How much does camping cost at Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Cataloochee Horse Camp range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cataloochee Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Cataloochee Horse Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cataloochee Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Cataloochee Horse Camp has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Cataloochee Horse Camp is open May 01 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Cataloochee Horse Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cataloochee Horse Camp have?

Cataloochee Horse Camp has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cataloochee Horse Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Cataloochee Horse Camp offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Popular activities at Cataloochee Horse Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cataloochee Horse Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Cataloochee Horse Camp: Firewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. For additional information about these firewood regulations, please visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.40

36 reviews

3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA

Top 20% in NCFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds North Carolina Camping Near Gatlinburg Primitive Camping North Carolina +8 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,805 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,805 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cataloochee Horse Camp

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-497-9270Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA

Cataloochee Horse Camp

3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA

Nearby places

Maggie Valley (approx. 15 miles)

Waynesville (approx. 18 miles)

Weather at Cataloochee Horse Camp

Current alerts(10)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.
Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3 mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves. Though many campsites will accommodate large rigs, motorhomes over 32' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended due to the access road.
Caution: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be kept in a sealed vehicle or camping unit of solid, non-pliable material AT ALL TIMES when not in use.

Best Time to Camp at Cataloochee Horse Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff at Cataloochee: crisp, dry days (typically 50–70°F by day, 30–45°F at night) with vibrant hardwood color and peak elk activity during the rut (late September into October). Trails and meadows are at their most photogenic for horseback rides and wildlife viewing, and lower summer humidity makes hiking and day trips more comfortable. Expect increased visitors on peak foliage weekends, so plan midweek or early/late in the day for the best solitude. Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in NC

Fall noted as best: peak hardwood color and elk rut coincide with ideal temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to October 26 during peak season.

About Cataloochee Horse Camp

Cataloochee Horse Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Waynesville, operated by the National Park Service for equestrian campers and their stock. This very small primitive campground serves as a base for exploring well-maintained backcountry trails and viewing elk in nearby meadows. Rangers and volunteers keep vault facilities clean daily, and the remote location rewards visitors with quiet evenings and frequent wildlife encounters.

Cataloochee Horse Camp is exclusively for equestrian camping, with sites specifically designed for horse owners. Nearby options exist for non-equestrian campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff at Cataloochee: crisp, dry days (typically 50–70°F by day, 30–45°F at night) with vibrant hardwood color and peak elk activity during the rut (late September into October). Trails and meadows are at their most photogenic for horseback rides and wildlife viewing, and lower summer humidity makes hiking and day trips more comfortable. Expect increased visitors on peak foliage weekends, so plan midweek or early/late in the day for the best solitude. Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2805 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in Cataloochee Valley at 2,805 feet, where ridgelines rise above meadows and Cataloochee Creek runs through. Elk graze at dawn and dusk. The valley floor mixes open spaces with hardwood canopy that provides shade at most sites. Spring brings trilliums and flame azaleas. Autumn color peaks in late September and October. Trails lead into surrounding mountains, some rocky enough that rangers recommend well-conditioned horses.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are provided at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nearby Palmer House functions as a self-guided museum, and over 90 historic structures are preserved in the park, some of which are close to the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limit stated.

Groups

No specific group camping details for Cataloochee Horse Camp
however, nearby Cataloochee Group Camp offers larger spaces.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeEach site includes space for a camping setup and equestrian activities, and is equipped with four horse stalls.

PrivacyCampsites provide a mix of shaded areas under a tree canopy and open spaces for group activities, offering moderate privacy.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 7 in autumn due to falling walnuts. Trails are rocky; trail boots recommended for horses.

Best CampsitesSites 3, 4, and 6 get positive reviews. Avoid sites 6 and 7 during walnut season unless you don't mind the falling nuts. The loop layout means most sites offer some buffer from neighbors, with a mix of tree cover and open space.

Need help booking Cataloochee Horse Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no potable water provided at the campground, so visitors must bring their own. There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Cataloochee Horse Camp is a hub for horseback riding, with access to the Rough Fork and Caldwell Fork Trails. Other popular activities include hiking, fishing for wild trout in the area's streams, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby historic structures.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFirewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. For additional information about these firewood regulations, please visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 6 a.m

Trash & RecyclingCampers must dispose of garbage in the dumpsters provided. Food and scented items must be stored properly to avoid wildlife encounters.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

36 reviews

Recommended

Cataloochee Horse Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, campers praise the Cataloochee Horse Camp for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and trail access. However, some noted challenges with road access and adherence to campground rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 36 reviews.

Site 3Loved
Site 3 is praised as a fantastic spot.
Site 7Mentioned
Site 7 has been criticized for falling walnuts in the fall.

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the well-maintained trails, helpful rangers, abundant wildlife (like elk and bears), and peaceful environment. Vault toilets are cleaned daily, and park volunteers are proactive in...

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the rough, narrow access road, non-equestrian campers using the facility, generator noise after quiet hours, and occasional pest infestations in toilets.

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing potable water, adhering to trailer length restrictions, and ensuring horses are well-conditioned for rocky trails. Avoid sites 6 and 7 during walnut season due to falling...

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly appreciated for its vivid colors and elk activity, but walnut trees near certain sites can be problematic. Summer sees active wildlife and is popular for trail use.

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The horse trails are stunning views but are very rocky and rough on a horse. Trail boots definitely recommended." - C Price. "The rangers visit often and are very helpful. The elk come right into...

Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Some users noted issues with dogs running freely.

Based on 36 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're traveling with stock and want maintained trails, daily vault service, and prime fall elk viewing in a National Park setting.

Skip if

You need RV hookups, wide access roads, or a campground that enforces generator curfews consistently.

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Cataloochee Campground

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Cataloochee Campground sits in the remote Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a historic enclave known for its reintroduced elk herd and preserved Appalachian homesteads. Operated by the National Park Service, the mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike valley trails, fish mountain streams, and watch elk grazing in open meadows, especially during the fall rut when bulls bugle across the landscape.