Houston Valley

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

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.

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Katy Branch offers a unique piece of conservation history transformed into your perfect group gathering spot. This former Youth Conservation Corps camp now serves as a well-appointed private pavilion, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces connected by a scenic half-mile gravel road that builds anticipation as you arrive.

3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA

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.

2145 NC-209, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

Tucked away in the lush forests near Hot Springs, North Carolina, Rocky Bluff Campground beckons those seeking a true escape from the modern world. This rustic woodland retreat invites you to disconnect and rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite comes equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars: sturdy picnic tables for gathering, level tent pads for restful sleep, traditional lantern posts that cast a warm glow, and stone-ringed fire pits complete with grills for campfire cooking. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with porta-johns serving as facilities, this only adds to the authentic wilderness experience. The melodic sounds of nearby Spring Creek and easy access to winding forest trails create an atmosphere of tranquil seclusion that's increasingly rare to find.

Cherokee National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Round Mountain Campground offers a refreshing escape into Tennessee's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with secluded camping spots among towering trees and babbling streams. Simply arrive, select your perfect site, and settle into the tranquility of the forest.

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Tucked away in the enchanting Cataloochee Valley, this hidden gem of Great Smoky Mountains National Park beckons those seeking solitude and authentic mountain experiences. Here, where pristine streams whisper through ancient forests and majestic elk roam freely across meadows, Cataloochee Campground offers an intimate connection with the wild heart of Appalachia. Morning mists reveal breathtaking mountain vistas, while evenings bring the haunting bugle of bull elk echoing through the valley. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring the profound quiet of this secluded paradise, Cataloochee promises an unforgettable escape from the modern world.

632 Manor RD, Mars Hill, NC 28754, USA

Hidden beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, Harmon Den Horse Campground beckons to those seeking adventure on horseback or the simple pleasure of sleeping under starlit skies. This remote sanctuary caters to equestrian enthusiasts with thoughtfully designed amenities, including spacious stalls, convenient mangers, and direct access to miles of scenic riding trails that wind through the Appalachian wilderness. Whether you arrive with your four-legged companion or simply with a tent and a spirit of adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in the tranquil rhythms of forest life.

127 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN, 37722, USA

Nestled beneath a cathedral of ancient hardwoods, Cosby Group Camp offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of Cosby Creek provides nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park combines the serenity of backcountry camping with the convenience of modern amenities, including flush toilets and fresh drinking water. Perfect for groups seeking authentic tent camping experiences, the campground invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the timeless rhythms of the mountains.

Cherokee National Forest

Escape into the untamed wilderness at this secluded campground nestled deep within Cherokee National Forest. Far from the crowds and connected only by winding forest roads, this remote sanctuary offers an authentic backcountry experience where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

Where the rushing waters of Big Creek meet the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Big Creek Group Camp offers an intimate wilderness experience right at the Tennessee-North Carolina border. This secluded retreat within Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes groups of up to 25 adventurers beneath a cathedral of old-growth forest canopy. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and thoughtfully placed tent pads that let you sleep under towering hardwoods while Big Creek's gentle symphony plays through the night. Miles of hiking and horseback trails begin right from your campsite, inviting exploration into one of America's most biodiverse landscapes.

1965 Lower Paint Creek Rd

Tucked away in a secluded mountain cove along the babbling waters of Paint Creek, this enchanting campground offers a true escape into nature at 1,760 feet elevation in Greene County, Tennessee. Here, generously spaced campsites provide an intimate connection with the wilderness, where towering hemlocks and ancient rhododendrons create natural privacy screens between sites. The melodic sounds of Paint Creek accompany campers throughout their stay, while mountain laurels paint the landscape with delicate blooms, creating a photographer's paradise and a nature lover's dream retreat.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

Nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big Creek Horse Camp offers an extraordinary escape where riders and their equine companions can explore some of the most breathtaking mountain trails in the eastern United States. As the park's only horse camp equipped with potable water and flush toilets, this specialized equestrian haven combines rustic mountain charm with essential modern conveniences. Here, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on trail meets the whisper of mountain streams, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your horseback adventure. Remember, this exclusive retreat requires you to bring your own horse – it's a place where the bond between rider and mount deepens with every mile of scenic trail.

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Big Creek Campground, a hidden gem tucked away in the remote reaches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This intimate tent-only retreat offers 12 peaceful walk-in sites, each just a short stroll from the parking area and perfectly positioned alongside the melodic waters of Big Creek. While embracing a back-to-nature experience without showers or hookups, the campground thoughtfully provides modern conveniences including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from the local wildlife.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

Escape to Big Creek Campground, where the authentic tent camping experience brings you closer to the heart of the Smoky Mountains. This peaceful retreat welcomes those seeking simplicity and connection with nature, offering essential comforts like flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars. While you won't find RV hookups, camp stores, or shower facilities here, what you will discover is something far more valuable – an unspoiled gateway to mountain wilderness where the only sounds at night are crackling campfires and the gentle rush of Big Creek.

3576 Ranger Station Road

Tucked away in the remote Cataloochee Valley, this primitive group campground offers an authentic backcountry experience where time seems to slow down. Beneath towering mountain peaks and within dense, shaded forests, campers discover a gateway to some of the park's finest hiking trails and pristine fishing streams. Historic log structures dot the landscape nearby, whispering stories of the mountain families who once called this rugged valley home.

127 Cosby Park Road

Escape into the peaceful embrace of Cosby Campground, where traditional camping meets the untamed beauty of the Smokies. Each thoughtfully designed tent site offers a 16x16 ft pad nestled among towering trees, complete with your own fire ring for evening storytelling, a grill for memorable outdoor meals, and a picnic table for gathering under the canopy. While you'll find modern conveniences like flush toilets and fresh drinking water throughout the grounds, the campground maintains its authentic wilderness character without showers or electric hookups—perfect for those seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience. RV campers will find limited spaces available, making this primarily a haven for tent enthusiasts.

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Tucked away in a pristine hardwood forest, Horse Creek Recreation Area offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with 14 tent-only campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The gentle murmur of Horse Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while modern comforts await in the well-maintained bathhouse featuring hot showers and flush toilets. This hidden gem attracts those seeking a peaceful retreat where the forest canopy filters golden sunlight and the air carries the fresh scent of mountain streams.

Cherokee National Forest

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

127 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN, 37722, USA

127 Cosby Park Road

3576 Ranger Station Rd

1965 Lower Paint Creek Rd

Cherokee National Forest

2145 NC-209, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

632 Manor RD, Mars Hill, NC 28754, USA

3576 Ranger Station Road

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4400 Unicoi Drive

Perched on a scenic peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Cherokee National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground features 43 intimate sites crafted specifically for tent camping enthusiasts who crave a genuine connection with nature. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including clean flush toilets, a well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers, and fresh potable water throughout the grounds. True to its back-to-nature ethos, the campground intentionally forgoes electrical hookups, encouraging visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil mountain setting.

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Katy Branch offers a unique piece of conservation history transformed into your perfect group gathering spot. This former Youth Conservation Corps camp now serves as a well-appointed private pavilion, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces connected by a scenic half-mile gravel road that builds anticipation as you arrive.