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Equestrian Camping near Mills River, NC

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    Mills River offers several horse camping options in Pisgah National Forest, with horse campgrounds suited to both overnight stays and multi-day trail riding trips. Wash Creek Horse Camp provides sites designed for equestrians with convenient trailer parking and access to miles of forested trails. The campground features drinking water, toilets, trash disposal, and designated areas for campfires. Sites include picnic tables and can accommodate both tents and RVs. The camp remains open year-round and maintains a perfect 5-star rating based on visitor experiences. While no dedicated horse corrals are present, the layout provides ample space for portable containment systems and highlines.

    Bridle paths connect directly from Wash Creek Horse Camp to extensive trail networks throughout Pisgah National Forest. Wolf Ford Horse Camp provides another option for equestrians, offering reservable sites with toilet facilities and fire rings. Both campgrounds allow pets and serve as strategic bases for accessing the forest's extensive multi-use trail system. Spacious parking accommodates horse trailers of various sizes. Horse owners should bring portable containment systems as permanent corrals are not provided at either location. The campgrounds sit near numerous water crossings, making them ideal for summer rides when horses need regular access to water. Recent visitors note the trails remain well-maintained and suitable for horses of all experience levels.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Mills River (33)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. North Mills River

      4.3(28)3mi from Mills River29 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      "Mills River was a clean, spacious and quiet. We enjoyed the extra room between camp sites and the added privacy from trees. Nice running river near-by that my husband used to fly fish in."

      from $31 - $62 / night

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      2. Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp

      5.0(3)5mi from Mills River1 siteRVs

      "bit of a drive through the forest to get here, but great spots if you're looking to get away from civilization."

      from $40 / night

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      3. Bent River Equestrian

      5.0(3)9mi from Mills River2 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch"

      from $30 - $900 / night

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      4. Mills River Dispersed

      2.0(3)5mi from Mills RiverTents

      "*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by."

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      5. Lazy J Campground

      4.3(12)21mi from Mills RiverRVs, Tents

      "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

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      6. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

      4.7(3)14mi from Mills RiverRVs, Tents

      "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."

      7. Wolf Ford Horse Camp

      3.0(1)8mi from Mills River11 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $15 - $30 / night

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      8. Paradise Ridge Permaculture

      4.3(3)16mi from Mills River3 sitesTents

      "She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property."

      "I have cleaned out about an acre for tent or hammock camping, another acre for shared areas, and the pasture has about an acre wide open for dogs, horses or other well mannered animals."

      from $20 - $30 / night

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      9. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

      4.5(31)33mi from Mills River27 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $30 / night

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      10. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park

      4.5(2)18mi from Mills RiverTents

      "My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails."

      "Wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping."

      from $4 - $20 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Mills River, NC

    12 Photos of 33 Mills River Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mills River, NC

    303 Reviews of 33 Mills River Campgrounds

    • Valerie A.
      Aug. 6, 2018

      North Mills River

      Spacious group site near the river

      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. It rained quite heavily during our stay and the hosts made the rounds to make sure we were all right and if we needed anything. There is a walkway on the far end of the site that leads to the North Mills River, great for fishing, tubing, or just listening to the river babble. The private bathroom included on the group site was clean. The other shower/bathroom building that was a 5 minute walk away was exceptionally clean. The group site had ample parking for our three cars. Site also included 4 picnic tables, bear box to store food, water pump, and a fire pit with removable grill grate. Tons of extra space to play frisbee and other games. The campsite is a 25 minute drive from Pisgah National Forest, where we did some great waterfall and landscape hikes.

    • J
      Jul. 9, 2020

      North Mills River

      Scenic

      Mills River was a clean, spacious and quiet. We enjoyed the extra room between camp sites and the added privacy from trees. Nice running river near-by that my husband used to fly fish in.

    • m
      Apr. 10, 2021

      Smokemont 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!

    • Kat B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 21, 2025

      Mills River Dispersed

      TEMPORARILY CLOSED APRIL 2025

      FYI - this is not showing as closed on NFS site - right after the North Mills River Campground Yellow Gap road is gated and closed due to damage from Helene in Sep 2024.  A call to Pisgah Forest Service office confirmed it may be quite a bit before it is opened up as there are other priority areas they are currently working on.

    • Andra S.
      Feb. 27, 2018

      North Mills River

      Close to town, but messy

      We've visited North Mills River a couple times now as it's close to our home base of Asheville and reservations are fairly easy to come by. The river is close to the campground and shallow enough to enjoy playing in, though it's far enough away that you can't supervise young children from the campsite. We love the ranger talks on the weekends, perfect for entertaining kids around the dinner hour. We have made crafts and learned about turtles and raptors during our stays. The biggest downside for us is it is not very clean. We usually spend several minutes picking up bits of trash in the campsite when we get there - pieces of plastic, a broken flip-flop, etc. The main bathroom is okay, but the floor is always very sandy. There are a few composting toilets spread throughout, and they are quite disgusting, you can smell them a mile away and they often have huge insects perched in the corners. On the upside, the camp hosts are friendly and drive around selling firewood at night.

    • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 13, 2021

      Smokemont 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.

    • M
      Sep. 21, 2016

      Cataloochee 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 22, 2019

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 8, 2019

      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.

    Guide to Mills River

    The Mills River area connects several campgrounds across Pisgah National Forest, situated at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Trail systems extend beyond 20 miles through hardwood forests and across multiple water crossings that remain accessible for horses throughout most seasons.

    What to Do

    Fly fishing access points: North Mills River Campground offers direct access to quality trout streams. "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded," notes Natalie M. about North Mills River Campground.

    Swimming holes exploration: The South Toe River provides natural swimming areas within several campgrounds. "It's also very nice to access the trail up to Mt. Mitchell right from the campground. We hiked up there early in the morning and it was fantastic," shares Katrin M. about her experience at Black Mountain.

    Primitive camping options: Mills River Dispersed Camping offers more secluded sites for those seeking solitude. "Gorgeous lush forest, ice-cold flowing stream (in May) immediately off most camp spots, well maintained and leveled places to pitch a tent," explains Tavi C. about Mills River Dispersed camping areas.

    What Campers Like

    Riverside campsites: Camping along water features ranks highly in visitor reviews. "Beautiful and quiet," says Amanda O. about North Mills River, while Julie T. adds, "The stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful."

    Off-season value: Reduced rates and fewer crowds during shoulder seasons appeal to budget-conscious travelers. "Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11," notes Jonathan N.

    Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise across equestrian-friendly sites. "The bathrooms and showers are always clean and good taken care of. The camp hosts made sure several times that we had everything we needed," says Katrin M. about Black Mountain Campground.

    What You Should Know

    Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds often require careful driving. "The road is quite the trip just in a car, and I can't imagine driving a large RV on it," cautions Kristina about Cataloochee Campground, while Tavi C. advises about Mills River: "The dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars."

    Cell service limitations: Most horse-friendly camping areas have limited connectivity. "Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold," explains Dai C. about Upper Cove Creek.

    Seasonal closures: Weather affects campground operations. "We were the only campers there. It was very quiet. Only one side of campground is open in winter," Julie T. notes about North Mills River.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature resident animals children enjoy. "Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch," mentions Leslie about Bent River Equestrian, while Tracy S. highlights, "Chickens and horses on site. Playground and lots of fun."

    Water play areas: Identify kid-friendly swimming spots in advance. "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," Scott K. describes at Black Mountain Campground.

    Playground access: Some campgrounds include dedicated play areas. "There is a huge playground and ball field at the campground," notes Mike B., making Black Mountain Campground a popular choice for families seeking recreation beyond trails.

    Tips from RVers

    Size restrictions: Most equestrian campsites limit RV length due to narrow access roads. "Though many campsites will accommodate large rigs, motorhomes over 32' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended due to the access road," cautions Kristina about Cataloochee.

    Electric hookup availability: Power connections are limited at most horse-focused campgrounds. "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," notes Crystal C. about Cataloochee Campground, highlighting the primitive nature of facilities.

    Weather preparation: RVers should plan for variable mountain conditions. "In the morning I took a stroll through the recreation area and got to see the group sites; everything was pristine and gorgeous in the gleaming yellow sunlight," shares Jonathan N., emphasizing the changing conditions throughout the day.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mills River, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mills River, NC is North Mills River with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mills River, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 33 equestrian camping locations near Mills River, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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