Are you looking for a place to stay in Dana with your horse? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you. Plan the perfect trip in minutes.
North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities.
The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.
The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River.
Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, music venues, shops and restaurants.
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167.
$40 - $44 / night
Black Mountain Campground sits in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. and borders the South Toe River. Black Mountain is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast.
With the South Toe River located adjacent to the campground, visitors will have no shortage of things to do, including picnicking, day hiking, scenic driving and trout fishing. Hikers will be pleased with a variety of trails from which to choose, including a leisurely half-mile walk through the forest or a challenging 5.6-mile hike to Mt. Mitchell.
The campground sits at an elevation of 3,040 feet. The 6,684-foot Mt. Mitchell towers over the area, with several other high peaks of the Black Mountains nearby. This lush Appalachian forest is rich with wildlife, plants and scenery.
Groups can easily head out for a day of scenic driving along Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park.
$35 / night
$20 / night
Cataloochee campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley--a relatively remote part of Smoky Mountain National Park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other parts of the park.
The Cataloochee Valley features an extensive trail system that is less heavily used compared to other areas of the park. The two main trails, Caldwell Fork and nearby Rough Fork Trail, run mostly parallel to one another in the central portion of the valley. Either of these trails extend alongside scenic creeks and streams and support both hikers and horeseback riders. For hikers only, the 3.9-mile Boogerman Trail forms a nice loop off the Caldwell Fork Trail and is less than a mile walk from the campground. Anglers will agree that some of the best Rainbow and Brook trout fishing in the area can be found in the Cataloochee Basin, one of the most remote sections of the park. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. A handful of which can be found in the Cataloochee Valley, including the nearby Palmer House, built in 1869, which contains a self-guided museum.
Cataloochee Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams, like nearby Cataloochee Creek. Elk are common in this part of the park, during the spring and fall. At a 2,600 foot elevation, Cataloochee provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or exploding with vivid fall colors, the scenery at Cataloochee never disappoints.
A number of the park's famous historical buildings, including the Steve Woody and Caldwell Houses, both built in the late 19th-century, are nearby the campground. The Steve Woody House, built in 1880, is located along the Rough Fork trail, an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike from the parking lot at the end of Ranger Station Road.
$30 / night
$12 - $28 / night
Bent River Equestrian is a small horse farm at the foot of the Pisgah National Forest and *less than *4 miles from DuPont State Recreational Forest.
The farm is in a small neighborhood, so appropriate for families, couples, and small groups to use as a base camp for their adventures. We are only a few miles Oskar Blues, The Hub, and Ecusta Brewing! Additionally, Brevard has many restaurants and a bit of night life, with bands playing at 185 King St. regularly. Sunsets in the Fall and Spring are amazing on the farm, but we normally recommend you spend afternoons in the shade of the woods or river.
There are two Farm Hands/Backpacking Guides who live on site in their own tiny homes, and my small home is on site. Campers have an unobstructed view of Looking Glass Rock, Mt. Pisgah, and you can see up to The Devil's Courthouse.
$30 - $900 / night
Wash Creek Horse Camp is a small group area designed for equestrian use located two miles northeast of the North Mills River Recreation Area and Bent Creek of the Pisgah Ranger District.
As part of the Pisgah National Forest, a network of equestrian trails are available in the North Mills River, Trace Ridge and Wash Creek areas and are easily accessible with space for several horse trailers. Hiking, fishing and hunting are popular activities in the area. Some of these trails are shared by mountain bikers. Routes are marked with signs and colored blazes.
Wash Creek offers a remote hardwood forest setting with a small, shallow stream nearby.
The site is 20 minutes from the North Mills River Recreation Area and 45 minutes from Lake Powhatan Recreation Area. It is approximately 1 hour from attractions in both Brevard and Asheville.
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4910.
$40 / night
Please feel free to look at my instagram account for many photos of the estate.
https://www.instagram.com/ambergf/
This is a private piece of property in a quiet area of Buncombe County, just outside of Asheville but just before Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Many things to do , hike, climb, cycle or motorbikes. A girlfriend of mine has about 30 horses and allows paid rides if you like. Too much to list for the area but would love to discuss it with anyone.
$20 - $30 / night
$4 - $20 / night
Within the Pisgah Ranger District there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come - first serve basis. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available. Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of. The following regulations must be adhered to and are strictly enforced by Law Enforcement Officers. • Roadside camping is allowed at designated campsites only. Signs designating a legal campsite show a camping_ symbol and a site number (for example "AC-3" for Avery Creek site 3). • The National Forests in North Carolina have a policy which allows for campers to occupy a roadside campsite for a maximum of 14 days out of a 30 day period. If a camper changes locations or moves to another campsite, it cannot be within 10 miles of previous site, the maximum stay limit of 14 days applies to all sites occupied. • All vehicles must be parked along road shoulders without blocking traffic. • Campfires are allowed only within the metal fire ring provided on the site, Building of additional fire rings is not allowed. AJJ camping equipment and tents must remain on the designated tent pad. • Collecting 'dead and downed' :firewood in the forest is permitted for camp fires. It is illegal to cut, chop, or saw live or standing trees or other live growth. Do not chop into or drive nails into live trees. • It is illegal to establish and set up a campsite for the purpose of reserving a camping place. The campsite must be occupied on the night it is set up by a minimum of one person. • It is illegal to leave a camp unattended for period of more than 24 hours. • It is illegal to fail to remove all camping equipment, personal property, trash, and refuse from a campsite when vacating or leaving that area or site. • It is mandatory that all human waste be buried at least 6 _inches deep and a minimum or 200 feet from a stream. trail, or campsite. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Avery Creek Road (FSR 477) and Lickstone Road (FSR 97). Prohibition is 1000 feet to either side of the road, campsites, trails or roads leading off of either of the aforementioned. Warning: Unattended property and equipment in these areas can be an easy target for criminal activity. Protect your property by locking valuables out of site. Access to these campsites is easy by any vehicle. If you see anyone stealing anything from a roadside campsite or parking area near a public trailhead, picnic, or recreation area please call 911 to report it or call USPS Law Enforcement at the Pisgah District Ranger Station at 828-877-3265
Traveler
I took my horses and grandson to camp in the equestrian campsite. The bathrooms are very clean with AC. There a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want.
Guide
We frequently visit this campground for weekend trips as it is close to us. It is easily accessible and does have areas for your garbage but there are no bathrooms which puts a small damper on a family visit. The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout so it is great for fishing and swimming.
Traveler
My son and I decided to go camping and needed a place the same day. We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative. Our site was across the path from the French Broad, had water and power access and felt secluded and mountainous. The bath house was clean and well maintained. We really enjoyed staying here and plan to go back soon.
Traveler
They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really.
Scout
I tent camped overnight as it was half way to my destination. I got there just in time to see a beautiful sunset and say hello to the horses. The host is fantastic. I would definitely stay again.
Traveler
Super place, super staff. Kevin the manager and Diane the host are awesome people with plenty of knowledge of the area. The road into the facility (FR 472) turns into a gravel road for the last mile or so with a few small potholes but nothing terrible, we had no problems getting there in a 30' class a RV . Just make sure when you get to the fork in the road STAY TO THE RIGHT! The road on the left is Neil Creek road (which btw has some really nice dispersed camp sites) but if you have a bigger rig and go up that road you will hate life... It twists then gets steep and only a couple places to make a 180. No cell service whatsoever even with a booster... If you walk a 1/4 mile out the gravel road by the 1st A frame house you can get a signal there. The showers have plenty of hot water and are clean. The place is a bear super highway so they take policing your food and garbage very seriously. There are an abundance of hiking trails accessible from the site and are well kept... S
Toe River has some beautiful spots to take a dip if you can handle the cold water.
Guide
We were looking for a place to spend the night. There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening. The sites are pretty close together, not a lot of privacy, but a very quiet and calm campground. Covered by trees, only a few sites get touched by minimal rays. They do have a few water stations for filling up, flushing toilets and running water in the bathroom sink! It was a good spot to post up for the night.
ScoutGreat place to spend a couple of nights. Went over Labor Day weekend with 5 or 6 other groups and still felt like we had full privacy. Fire pits, an outdoor shower, and a porta-potty. Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch
Scout
This location was amazing. We couldn’t have been happier with a spot. The host was extremely gracious, there is an outdoor shower, the camp fire setup is awesome, and the animals are friendly. It is easy to find and you’re only 20-ish minutes from Asheville. We’ll certainly be back!
TravelerI came on a Sat in August for First Come First Serve (yeah, not the best plan) and they were just taking the "We are Full' sign down to say they had two sites. One was right across from the welcome hut. I took the other and it was lovely. This campground is VERY shady and has water and bathrooms and showers that are well maintained. There are wonderful sites for families big and small around the central "soccer" field and sites for small-medium trailers and tents and camper vans in "Bear Alley" around the outside. One or two pull in sites for bigger rigs.
I'd come First Come First serve on a Sunday night or Monday night and scope out sites that would be best for you. You pay extra for the access to wonderful hiking trails, the deep Forest feel, and did I mention SHOWERS? It is pretty remote and off a long dirt road off route 80. You don't need a 4x4 but it's a slow careful drive .... and you are NOT going to want to take day trips to Burnsville or Marion. Plan to stay and bring what you need. Bring that bug spray and screen tent.
Scout
It was a great site, although there are only a few campsites on the road to it. We ended up driving to the top and someone already claimed it, so we had to go back down to a less convenient spot. The campsites are very secluded and quiet.
GuideCataloochee is hit or miss. This year’s trip was awesome. Last year, we were run out of our site by pushy elk that had been emboldened by the Memorial Weekend campers of the previous weekend. It’s a crap shoot, but you can improve your chances of a nice experience by booking midweek and not within a few weeks following the holiday weekend.
The drive up to the campground is super fun with its twisty, turny, dirt roads and pretty views that peek through the leaves. I can be a bit rutted and washboarded at times, but this year it was in decent shape.
Sites are level, spacious, and easy to drive onto. Tent pads are well-maintained. Water is available throughout the grounds, as are trash bins and grey water dumps for dish water.
Bathrooms (women’s) were pretty nasty this time, and I don’t expect much. Smelled of urine. Floors were wet even though it was neither humid nor raining. Not pleasant.
Fellow campers were chill and respectful.
The river that flows near several of the sites is a highlight. It’s beautiful, frigid, and crystal clear. Takes a bit of a scramble to get down to the shore, in some places, but it’s worth it.
Plenty of great little trails within a stones throw. Lots of mildly technical things that ambitious young (mine are 9 and 11) hikers will enjoy. Creek crossings and little scrambles and whatnot.
GuideJacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!! The sites are a bit difficult to pitch on, due to the abundance of roots, hardpan earth, and slope, but you’ll find a spot. I didn’t hang, but there are certainly spots that would be suitable. Water is just down the hill. It’s ample and clear, as of May 2023. There are several ways to hike in, as many of the South Mountains SP trails intersect and wander around a bunch giving a bunch of options for how to get in and out. The variety makes for a nice loop instead of just an in-and-out. Get inventive. Trails are broad and veeeeeery hilly in places. If your knees complain, bring the trekking poles. You’ll thank me.
Shinny Creek: Perfect trip if you have kids…or just want something close by. It’s only a bit over a mile to these four sites (see video tour) nestled by a stream. Clear, flat sites. Bear box. Critter-proof trash bin. Pit privy. Water access from every site within ten paces, so water and entertainment are always available. The trail here is easy peasy rolling hills that follows the river past Bear Falls all the way up to the sites.
ScoutBeautiful free group camping area with large parkinglot. All dirt roads back here. Beautiful waterfall (whaleback falls I think?) just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot). Not much free fall action for nature bathers, though there is enough water flow to lean in and get all that grease out of your hair! Big boulders to climb on at the base of the falls.. be careful as wet rocks are slippery. Serene and gorgeous forest all around you.
Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold. Highly recommend.
<3
ScoutI love Pigah. It doesn't seem to matter what season! With that said:
*clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot.
*Creek is located very close nearby. But not on the clear spots for tents.
*Not for big rigs, RVs, etc. It's a tent or as I use the tree tent.
ScoutI think this is a place you would either love or hate. I felt like I had no privacy here- it was too open for my liking. I did enjoy the short drive to the fields. We saw a mama bear and two cubs, a few elk and a lot of turkey.
GuideCamp sites are nice, close bathrooms, nice facilities. Park boasts about lots to do but there is no road through the whole Park so more than half of the trails you are not easily able to get through. Drove around to other access point and its nothing but a fence and a field. Park is very pretty and the water is nice.
GuideI stayed in beautiful weather in October. I recommend this campgrounds and park for is trails and beauty. Very good facilities as well.
Scout
I absolutely love harmon den. It is my most favorite place to be. Its so beautiful and peaceful.
Guide*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by.
Pros:
Cons:
TO NOTE: Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn’t exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward.
Explored up to campsite 4 the next day. Campsite 3 is a larger group site and a bit further off the road.
It’s not true “dispersed” camping because they have designated site you are supposed to stay at. Im not sure how many there are, but I only got up to #4, driving about 5-10 min down the dirt road.
Scout
Beautiful peaceful perfect campsite
ScoutHad a great time at this campground with two pups, both well-behaved and able to enjoy off-leash time with lots of space to run around. This is a horse farm so respecting their space was our first priority, and occasionally required leashing our dogs but didn’t hinder us at all. While there is a RV hookup/platform/table it wasn’t available at this time so more field camping which was perfect for us! Host was super kind and helpful, able to answer questions. Clean port-a-potty and outdoor cold shower we’re perfect!
TravelerCampsite 5 is a bit in the way of other campsites but still an amazing place
TravelerUpper Falls Campground is amazing during winter.
GuideHad a nice experience here. Amber, the host, was very kind and accommodating. She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property. The grounds are conveniently located near the city of Asheville and hiking trails. There was a shared gazebo, cozy fire pit, and cold showers. The only downside was that there wasn’t a secluded spot available for car camping, even though Amber did figure something out for us to be able to stay. Would recommend to get away from your typical campground.
GuideWas a great start at site 5. Very deep site that allowed for plenty of room for kids to play. Stream behind the site was nice to listen to but wasn’t loud. Campgrounds had a few RVs but they weren’t loud thankfully. Bathrooms were clean and included a site for dish washing. Worker on site was friendly and helpful.
Scoutgreat place to stay we had a campsite right by the river and enjoyed the sounds of nature. the people there were friendly and welcoming. just absolutely loved the environment!!
Horse camping in North Carolina offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dana, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dana, NC is North Mills River with a 4.3-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dana, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Dana, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
