Cataloochee Horse Camp
4.6819 reviews3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA
Cataloochee Horse Camp
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Standard recreation use fee for equestrian sites is $30 per night during peak season. Displayed fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
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.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore this living museum of Southern Appalachian heritage. The valley whispers stories of the resilient families who once called these mountains home, their legacy preserved in weathered log cabins, sturdy barns, and humble churches that dot the landscape. The nearby Palmer House stands as a testament to their ingenuity, now transformed into a fascinating self-guided museum where visitors can touch history and imagine life in this remote mountain community over a century ago.
Weather and SeasonsThe 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.
Natural Features and SceneryCataloochee Valley unfolds like a natural amphitheater, with towering ridgelines standing guard over meadows where elk now graze at dawn and dusk. The gentle babbling of Cataloochee Creek provides a constant soundtrack to your adventures, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Spring arrives in waves of delicate trilliums and flame azaleas, while autumn sets the hillsides ablaze with nature's most brilliant display. Every trail promises new vistas, from mist-shrouded morning valleys to sun-dappled forest paths.
Geological RegionCradled within the ancient embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cataloochee Valley represents millions of years of geological artistry. Rugged mountain ranges rise dramatically from the valley floor, their weathered faces telling stories written in stone. The gentle waters of Cataloochee Creek have carved their path through this landscape for millennia, creating a lush corridor of life that draws wildlife and weary travelers alike to its banks. This remarkable corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park showcases the raw beauty and ecological diversity that makes these mountains a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details were provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeEach site includes space for a camping setup and equestrian activities, and is equipped with four horse stalls.
Sites PrivacyCampsites provide a mix of shaded areas under a tree canopy and open spaces for group activities, offering moderate privacy.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 7 in autumn due to falling walnuts. Trails are rocky; trail boots recommended for horses.
Best CampsitesSites 3, 4, and 6 are well-reviewed; site 7 has issues with falling walnuts during the fall season.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in a loop formation with horse stalls at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to October 26 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityUnclear from source whether walk-up reservations are available.
Cancellation PolicyYou can cancel the reservation any time before the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations made the day before or on the day of arrival incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Campers 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 viewing
The 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 Programs
The 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
No specific winter activities described.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed using heat-treated or dead and down wood. Firewood restrictions strictly enforced.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh bear activity reported. Strict food storage rules in effect. Gravel road access may pose challenges for large vehicles.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services available in Waynesville, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - October 26.
Trash and recyclingCampers must dispose of garbage in the dumpsters provided. Food and scented items must be stored properly to avoid wildlife encounters.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Cataloochee Creek.
Common complaintsComplaints include late generator usage, wildlife activity, and the narrow access road.
HostCampground hosts and park volunteers are available and helpful.
Campground Map
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).
Camper Reviews
4.7
19 reviews
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 19 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...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
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 19 reviewsPro 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 19 reviewsShow more
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 19 reviewsCamper 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 19 reviewsShow more
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 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews were provided.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Some users noted issues with dogs running freely.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025