The Harmon Den Area near Marshall sits at elevations between 1,700 and 3,000 feet in the Pisgah National Forest. Cold Springs Creek runs through this area, providing water access for filtering and fishing opportunities. Winter months often bring challenging road conditions on the gravel forest roads that access dispersed camping areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cold Springs Creek in the Harmon Den Area offers excellent trout fishing. "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," reports one camper who visited the horse campgrounds near Marshall.
Mountain hiking: Nearby Black Mountain Campground provides access to challenging elevation hikes. "From here you can climb 4000ft to the summit of Mt Mitchell. It's a great, challenging hike with many rewards along the way," notes a reviewer about this trail system.
Swimming spots: Several creeks in the area have natural swimming holes. At Big Creek Campground, "We spent one day simply enjoying the campground. There are some trails nearby but most of the popular hikes you'll need to drive to," writes one visitor who appreciated the accessible water features.
What campers like
Privacy and quiet: The horse-friendly camping areas provide seclusion from crowds. "It's a long 13 miles into the valley down a very narrow, curvy gravel road, so I wouldn't try w/o reservations!" explains a Cataloochee Campground visitor about the reward of remote camping.
Natural sounds: Creek-side camping spots allow visitors to fall asleep to the sound of running water. "The sites are spacious and fairly private with woods between each site. You have to reserve in advance to get a code to get through the gate, so you don't have curiosity seekers coming in," reports a camper at Harmon Den Horse Camp.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer the best opportunities to spot animals. "We had s great night at the campground! The volunteer, Buck, was so wonderful and helpful!" shares a visitor to Cataloochee, an area known for elk sightings.
What you should know
Water availability: Water sources at horse campgrounds can be unreliable. "There was supposed to be access to water, but the only pump in the campground was not working. Fortunately, I brought water with me," notes a camper at Harmon Den Horse Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to many horse campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. "Recommended high clearance 4x4. The forest road is not compatible with big rigs, RV's, or travel trailers," warns a Harmon Den Area visitor.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. "Very wooded tent only primitive campground. Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks. Very simple rustic site with very little facilities," describes a visitor to Old Forge Recreation Area, which typically operates April through October.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Children enjoy wading and exploring the shallow creek areas. "There is a swimming hole on the South Toe River in the campground just beyond the end of the riverside sites. It has a small sandy 'beach' area and a neck deep refreshing hole," describes a visitor to Black Mountain Campground.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for encounters with horses and wildlife. "Since this area is widely regarded for bear sightings in addition to other wild animals, you can find bear safety at the kiosk and locking trash bins," recommends a reviewer familiar with the region's campgrounds.
Site selection: Choose sites away from horse traffic for young children. "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," cautions a North Mills River visitor about selecting appropriate camping spots.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds have strict vehicle length restrictions. "The sites are spacious and fairly private with woods between each site," notes a visitor to Harmon Den, though many warn that larger RVs struggle with access roads.
Alternative hookup options: For RVers seeking more amenities near horse trails, consider base camps with utilities. "Creekside and numerous activities were offered at this campground. It's well maintained and is in a fabulous mountain location," shares a visitor to a developed campground near the Marshall horse trails.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven parking at primitive horse camps. "The first site they tried to put us at was all grass and mud. No pavement or gravel. We had our 27' 5th wheel camper. I kindly asked for a better site and they worked with us," suggests a camper about navigating challenging terrain.
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