Round Bottom Horse Camp

Star4.16
8 reviews
c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

3,060 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

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
Round Bottom Horse Camp
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for peak season (May 23, 2025 - September 03, 2025) are $30 per night for equestrian non-electric sites.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
865-436-1261 OR 828-497-9270
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 8 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"Reviews for Round Bottom Horse Camp are generally positive, highlighting the scenic location, horseback riding opportunities, and the tranquil environment. However, a lack of water in the campsite is a recurring issue."

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Campground Map

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

Round Bottom Horse Camp

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

Driving directionsFrom Cherokee, NC: Take US 441 north. Just before entering the park, turn right at last traffic light onto Acquoni Road. Go one block, across the river, and turn left onto Big Cove Road (marked by detour sign). Go 9 miles to a tee. Turn right and go 0.9 mile to the end of the pavement. Take the gravel Straight Fork-Round Bottom road, adjacent to a trout rearing facility, 3.5 miles to the horse camp. From Gatlinburg, TN: Take Newfound Gap Road (US 441 South) towards Cherokee, NC. Exit the park into Cherokee and turn left at the first traffic light. Go one block, across the river, and turn left onto Big Cove Road (marked by detour sign). Continue with directions above.
Access requires navigating gravel roads. Road conditions may be challenging for some vehicles. Seasonal weather could further impact road usability.
Nearby places
Cherokee, NC, is about 9 miles away (approximately 20 minutes driving time).
Nearby supplies
Fuel and grocery stores can be found in Cherokee, NC, located about 9 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Round Bottom Horse Camp

At 3,060 feet above sea level, Round Bottom enjoys nature's perfect climate balance. Winter brings crisp, refreshing air without harsh extremes, making off-season rides surprisingly pleasant. As spring unfolds, the mountainsides burst alive with spectacular wildflower displays that transform trails into nature's gallery. Summer delivers warm days tempered by cool mountain breezes, while autumn stages its grand finale with a breathtaking tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber foliage that makes every ride feel like a journey through a living painting.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in peak season but reviewers note summer can be humid and hot despite elevation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall foliage and vibrant colors make autumn an ideal season to visit.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers praised, though seasonal openings vary and early spring may be closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations through much of the off-season, limiting winter use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 03, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 23, 2025, to September 03, 2025. The campground is closed for reservations from September 03, 2025, to May 26, 2026.
  • Current Alerts: None reported.

About Round Bottom Horse Camp

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Round Bottom Horse Camp, where the ancient peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains become your personal riding playground. Perched at an elevation of 3,060 feet, this specialized equestrian retreat connects riders with miles of scenic mountain trails that wind through pristine wilderness. Here, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on mountain paths mingles with the babbling of crystal-clear streams, creating a symphony that speaks to every horse lover's soul.
Round Bottom Horse Camp is a specialized facility catering to equestrian campers. Its setup is tailored for horseback riding enthusiasts and does not accommodate regular tent or RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a wide range of recreational activities including horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and exploring cultural and historic sites. Activities are deeply interwoven with the park's natural landscape and cultural heritage.
HikingOver 800 miles of maintained hiking trails are available in the park. Trails vary from short, easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes.
FishingBackcountry fishing opportunities include trout-rich streams and rivers. A valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license is required, along with adherence to park-specific fishing regulations.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly seen includes bears among the park's approximately 1,500 population. The park is a sanctuary for diverse animal species.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park is home to over 90 historic structures, offering insights into Southern Appalachian culture and history.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is high, making strict adherence to food storage rules critical. Wildlife encounters and rural terrain may pose challenges.
Active AlertsNone reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Round Bottom Horse Camp

Reviews

4.2
8 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Round Bottom Horse Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Round Bottom Horse Camp are generally positive, highlighting the scenic location, horseback riding opportunities, and the tranquil environment. However, a lack of water in the campsite is a recurring issue.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the peaceful setting, proximity to a creek, and excellent horseback riding trails. One reviewer noted, 'My daughter and I went on a 5-night trip and had a wonderful time...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary complaint was the lack of water on-site for horses, requiring campers to fetch water from a creek across the road. Another issue was poor cell service, as highlighted in the review:...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring sufficient water for their stay or be prepared to fetch water from the creek nearby. Additionally, bringing certified heat-treated firewood is essential due to strict...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit due to the vibrant wildflowers and fall foliage. Summer can be humid and hot due to the campground's elevation of 3,060 feet.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground and it’s super easy to get to! Right beside the creek. Great horseback riding.' 2. 'I loved the peace and quiet. Had to walk across the road to water our horses. Wish there...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews indicate that sites like 001 and 002 near Horse Camp 001-005 loop offer good experiences but require walking across the road to access water.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews explicitly addressed accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground, but they must be kept on a leash and are not permitted on trails. No specific user experiences related to pets were provided.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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