6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp accommodates horses with spacious campsites designed for equestrian use. Located near Lake Junaluska in Pisgah Forest, this established campground provides essential amenities including drinking water, trash collection, and sanitary dump facilities. The campground features accessible tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings where campfires are permitted. Reservations are required and the camp operates year-round. While specific horse corrals aren't listed in the facilities, the campground is specifically designated for horse camping. Trail riders will find the camp exceptionally quiet and peaceful with ample space for horses and camping equipment. The campground maintains clean toilet facilities though showers are not available.
Located approximately 40 miles from Lake Junaluska, Wash Creek Horse Camp connects directly to the extensive trail system within Pisgah National Forest. The forest offers miles of bridle paths suitable for various riding skill levels. Trailer parking accommodates multiple vehicles, and the camp's layout allows easy access to trailheads. Water access for horses is available, though riders should verify current water availability conditions during dry seasons. Campers consistently rate this location with perfect 5-star reviews, noting the pristine natural setting and well-maintained facilities. The campground's drive-in and walk-in access provides flexibility for different arrival methods. Visitors should bring all necessary horse supplies as there are no tack shops or feed stores within immediate proximity of the campground.
"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."
"This: Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"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)."
"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 location can’t be beat. Nestled between Asheville and Brevard, close to Pisgah NF and Sierra Nevada brewing! We loved the access to fishing here, even though we didn’t catch anything."
Available this weekend
from $31 - $62 / night
"Nearby is group camping and horse camping. You cannot park your car right on the campsite. There is a parking lot and you need to carry your gear in. It's about 100 feet to the sites."
"The camp is beautiful and you are surrounded by the magical sounds of rushing water. There are two creeks nearby, one big and one small. We spent one day simply enjoying the campground."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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."
"There are specific campgrounds only a ten minute walk from the summit. This is where I camp when I go."
"These sites are next to a river. Has fire pits and places to hang your gear. It's a great site down in the valley and the trail is beautiful getting there."
"There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."
"This campground is off the beaten path but found by LOTS so have a reservation. There is an 11 mile loop with historic structures and lots of wildlife. Watch for BEARS!"
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"Water source was very close to the shelter. We had zero issues with bugs or critters bothering us at night. I was also able to get cell/satellite service outside the shelter and up on the AT."
"The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters."
"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."
GuideThis location can’t be beat. Nestled between Asheville and Brevard, close to Pisgah NF and Sierra Nevada brewing! We loved the access to fishing here, even though we didn’t catch anything. The streams were pristine, the campground very well kept and the hosts were kind. And our dog obviously loved it!
RangerNice sites but fairly open layout so not private.
GuideHave camped here before. Very quiet campground.
GuideGreat campsites, little closer together than what I like but still nice and shaded all paved. Have three dump stations that are very nice. Will definitely come back. Better have reservations, cause it does stay full.
RangerIt says no overnight camping but there were 3 cars camping so I decided to camp. Drove straight across the entrance where a sign said parking but no camping. Was actually a really good camp spot plenty of room.
ScoutGreat site with nice facilities like pool. Reception with large shop with basic camping needs, groceries and beer and wine. Wood service, delivered to your site, is also great! Could be experienced as a bit busy, but not noisy at all.
GuideThere is a beautiful drive to get to this campground once you get through the traffic jam of Sevierville. Enjoy the scenic and winding river road! Only loop C is open in the off season. Generators are allowed at this time of year, but must be off by 8pm. The women's restroom was revoltingly smelly (some animal had sprayed in there, smelled like male cat x100). I hope this was a temporary situation.
The sites have nice new pads(not perfectly level though) and the tent pads are spacious and flat. Cade's Cove loop was definitely worth taking, and I would do it again and stop at every stop. Take the pull outs and let the people pass you so you can really soak it all in. Also, make sure to get a parking pass and a brochure at the first stop, which explains the sites along the loop. I saw many turkeys showing off their fan tails. And a large black bear chowing down on the sweet, fattening, tender spring grass. Also there were quite a few deer out. The scenery was magnificent!
ScoutThe staff are fantastic and they keep the maintenance up. The bathrooms are the cleanest I have had at a campground. A lot of locals camping and they are great people to visit with.
GuideAt this koa there's alot of stuff to do on the property. One cool this is the axe throwing thing and the big jumping pillow and the pool and hot tub. I tent camped at the sand pad with water and electricity. It was right in front of the lake. There where frequently duck in it . This koa was also very close to tiwn/in town.
Equestrian enthusiasts and campers find several options for wilderness stays within a 40-mile radius of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. This mountainous region sits at elevations between 1,700-6,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Forest service roads accessing many campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at primitive sites after rain.
Trail riding through Pisgah: Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp connects directly to extensive bridle paths suitable for various skill levels. "Love this place," writes Larry M., highlighting the "awesome trails for u & ur horses." Riders can access forest trails directly from camp without trailering.
Elk watching opportunities: At Cataloochee Campground, wildlife viewing becomes a central activity. "If you want to see the elk, you're going to have to be up early. I use to be in the park at 5 AM with night vision gear, I saw some very nice elk," advises Patrick K. The rutting season from October through December offers the best viewing chances.
Fishing mountain streams: Trout fishing opportunities abound throughout the region. As Myron C. notes at Harmon Den Area, "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." Many campgrounds offer stream access for anglers, with spring typically providing optimal fishing conditions.
Peaceful water sounds: Campers consistently mention the calming effect of streams near campsites. At North Mills River Campground, Jonathan N. describes "listening to the babbling river that runs through the center of campground" and enjoying "the peace and serenity of the woods." Many sites feature creekside locations for natural white noise.
Historical structures: Within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, multiple campgrounds provide access to preserved pioneer buildings. At Cades Cove, a visitor notes, "Make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest." Similarly, Crystal C. mentions Cataloochee contains "several structures which ones were the homes of some of the first residents of the Smoky Mountains."
Off-season value: Winter camping offers both solitude and savings. Jonathan N. highlights North Mills River's seasonal pricing: "Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11 (hard to beat)!" Many campgrounds maintain partial operations during winter months with reduced rates.
Road conditions matter: Access to remote equestrian camping often requires navigating challenging roads. At Harmon Den Area, Myron C. warns, "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."
Reservation requirements vary: Some sites require advance planning while others allow spontaneous trips. Kristina at Cataloochee advises, "Reservations are highly recommended, but it is possible except on the busiest weekends to occasionally snag one of the not so prime sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake Junaluska, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake Junaluska, NC is Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lake Junaluska, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 equestrian camping locations near Lake Junaluska, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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