Top Equestrian Camping near Murphy, NC

Best Equestrian Camping Sites Near Murphy, NC (27)

1. 

   1.

   Cades Cove Campground

   93 Reviews

   529 Photos

   570 Saves

   Townsend, Tennessee

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs

   $25 / night

2. 

   2.

   Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

   118 Reviews

   473 Photos

   958 Saves

   Gatlinburg, Tennessee

   Overview

   Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.

   Recreation

   The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. 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.

   Facilities

   Elkmont Campground has 200 tent / RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Although most sites will accommodate tents or RVs, extreme slope or length of driveway make certain sites more suitable for tents than RVs. Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites.In addition to these tent / RV sites, Elkmont has 20 walk-in sites for tents. Campers on these beautiful wooded sites will have a short walk from their parking area to their tent pad. Nine of Elkmont's campsites are wheelchair accessible ADA sites. These sites have wide concrete driveways, raised fire rings, and wheelchair accessible picnic tables. All of these sites are located near accessible restrooms. Three of the sites provide 5 amp electrical service for medical equipment. Restrooms at Elkmont Campground have flush toilets, cold running water, and utility sinks. Potable water is available at spigots near each restroom; use of hoses is not allowed. Elkmont Campground does NOT have electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. There is no RV dump/fill station at Elkmont campground. The nearest RV dump/fill station is located across from Sugarlands Visitor Center approximately 6 miles from Elkmont. Elkmont is strictly an overnight campground; there are no day-use facilities. The nearest picnic area is Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, west of Elkmont on Little River Road. Due to its central location and variety of amenities, Elkmont Campground tends to be heavily used during the summer vacation months and in October. Sites along Little River are in particularly high demand. Even when Elkmont is full, campsites are often available at Cosby Campground, located at the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

   Natural Features

   Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.

   Nearby Attractions

   Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group

   $30 / night

3. 

   3.

   Trackrock Campground & Cabins

   17 Reviews

   83 Photos

   178 Saves

   Blairsville, Georgia

   Trackrock Campground & Cabins and Trackrock Stables is a 250 acre paradise of meadows, hayfields, and woodlands in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Located between Blairsville and Hiawassee, Trackrock is completely isolated from all other commercial developments. The property is bordered on three sides by the Chattahoochee National Forest.

   As a designated Appalachian Botanical Sanctuary, great care is taken to preserve the natural environment. Wildlife, flowers, and flowering shrubs are abundant throughout the campground and surrounding area.

   With our 95 level, shady, uncrowded campsites, Trackrock offers camping for everyone – tents, popups and RVs (max 40′ please). For RVs and pop ups, we offer both pull thru and back-in sites which include water, 30 and 50 amp electricity and sewer. We also offer water and electricity sites for tents. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Our modern bath houses are kept spotless and are equipped with hot showers. At Trackrock we are happy to host Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, group camping and church groups.

   For those who prefer not to camp, we have cozy, comfortable one and two bedroom cabins. The cabins are fully furnished and are ready for your immediate occupancy with full kitchens and baths, (bring your own towels) covered porches, and all modern amenities including air conditioning and satellite TV.

   For fun, we have horseback riding, summer horse camps, riding lessons, swimming, fishing, playgrounds, hiking trails, hayrides, picnic pavilions, and more.

   Folks have been enjoying the relaxing and refreshing North Georgia Mountains at Trackrock for more than 50 years. Why not join them?

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
4. 

   4.

   Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

   29 Reviews

   100 Photos

   65 Saves

   Delano, Tennessee

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $35 - $85 / night

5. 

   5.

   Standing Indian Campground

   19 Reviews

   49 Photos

   226 Saves

   Otto, North Carolina

   Overview

   Whether traveling with an RV or tent, Standing Indian Campground is a prime place to stop for a night or spend several days in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest. The campground's many amenities provide a comfortable home base for exploring this fun and historic section of the forest. Standing Indian is located within a 20-minute drive of Franklin, North Carolina.

   Recreation

   The Standing Indian Basin is a premier hiking destination. The campground provides access to numerous trails, including the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which journeys from Georgia to Maine. Visitors who wish to get their feet wet can experience the Nantahala River, well-known for whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing (fishing license required). Big and small game hunting is available in the surrounding area.

   Facilities

   The campground has four loops with sites available first-come, first-served or by reservation. Sites are equipped with campfire rings, grills, lantern posts and picnic tables, and are in close proximity to drinking water, flush toilets and showers. A dump station is nearby. The campground also has a group camping area, Kimsey Creek.

   Natural Features

   The campground is surrounded by 5,000' peaks and crossed by several natural streams. It sits at an elevation of 3,880 feet at the headwaters of the scenic Nantahala River, amidst lush forests of evergreen trees and rhododendrons.

   Charges & Cancellations

   There is not a premium type site available but there is some nonelectric double site that is $40.00 per night.

   • Pets
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group
   • Equestrian
   • Standard (Tent/RV)

   $40 / night

6. 

   6.

   Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

   28 Reviews

   66 Photos

   250 Saves

   Townsend, Tennessee

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
7. 

   7.

   Tsali Campground

   12 Reviews

   10 Photos

   152 Saves

   Almond, North Carolina

   Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping at Tsali Recreation Area, all located within steps of Fontana Lake. Follow the Trail. The Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area’s four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course. The Right Loop , rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible. The Left Loop , rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake. The Mouse Branch Trail , rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads. The Thompson Loop , rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track. Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians–the primary users–are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule: Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec. Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses – Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes –Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday May/July/August/October Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads. Sleep under the Stars. Open early April through October, Tsali Campground offers 42 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Many sites accommodate small RVs, but no hookups are available. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. Campers pay fees at the campground fee station. Get in the Water. Fontana Lake offers flatwater paddling and motor boating. One boat launch is located at Tsali, while another is located nearby on FR 2553 at Lemmons Branch. Ample parking is available at either launch. Fishing is permitted year-round, and anglers will find some of the best fishing for walleye in the state. Anglers can also catch black bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Check out the brochure.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $10 - $20 / night

8. 

   8.

   Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp

   2 Reviews

   1 Photo

   6 Saves

   Culberson, North Carolina

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $10 - $25 / night

9. 

   9.

   Bristol Fields Horse Camp

   1 Review

   16 Photos

   5 Saves

   Hayesville, North Carolina

   On Fires Creek. Offers horse camping and tethering posts. Activities and Facilities: Vault Restrooms, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Horse Trails

   • ADA Access
   • Tents
   • Group
   • Equestrian
   • Picnic Table
   • Toilets
10. 

    10.

    Nantahala National Forest

    3 Reviews

    35 Photos

    53 Saves

    Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

    Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. All district names come from the Cherokee language. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. This act provided authority to acquire lands for national forests to protect watersheds, to provide timber, and to regulate the flow of navigable streams. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. With over 600 miles of trails, opportunities exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Nantahala National Forest can be found here. Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian