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About Cataloochee Horse Camp
Located in the scenic Cataloochee Valley, tucked in a cool and shady canopy, this campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer, including some of the most coveted horseback riding trails in the park.
World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the preservation of Southern Appalachian culture, the Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park.
You MUST have a HORSE to camp at Cataloochee Horse Camp!
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Closed periods
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Currently open - May 1 to Oct 25
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
7 Sites Available
🏕️
1, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
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2, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
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3, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
4, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
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5, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
6, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
7, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
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Site Details
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7 Sites Available
Site
Price
🏕️
1, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
2, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
3, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
4, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
5, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
6, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
🏕️
7, Loop: Horse Camp
Equestrian
6 guests · Campfire
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
55 reviews
Summary
Cataloochee Horse Camp is well-maintained, clean, and offers beautiful scenery with frequent wildlife sightings, including elk. The friendly staff and clean facilities enhance the camping experience, making it a great place for horse enthusiasts. However, some guests have noted issues with trail conditions and noise from generators at night, which can detract from the overall experience.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Overall rating
Based on 55 reviews
5 stars
74.5% (41)
4 stars
9.1% (5)
3 stars
12.7% (7)
2 stars
3.6% (2)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 55 reviews
Verified Only
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Daniel McKenzie
July 6, 2016 Google Maps
Great trails. Fun for all ages. Clean amd wide paths
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Lori Ann
October 19, 2018 Google Maps
Lovely trails
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Christine C
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Horse Camp
My husband and I had a great time riding the trails, visiting the historical cabins and Elk watching! We hope to make this trip every year!
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Laura O
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Horse Camp
We loved the camp sites. Getting there was an adventure in itself. Be sure to adhere to the trailer length advice. The road leading in is narrow, dangerous and will make you pray even if your not religious. The trails are adventurous as well with spectacular views. Be sure your horses are well conditioned. The rangers visit often and are very helpful. The elk come right into camp. I would go back again.
Helpful
Christine C
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Horse Camp
My husband and I had a great time riding the trails, visiting the historical cabins and Elk watching! We hope to make this trip every year!
Helpful
Laura O
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Horse Camp
We loved the camp sites. Getting there was an adventure in itself. Be sure to adhere to the trailer length advice. The road leading in is narrow, dangerous and will make you pray even if your not religious. The trails are adventurous as well with spectacular views. Be sure your horses are well conditioned. The rangers visit often and are very helpful. The elk come right into camp. I would go back again.
Helpful
Arthur D
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Horse Camp
Overall very good. There have been a few instances where we have observed non horse people camping in the horse campground and they were allowed to stay. We have noticed since the rangers don't routinely come through, people run their generators past the deadlines and allow dogs to run freely. The maintenance on the grounds and bathrooms has generally been very good. The volunteers that serve as hosts have all been helpful and supportive. Keeping the trails free of downed trees seems to be an ongoing challenge. We enjoy every visit and come 3-4 times a year and stay at least a week at a time and appreciate the park service folks!
Helpful
Arthur D
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Horse Camp
Overall very good. There have been a few instances where we have observed non horse people camping in the horse campground and they were allowed to stay. We have noticed since the rangers don't routinely come through, people run their generators past the deadlines and allow dogs to run freely. The maintenance on the grounds and bathrooms has generally been very good. The volunteers that serve as hosts have all been helpful and supportive. Keeping the trails free of downed trees seems to be an ongoing challenge. We enjoy every visit and come 3-4 times a year and stay at least a week at a time and appreciate the park service folks!
Helpful
Margaret B
VerifiedOctober 19, 2020 Stayed at: 5, Loop: Horse Camp
I stayed at the horse camp. The campground was in good shape and maintained well. The trails were in pretty good shape. Will be back next year.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Cataloochee Horse Camp
3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876 United States
Elevation: 845 ft
Getting There
Take 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 mi east of Knoxville). Turn right onto Cove Creek road 1/10 mi from I-40. Follow Cove Creek road approximately 11 mi...
Take 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 mi east of Knoxville). Turn right onto Cove Creek road 1/10 mi from I-40. Follow Cove Creek road approximately 11 mi to Cataloochee horse camp.
Highway access
Cataloochee Horse Camp is accessible via NC Highway 284, which connects to US Highway 276 approximately 15 miles to the west. The nearest major interstate is I-40, located about 25 miles to the north.
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The closest entrance is: Cataloochee Entrance
Approximate drive: 4.1 mi · 7 min
Near Yosemite National Park
The closest entrance is: Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate drive: 30.7 mi · 53 min
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- For more information, contact the park office or visit the park website.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Vehicles & parking
- Parking tags are required for vehicles parked over 15 minutes unless at designated campsites.
Safety & rules
- Be aware of bear activity and follow safety practices in bear habitats.
- Generators can only be used from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wildlife & food storage
- Store food and scented items securely to avoid wildlife encounters; fines may apply for violations.
Fires & fuel
- Only certified heat-treated firewood is allowed; campers can collect dead wood for fires.
Accessibility
- Access is via a narrow road; large rigs are not recommended.
Amenities
- The park has no showers or hook-ups for water, sewer, or electricity.
Site types & loops
- You must have a horse to camp here; all horses need a current Coggins test.
Utilities
- Horse camps, excluding Big Creek, do not have drinking water available.
Local regulations
- Fishing requires a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license; special regulations apply.
Pets
- Pets must be leashed, cannot be left unattended, and are not allowed on trails.
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Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Waynesville, NC
Population: 10,502
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 32 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,749 ft
Waynesville, NC
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