Cataloochee Horse Camp

Star4.68
36 reviews
3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat Hiking

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

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cataloochee Horse Camp
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard recreation use fee for equestrian sites is $30 per night during peak season. Displayed fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
828-497-9270Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 36 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwell-maintained

"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."

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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

Driving directionsTake I-40 east from Knoxville, TN or west from Asheville, NC. Exit I-40 at NC exit 20, twenty-five miles west of Asheville (87 miles east of Knoxville). Turn right onto Cove Creek road 1/10 miles from I-40. Follow Cove Creek road approximately 11 miles to Cataloochee Horse Camp.
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.
Nearby places
Maggie Valley (approx. 15 miles)
Waynesville (approx. 18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies can be found in Maggie Valley (15 miles) and Waynesville (18 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Cataloochee Horse Camp

The magic of Cataloochee shifts with each passing season, reaching its crescendo during peak months when gentle breezes carry the sweet scent of wildflowers and autumn's paintbrush transforms the valley into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Early spring mornings may greet you with a crisp mountain chill that gives way to perfect riding weather by midday, while late fall evenings invite cozy campfires and warm blankets as temperatures dip with the setting sun.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and popular in summer with active wildlife and maintained trails; access road can be rough.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall especially praised for vivid colors and peak elk activity—peak seasonal appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 (late spring); some wildflowers and pleasant weather but limited season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Camp closed outside May 23–Oct 26; winter access not part of the season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - October 26.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to October 26 during peak season.

About Cataloochee Horse Camp

Nestled deep within the tranquil Cataloochee Valley, this hidden gem offers equestrian enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the Great Smoky Mountains as early settlers once did—on horseback. Cataloochee Horse Camp provides a rustic retreat where riders and their trusted companions can rest beneath ancient hardwoods after days spent exploring miles of scenic mountain trails. With dedicated horse stalls and primitive camping facilities, this secluded sanctuary perfectly balances wilderness adventure with essential amenities for both horse and rider.
Cataloochee Horse Camp is exclusively for equestrian camping, with sites specifically designed for horse owners. Nearby options exist for non-equestrian campers.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe area is a hiker's paradise, with trails such as the Boogerman Trail offering a 3.9-mile detour through dense forest. The trails are well-maintained but challenging, and proper preparation is advised.
FishingCampers can fish in the area's streams and rivers, which are teeming with wild trout. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.
Wildlife viewingThe Cataloochee area is known for its elk herd and a significant population of black bears, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers have reported seeing elk in the campground and bears with cubs nearby.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe 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.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh bear activity reported. Strict food storage rules in effect. Gravel road access may pose challenges for large vehicles.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cataloochee Horse Camp

Reviews

4.7
36 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cataloochee Horse Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 7 has been criticized for falling walnuts in the fall. Sites 6 and 7 are not recommended during walnut season. Site 3 is praised as a fantastic spot.
Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-related reviews were provided.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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