Brian M.
Traveler
TravelerPanthertown Valley Backcountry Area
Absolutely my favorite place to camp. The sunset and sunrise are beyond any.
A good distance from cashiers.
Equestrian Camping near Cashiers, NC
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Willis Knob Horse Camp offers nine designated equestrian campsites in the mountains near the Georgia-South Carolina border, approximately 45 minutes from Cashiers. Each campsite features sturdy highline posts for securing horses, though riders must bring their own ropes and highline gear. The campground provides electric and water hookups at each site, spacious tent pads, lantern hooks, and picnic tables. Clean vault toilets are available, but no shower facilities exist on the property. The trails surrounding Willis Knob are exceptionally well-constructed to prevent deep mud formation even after rainfall. Randy's Horse Camp, located in a similar region, supplements the area's equestrian camping options with drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets in a more developed setting.
Horse trails from Willis Knob connect riders to both Georgia and South Carolina sides of the Chattooga River through a well-maintained trail system. Many equestrians consider this location their favorite mountain horse camp due to its trail quality and campground maintenance. The lack of readily available, accurate trail maps is noted as the primary drawback for riders planning extended excursions from camp. Riders should bring printed maps before arrival. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area, while not specifically developed for horses, permits equestrian access on certain trails. Some campsites along Green Valley Trail provide more seclusion, though horse traffic can create muddy conditions at more popular sites. Both locations require advanced preparation as neither offers on-site feed stores or equestrian supplies.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Cashiers (42)
1. Oconee State Park Campground
"There are primitive, walk-in sites that had the benefit of added privacy, but with 3 little kids, bathroom proximity was a higher priority this time around. "
"There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors."
2. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area
"A good distance from cashiers."
"The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"
3. Lazy J Campground
"Chickens and horses on site. Playground and lots of fun. Sites are wooded and quaint. Roads are a little narrow, but passable. One of our favorite sites."
"We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Panther Ridge RV Park and Campground
from $55 - $650 / night
Check Availability5. Standing Indian Campground
"The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."
"Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."
from $26 - $100 / night
Check Availability6. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."
"We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."
from $30 / night
Check Availability7. Willis Knob Horse Camp
"Some of the best Horse Camping in the Mountains, Great Horse trails that follow the Chatooga River."
"This is a very nice horse camp facility. Well maintained and clean. Trails are wonderful and well-constructed to avoid deep mud."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability8. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA
"If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it. It is perfectly situated beside the river. "
"But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."
9. North Mills River
"Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."
"This is a great campground next to the beautiful North Mills River. Hosts were very accommodating and delivered ice and firewood for a cheap price upon request."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability10. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
"just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot)."
"With that said:
- remote- you have to want to get up here but it's really easy to do once you drive it a few times.
*clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 25 min from Greenville, SC
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cashiers, NC
17 Photos of 42 Cashiers Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cashiers, NC
355 Reviews of 42 Cashiers Campgrounds
- mmaria I.
GuideSmokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Peaceful mountain retreat
Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park. About 1 hour away from Gatlinburg, but this side is less crowded. The sites are plenty big, a little tight to back into, but not a big deal. There is no cell service but this is also a great opportunity to disconnect. Right next to the campground there are horse stables, really recommend an early morning horseback ride around the trails Mountains of the campground. Definitely looking forward to visiting again!
Katie B.GuideSmokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great campground on the NC side
We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park. The bathrooms were nice and there is a little stream that runs by the park. From our site you could hear a busier road but I’m sure that’s not the case at other sites.
- MMegan B.
LegendCataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Yes!!! Great Smokey Mountains...Yes!!
Not the biggest fan of the Gatlinburg/Tennesse part of the park. The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back. Loving it! Beautiful. Just wish there were showers here....lol.
- Myron C.Legend
Harmon Den Area
Primitive Camping with Great Fishing and a Short Drive to Max Patch
Ranger Review: Eclipse Sun Sleeves at Harmon Den Area(Pisgah National Forest) https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=70836
There are a few dispersed camping sites at Harmon’s Den, and they are spacious sanctuaries beside Cold Springs Creek. Harmon Den is in Pisgah National Forest, and dispersed camping is allowed but only where there is a camping symbol posted along Cold Springs Creek Road. To get to the campsite, you have to get off on Exit 7 along Interstate 40 in North Carolina and travel a gravel road for several miles. You will not want to drive too fast since there are several potholes, washboards, and protruding rocks in the road. At the campsite, there is a fire ring, but there are no other facilities such as bathrooms, showers, electricity, running water, trash cans, camp store, firewood for sale, campground hosts, etc. It is pretty much just a space for camping. With that said, it offers all the exciting activities that national forests offer, such as fishing, biking, hiking, etc. Harmon Den is mostly known as a horse camp, although car camping without horses is a common occurrence. When I was there, I passed by a couple of car campers that did not have horses. I did see a few vehicles with horse trailers pass by on the road. Because it is a popular horse camping area, you have to watch where you step. At our campsite, there was horse poop in several places, and I had to watch my grandson closely so he didn’t step in a pile of horse manure. Expect to encounter horse flies as well. There was also lots of poison ivy, so that was another concern I had about my grandson running freely. Since there are no bathrooms, practicing LNT(Leave No Trace) is important. Unfortunately, there was lots of trash, but that was a teachable moment for my grandson, and we definitely left the campsite better than what we found it. Before it gets dark, make sure you know where you are going to take care of business when you have to get up in the middle of the night. That way, you can avoid stepping in the wrong place. There were also quite a few people fishing in the creek on the way to the campsite since the creek is a popular place for trout fishing. As a matter of fact, a wildlife officer came through our camp with a fishnet full of trout to stock the creek. She asked us if we brought our fishing poles. Unfortunately, that’s one thing I didn’t take camping with me. What was I thinking? Even with the horse poop and the poison ivy, it’s a great area for camping if you like solitude and the sounds of the creek throughout the night. Another reason to camp at Harmon Den is to visit Max Patch while you are there. I would suggest staying at least two nights so you can spend one day just enjoying Max Patch. It is a large mountain bald over which the Appalachian Trail crosses. I have been there in the past when people are having picnics, flying kites, or just lying on a blanket enjoying the magnificent scenery. If you go at the right time of year, one of the trails up to Max Patch will take you by wild blueberries and blackberries. As I stated earlier, the campsites are spacious, and it felt very peaceful just being there.
Product Review:
As a Dyrt Ranger I get to occasionally try out outdoor products while camping and this trip I brought Eclipse Sun Sleeves(https://eclipseglove.com/)..) As a stem cell transplant survivor from stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, I can never be in the sun without adequate protection for the rest of my life. That’s why Eclipse clothing is perfect for me. Even in the middle of the summer, I have had to wear long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat. I had earlier written a review for the Eclipse shawl, but with the Eclipse Sun Sleeves, I can finally wear my short sleeve shirts again. Since I love the outdoors and have some cool t-shirts, all I have to do is put on my sun sleeves and I am protected. The only thing I could see that might need improving would be to figure out how to keep the upper part to stay up. It wasn’t that much of a problem, and I don’t how the company could solve it, but overall, the sun sleeves are great. I would further like to say that because of sun sleeves, those who are allergic to the sun have one less excuse not to go outdoors in the sun..
- Myron C.Legend
Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Campground near Rafting Excursions on the Pigeon River
Even though the sites are walk-in sites, when I was there it was pretty crowded since the sites are close together. At night, you can hear the distant sounds of the creek … if the other campers can stop talking. This is not a campground for RVs. There are no hookups and there are no places for RVs to park. The thing I like best about this campground is its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and several other trails, including the Benton MacKaye Trail. Midnight Hole, which is a 1.5 mile hike, is a great place to cool off. Once you get there, you can swim to a big rock and jump off into a natural pool. I believe this is the same place I took Boy Scouts many, many years ago and they loved it. You just have to be careful because it is deep and COLD. The trail to Mount Cammerer is quite strenuous, but the view is worth it. Other than the great trails, the other attraction is the whitewater rafting. There are a few outfitters just over the state line, and they shuttle rafters to the starting point beside the power station. The one I used was NOC. When I first came here years ago, I thought the river looked low, but by the time we put our raft in, the river was raging. I think the most fun, besides the rafting, at this campground is playing on the rocks in the creek. There is also a group camping area, which is separate from the family campground. That is because they release the water just for rafting. This campground is conveniently located off of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee and North Carolina state line. Once you get to the national park road leading to it, it is a 1.2 mile drive on a gravel road.
Crystal C.LegendSmokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Welcome To North Carolina, the Smoky Mountain Way!
On the most crowded of days sometimes you just find something that makes you happy and in my pursuit of a waterfall, that is how I stumbled upon Smokemont. I had thought it was a group only camp from other readings, but then discovered it was this great place with wide spaces big enough for RVs or tents.
The sites were pretty flat and even and made for my tent night comfortable. Facilities were well maintained and this being my first campground in North Carolina, it left a very good impression on me to say the least!!
I did find this campsite to be less crowded than the two major camps on the Tennessee side the Smoky Mountain entrance.
The campsite I had was only $21 when I visited and was pretty standard with picnic table and fire ring. They do ask you only use heat treated wood and not bring in woods which might contain little critters not native to the area. This was the only real warning they gave me when I checked in.
- Myron C.Legend
Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Large National Park Campground Close to Historic Structures
Despite having rained for a week, staying at this campground wasn’t half bad. Building a fire was next to impossible. I think there might have been thirty minutes without rain, so pictures are limited. Being in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need to be prepared for rain since it is a temperate rain forest. I had brought Boy Scouts to this campground years ago and wanted to go back. This time, we did not stay in the group camping area. Since it was at the beginning of the week, it wasn’t too crowded, although there were two Boy Scout groups in the group camping area. There are several camping areas, and the one we were in allowed generators during the day. I think I heard one, but it was not so bad. Unfortunately, there are gravel tent pads, which is bad news for campers with tents you have to stake down. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. As a tent camper, I hate gravel tent pads. Being in the national park, the amenities are about the same as the other national park campgrounds. However, I was surprised that the bath house had an electrical outlet to be used for blow dryers and shavers. I don’t remember any other Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds having that luxury. But like the other ones in this national park, the bath house does not have showers or campsite hookups for water, sewer, and electricity. There are several trails in the area, but the ones that originate from the campground is the¾ mile nature trail and the Bradley Fork Smokemont Loop. When my son and I hiked this trail, we had to watch out for and step around horse poop. Since this trail is also used by horses, there was lots of it. Fortunately, the nature trail didn’t allow horses. My granddaughter loved walking over the log bridges and skipping rocks at the campground while it wasn’t raining. I think that was her favorite part. As with most of my camping trips, I want to explore, and there is plenty to explore around this campground. Being in the national park, there is a wide variety.
Fewer than three miles down the road, there is an old mill (Mingus Mill), the Oconaluftee Visitors Center (which has the Mountain Farm Museum), elk, wild turkeys, etc. Within the boundary of the campground I discovered something at the campground that I never knew existed. There was an old church at the campground that was built before Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established. We were able to go into the church for me to take a few pictures. It was first constructed in 1836 and rebuilt in 1912. Not too far from the campground is the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail, and the Kephart Prong Trail. This campground is also one of the largest campgrounds in the national park that I have been to. Although it is not an equestrian campground, Tow String camping area is“next door,” and it is an equestrian campground. The horseback riders pass beside the campground on route to the Bradley Fork Trail. Overall, this was one of my better experiences with national park campgrounds except for the rain.
- Kristen B.Guide
North Mills River
Great small spot
Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect. No power, can use a generator but only for a few hours during non quiet time. Quiet hours strictly enforced. Horse trails nearby. Roads lead to blue ridge Parkway. There is a shower and working toilet, but also outhouse for off season use. Hosts make you feel like family.
Guide to Cashiers
Equestrian camping near Cashiers, North Carolina centers around the Chattooga River watershed at elevations between 3,000-4,500 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests and maintained trail systems remain accessible from April through October, with summer temperatures typically ranging 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring bringing higher water levels at river crossings.
What to Do
Trail riding to waterfalls: Multiple trails from Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area connect riders to secluded waterfalls through diverse terrain. "Waterfalls are everywhere," notes Tony E., who recommends bringing "a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers. It's an easy place to get lost because of all the unofficial trails."
Trout fishing from camp: At Lazy J Campground, riders can alternate between trail days and fishing days with minimal travel. "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River," shares Ricky J., who appreciated how the campground "felt like we were camping deep in the woods."
Mountain biking access: The region offers dual-use trails that accommodate both horses and mountain bikes at certain locations. North Mills River serves as a hub for both activities with "multiple hiking trails near by and definitely a lot of wild life," according to a reviewer who found the location "peaceful and quiet, perfect for a relaxing weekend."
What Campers Like
Creekside camping options: Many equestrian campers appreciate proximity to water for both horses and humans. At Standing Indian Campground, "we could hear the stream from our site at night. Exactly what we were looking for," reports Chrissy R. The campground features "a nice bathroom building and regularly spaced out water pumps" that make longer stays comfortable.
Solitude on less-traveled trails: The Green Valley Trail area provides more privacy than main routes. "The Green Valley Trail campsite was our favorite. It was the most secluded and in an utterly beautiful location. There was foliage covering it from the trail and there was a creek steps away which made it easy to get water," explains Marta S., who appreciated this contrast to more crowded areas.
Organized facilities: Most riders prefer the structure of established campgrounds for multi-day trips. Oconee State Park Campground offers "multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors," according to Jessica S., who found it ideal for longer stays.
What You Should Know
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is essential throughout the region. "You will really need to pack a bear safe food container and absolutely store food using a bear line well away from camp as there are most certainly bears out and about," warns Julie L. from Panthertown Valley, where encounters are common.
Trail mapping challenges: Beyond Willis Knob's noted map issues, most camping areas require advance planning. "It is imperative to purchase a decent map for these trails and I highly recommend using the one available via the Friends of Panthertown website," advises Julie L., emphasizing the need for both "an electronics map and a paper backup."
Weather considerations: The mountain environment experiences rapid changes in conditions. "Be aware that the bears here are extremely bad. I actually had an encounter with a very large bear who charged my group and destroyed at tent," reports Phoebe A., highlighting both wildlife and weather as factors requiring preparation.
Tips for Camping with Families
Beginner-friendly loops: For families new to horse camping, start with shorter routes before tackling longer trails. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA provides both tent and cabin options with "two pools, jump pillow and pad, banana bikes, play ground and three ponds for fishing," according to Robbie T., making it suitable for mixed family groups.
Cabin alternatives: When weather turns unfavorable, cabins offer comfortable backup options. "We had a wonderful opportunity to spend a couple of days at a cabin with friends for a workshop. It was incredibly secluded and quiet. We had a great place to hang hammocks near the fire pit and small trails behind the cabin to explore," shares Maddi P. about Oconee State Park.
Water access points: Identify safe water crossing locations before departing with younger riders. "The headwaters of the Nantaha River flow through the campground providing a gathering place for families to enjoy playing in a cold mountain stream," notes Nancy R. about Standing Indian Campground, where water activities complement riding.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Look for pull-through sites when bringing larger rigs with attached horse trailers. "Campsites are often uneven with a lot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV," warns Constance O., highlighting the importance of advance planning at Oconee State Park.
Electric hookups: For extended stays, prioritize locations with reliable power. Randy's Horse Camp offers "electric and water hookups" which keeps phone batteries charged for GPS trail navigation. "Wonderful place to Camp good people and beautiful views. And the creek runs thru the camp," notes Donna F.
Access road considerations: Many equestrian campgrounds have narrow approach roads. "The road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep, and there is at least one very tight hairpin turn," cautions John K. about Standing Indian, suggesting that RV users should "tow your pop-up or pitch a tent" rather than bringing large fifth wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Cashiers, NC?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cashiers, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cashiers, NC is Oconee State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Cashiers, NC?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cashiers, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 equestrian camping locations near Cashiers, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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