp Host for recommendations for laundromats in nearby Erwin, TN.
No! However, this is an adventurous float through remote and scenic river gorge recommended for ages 10 and up. We often take first time rafters on this trip and guests should choose the trip that is best suited to their ability and comfort levels.
Our Lower Nolichucky raft trip is for ages 4+. The Upper Nolichucky and French Broad raft trips are for ages 10+.
There is a 100% chance you will at least get splashed.
Any moisture wicking, athletic wear or yoga type material, polyester and tri-blend fabrics that are light and offer sun protection are acceptable. Swimsuits are okay but bikinis are not advisable. Cotton or 100 percent wool material is not recommended. Shoes that strap to your feet are a must, NO flip-flops or Crocs.
The Nolichucky Gorge rafting trip ends at The Resort property. Enjoy a food and a beverage from the Take Out Tavern after your adventures on the river! We will shuttle you back to Red Banks if you have extra vehicles parked there for your group.
The Lower Nolichucky trip ends near the Pyrahna Kayaks facility, about a 15 minute shuttle from The Resort. Guests are shuttled back to The Resort from the take out. Enjoy a food and a beverage from the Take Out Tavern after your adventures on the river! We will shuttle you back to Red Banks if you have extra vehicles parked there for your group.
Any rafting guests that are on the river can park one vehicle at The Resort property. Additional vehicles are required to be parked at the Red Banks Campground. Guests can carpool or take a complimentary shuttle between the Resort and Red Banks. If parking is full at The Resort, all guests must park at Red Banks. Please contact us to discuss any questions. Here is a Google Map with our Red Banks Campground location.
Sandals with straps, water shoes or tennis shoes work best! Crocs and sandals without straps are not permitted.
We sell water shoes in our Welcome Center, however, sizing can be limited.
Around 45 minutes, including beautiful mountain scenery all along the way. The ride goes over the crest of the Unaka Mountains, crosses the Appalachian Trail, and descends to meet the river at the upper end of the Nolichucky Gorge in Poplar, NC.
It depends on your trip and the river water level, but typically between 3-5 hours. Ask the reservationist or your guide for more information on the day of your trip.
While we do our best to accommodate each and every group, we cannot guarantee groups over 4 will be in the same boat. We prioritize guests’ safety above all, and guest counts can vary depending on the water level.
Yes, we raft rain or shine! We are unable to issue refunds due to inclement weather.
No, all guests must use our provided commercial approved rafting PFDs.
Yes! After getting back to The Resort you are most welcome to visit the Take Out Tavern. If your vehicle is parked at Red Banks Campground, you are welcome to take the shuttle back to your vehicle after visiting the Take Out Tavern.
(Generally) No. Liability waivers are typically completed by legal guardians only. If you are with a Summer Camp or Youth Group, Trip Leaders and Chaperones can sign the waivers provided certain conditions are met, please contact us to discuss your specific questions.
The Nolichucky River is a rare free-flowing river in the Eastern United States. There are no dams along its entire length, and this beautiful river is also a nominee for National Wild and Scenic designation. The water level can vary because of the river’s dependence entirely on natural precipitation. The Nolichucky offers a special experience due to its pristine natural state, and the trip offers one of the most scenic rafting trips one can find.
Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted on any of our activities. In addition, anyone under the influence will not be permitted on the rafting trip.
No pets are allowed on any rafting trips or activities. Also please note that dogs are not permitted to be left unsupervised in any lodging units, and please plan accordingly for your rafting trip.
Our tubing trip takes out at Chestoa Recreation Area, about 1 mile from the put in at The Resort. Ride the short 5 minute shuttle back to the Resort and go for as many laps as you’d like!
Experienced tubers can take out at Red Banks Campground 2 miles from the put in at The Resort. This is not a lazy river float and is only recommended for good swimmers. Tubing to Red Banks is only available at the discretion of USA Raft.
All tubing is at your own risk.
All ages 12 and under must wear a PFD, have a minimum weight of 50 lbs, and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We do not recommend tubing for children age 7 and below, however, this activity is advised at the guardian’s discretion.
Yes, tubing is available 7 days a week when water levels permit (Below 1,000 cfs).
9-5, and the last shuttle pick-up is at 6pm on weekends.
Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted on any of our activities.
(Generally) No. Liability waivers are typically completed by legal guardians only. If you are with a Summer Camp or Youth Group, leaders and chaperones can sign the waivers provided certain conditions are met, please contact us to discuss your specific questions.
Any tubing guests that are on the river can park one vehicle at The Resort property. Additional vehicles are required to be parked at the Red Banks Campground. Guests can carpool or take a complimentary shuttle between the Resort and Red Banks. If parking is full at The Resort, all guests must park at Red Banks. Please contact us to discuss any questions. Here is a Google Map with our Red Banks Campground location.
We have a shuttle running regularly between The Resort and Chestoa Recreation Area. If you need a ride back to the put-in at The Resort from Chestoa Recreation Area, stand by the road with your tube and the shuttle driver will pick you up.
Tubing trips to Red Banks Campground are allowed only at the discretion of USA Raft Adventure Resort. If you get approval to take out at Red Banks Campground, pre arrange the shuttle with our staff or call 1-800-USA-RAFT.
Yes! After getting back to The Resort you are most welcome to visit the Take Out Tavern. If your vehicle is parked at Red Banks Campground, you are welcome to take the shuttle back to your vehicle after visiting the Take Out Tavern.
No, you cannot bring your dog tubing. Also please note that dogs are not permitted to be left unsupervised in any lodging units, and please plan accordingly for your tubing trip.
We offer shuttles from The Resort to different destinations. For rafting and kayaking, we offer shuttles to the Nolichucky Gorge launch site located in Poplar NC. Please give us a call at 1-800-USA-RAFT to schedule any shuttles in advance.
Refer to our tubing FAQs for details regarding tubing shuttles.
(Generally) No. Liability waivers are typically completed by legal guardians only. If you are with a Summer Camp or Youth Group, leaders and chaperones can sign the waivers provided certain conditions are met, please contact us to discuss your specific questions.
Yes, however, we require you to do a lesson or provide a certificate from a previous lesson first.
No, Onewheeling can only take place on clear, sunny days.
Yes, a professional guide will lead your One Wheel lesson and decide when you are free to take the One Wheel out on your own.
No, cave trips meet at the Bluff City Boardwalk & Pavilion.
No, there are optional routes for more adventurous cavers, however, we will accommodate all skill levels on cave excursions.
Temperatures within Worley’s Cave remain constant at about 55 degrees, making it a great year-round adventure.
Yes! The Resort is located directly off the Appalachian Trail and we welcome all hikers.
If you are staying at The Resort, then sure! We have limited parking at The Resort. Parking is only available to our lodging guests, day-use guests, and guests visiting the Take Out Tavern. Appalachian Trail parking for overnight excursions is available at Red Banks, also at the Appalachian Trail trailhead.
We custom cater each SUP trip to our guests’ ability levels. We offer flatwater and whitewater lessons, and both one-on-one and group lessons. Please reference our Stand Up Paddleboarding page or contact us for additional information.
Trips are limited to 2 to 8 individuals and cater to each person’s unique abilities and experience. All climbing is done ‘on belay’ and – other than the steep, uneven terrain, natural stone, trees, and wide open spaces – is much like climbing in a gym. Start at the bottom, climb as high as you are able, and descend back to the ground under the control of your guide. Please reference our Climbing page or contact us for additional information.
Unaka Bike Park is located about 5 minutes from both USA Raft Adventure Resort and Red Banks Campground. Please visit our mountain biking page for additional information. Located 10 minutes and 6 miles North on I-26 at Exit 34 is the Pinnacle Fire Tower multi-use trail head. The trail is a challenging but beginner-friendly climb of approximately 6,000 ft elevation gain that leads to a 360 degree view at the top of a restored Forest Service fire tower.
No! The Appalachian Trail is open to foot traffic only.
Yes fishing is allowed at both The Resort and Red Banks Campground. Please note these are popular areas with people using the river so all fisherman must use caution and yield to other river users.
Yes! Visit our fishing page for more information.
The Legacy Anglers guide carries two fly rods and a casting rod on each trip.
A Tennessee fishing license is required. More information can be found here.
Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted on any of our activities.
The Take Out Tavern is located at The Resort. Here is a Google Map link showing Resort location.
The Take Out Tavern features a rotating selection of quality taps, along with a wide selection of canned beer, ciders, kombuchas, hard seltzers, and sodas to choose from. We are proud to support regional breweries and beverage producers by serving their products.
The Take Out Tavern also offers a creative menu prepared with quality ingredients that are sure to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re looking for small bites at the bar or a full meal after you get off the river, the Take Out Tavern has you covered.
The Take Out Tavern is open seasonally from April – November. Hours are generally as shown below, subject to change.
Friday and Saturday 12pm-12am.
Sunday 12pm-8pm.
Outside alcohol is not permitted at The Take Out Tavern.
This service is not currently available. All tabs must be settled at the bar.
Yes, we accept all major credit cards and cash as well.
Yes, any guest visiting the Take Out Tavern can park for free at The Resort.
We do not serve liquor and do not have plans to serve liquor.
You can view our Events calendar on our Events page. We update this monthly schedule on our website and social media channels. We also create events on Facebook and Eventbrite so you can RSVP and share to invite your friends!
Event tickets are sold on EventBrite and through our website booking software. Please visit our events page and follow the purchase instructions for the event you would like to attend. We also sell tickets over the phone, contact us to learn more.
No. Lodging guests are required to purchase tickets if they’d like to attend a special event.
There are two answers to this question. (1) Outside alcohol is not permitted during special events, or at The Take Out Tavern. The only exception to this is our Boozy Brunch event with a $10 BYOB corking fee. (2) Lodging guests are welcome to bring and consume their own alcohol at their accommodations.
Yes. Children 12 and under receive free admission to events at USA Raft Adventure Resort with the purchase of an adult ticket.
You may send an inquiry to our event director at eventdirector@usaraft.com. Please include detailed information with contact info for yourself or the band(s) you represent along with any demos or links to your/their music, also cost.
Yes. For our large events (2+ days), vendors will need to submit an application to eventdirector@usaraft.com. There are options for booth space, and/or booth space + camping. Reservations can be upgraded to any lodging unit available. All vendors must be completely self-sufficient with their own tents, cords, tables, chairs, displays, etc. Power hooks are available. Food vendors will need to register for the event with the Tennessee State Health Department and are encouraged to have their own state permit or one will have to be purchased through the TN State Health Department.
We are not able to offer refunds for any special event ticket sales.
