How much does camping cost at Round Bottom Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Round Bottom 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 Round Bottom Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Round Bottom 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 Round Bottom Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Round Bottom Horse Camp has 7 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 Round Bottom Horse Camp?

Round Bottom Horse Camp is open May 25 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 Round Bottom Horse Camp?

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

How many campsites does Round Bottom Horse Camp have?

Round Bottom Horse Camp has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Round Bottom Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Round Bottom 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 Round Bottom Horse Camp?

Round Bottom 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 Round Bottom Horse Camp?

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

Round Bottom Horse Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Round Bottom Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Round Bottom Horse Camp: You MUST have a horse to camp in a horse camp . All horses must have a current Coggins test. A maximum of 6 people and 4 horses may occupy a campsite. Campers are responsible for cleaning their stalls before departure and placing waste in a manure trailer. Fires are allowed in fire rings only. Important Information: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Horse feed is also covered by food storage regulations. Pets are allowed in the horse camp but must be on a leash at all times and not. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.28

8 reviews

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

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Best Campgrounds North Carolina

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Round Bottom 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).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

865-436-1261 OR 828-497-9270

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Cherokee, NC, is about 9 miles away (approximately 20 minutes driving time).

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.

Weather at Round Bottom Horse Camp

Current alerts(12)

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.
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.
Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced!

Best Time to Camp at Round Bottom Horse Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most spectacular scenery — colorful hardwoods and crisp mountain air make trail rides especially memorable, with daytime highs often in the 50s–60s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F at 3,060 ft. Wildlife is more active and visibility through the trees improves, making it prime time for photography and quiet ridge-top rides. Note: although fall foliage is the campground’s standout draw, Round Bottom Horse Camp is closed to reservations for most of the fall (it closes Sept 3), so, Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open May 23–Sep 3; summer can be humid though elevation moderates temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 25 to September 07. 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.

About Round Bottom Horse Camp

Round Bottom Horse Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, operated by the National Park Service as a dedicated equestrian campground. This very small facility offers primitive amenities and direct access to park riding trails, with a creek nearby for watering horses. Campers spend their days on trail rides through hardwood forests and evenings around the fire ring, with fall bringing peak foliage and active wildlife viewing.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most spectacular scenery — colorful hardwoods and crisp mountain air make trail rides especially memorable, with daytime highs often in the 50s–60s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F at 3,060 ft. Wildlife is more active and visibility through the trees improves, making it prime time for photography and quiet ridge-top rides. Note: although fall foliage is the campground’s standout draw, Round Bottom Horse Camp is closed to reservations for most of the fall (it closes Sept 3), so, Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation3060 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a creek-side setting within 500-million-year-old mountains, surrounded by hardwoods and evergreens. Pure mountain streams run clear over time-worn rocks. The forest canopy creates shade across the sites, and morning fog often fills the valleys below before burning off. The biodiversity here is exceptional, with plant and animal species found nowhere else in North America.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly campsites are available; there are no lodging facilities such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park is home to over 90 historic structures, offering insights into Southern Appalachian culture and history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site.

Groups

No group camping facilities are noted.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not specifically mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campsite is designed for equestrian use with adequate space to accommodate horses and trailers.

PrivacyThe privacy level of the sites is not explicitly detailed, but user reviews suggest a quiet and peaceful environment.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the creek for easy access to water, but be prepared to walk 30 yards to fetch water for horses.

Best CampsitesSites 001 and 002 get the highest marks from riders. Site 001 sits right beside the creek, which matters since there's no water hookup in camp. Site 002 offers more seclusion and quiet.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Round Bottom Horse Camp provides a rustic camping experience tailored specifically for equestrian enthusiasts. It is a 'horse camp' and strictly requires campers to bring horses. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Facilities lack typical utilities such as potable water, showers, and electrical hookups. Campers must fetch water for horses from a creek located approximately 30 yards from the campsite. Firewood must be USDA-certified heat-treated wood or collected from dead and down wood within the park. Users must adhere to stringent food and bear safety regulations.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only pit toilets are provided.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyYou MUST have a horse to camp in a horse camp . All horses must have a current Coggins test. A maximum of 6 people and 4 horses may occupy a campsite. Campers are responsible for cleaning their stalls before departure and placing waste in a manure trailer. Fires are allowed in fire rings only. Important Information: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Horse feed is also covered by food storage regulations. Pets are allowed in the horse camp but must be on a leash at all times and not

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

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are available for trash disposal. Campers must adhere to strict food and waste storage regulations due to the presence of bears.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Round Bottom Horse Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

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:...

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

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...

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...

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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Go if

You want a quiet horse camping base for exploring Great Smoky Mountains trails with your own stock.

Skip if

You need on-site water facilities for horses or prefer campgrounds open beyond peak season.

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4.4

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253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Balsam Mountain Campground sits in the high-elevation forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Cherokee, North Carolina. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and designated quiet hours during peak season. Visitors come for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in cooler mountain air, with fall foliage drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts to trails that empty out as summer crowds disperse.