Equestrian Camping near Green Mountain, NC

Cherokee Trails Campground caters to equestrians with facilities designed specifically for horse riders. The campground includes electric and water hookups for RVs, plus cabin accommodations for those preferring more shelter while traveling with horses. Located near Green Mountain, North Carolina, the elevation ranges from 2,800 to 3,200 feet with cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to multiple forest paths through dense hardwood forests typical of the Southern Appalachian region.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: Black Mountain Campground offers access to nearby waterfalls including SetRock Falls. "The camp hosts made sure several times that we had everything we needed. It's also very nice to access the trail up to Mt. Mitchell right from the campground," notes Katrin M. in her review.

Fly fishing: North Mills River provides excellent fishing opportunities with riverside campsites. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish!" The nearby South Toe River also offers multiple deep pools for casting.

Mountain biking: Roughly 16.5 miles of mountain bike trails intermix with hiking and equestrian trails near Green Mountain. Trails vary in difficulty from beginner to advanced with some technical sections requiring experience. The connecting forest service roads provide easier riding options for novice cyclists.

What campers like

Riverside sites: Many campers appreciate sites along creeks and rivers for natural white noise. At South Mountains State Park, "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" reported Jessica L.

Clean facilities: The shower and restroom facilities at various campgrounds receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms are available during normal daylight business hours at the camp office - kindling (2.50), bundled firewood (5.00), fire starters (1.00), Pepsi/Diet Pepsi/Mt Dew (12oz cans - 1.00), various ice cream treats including Klondike bars (1.00)," noted Scott K. about amenities at one campground.

Privacy between sites: Paradise Ridge Permaculture offers secluded camping with minimal sites. "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," according to Joseph S.

What you should know

Weather conditions: The mountains experience rapid weather changes with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to surrounding valleys occur regularly. "Like everywhere in Pisgah, when it rains, it pours, so bring a tarp if you can," advised one camper.

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell service. "Oh, hoping to catch up with the kids or listen in on that conference call while you are at BMC? Forget about it! There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp," reports Scott K. Some campgrounds offer wifi at visitor centers or designated locations.

Gate closure times: Julian Price Park Campground and similar locations lock gates at night. "The no-alcohol policy at the park is STRICTLY enforced, so be careful! Nice easy trails lead to the campground, and the State Park is full of great things to see and do. No cell phone service, and gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night," warns Jenni P.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming holes: Look for riverside campgrounds with safe swimming 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," writes one reviewer about cooling off during summer stays.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer interpretive trails and ranger programs. "There is a cool 3D topo map display of the state park. At present, this is a 23,000 acre State Park...and ever acquiring more land," notes Dave V. about one visitor center's educational displays.

Playground access: Old Forge Recreation Area provides simple camping with adequate play space. "There is a huge playground and ball field at the campground," notes Mike B. about recreational options for children after a day of hiking or riding.

Tips for RVers

Access challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow, winding roads leading to campsites. "The roads to the campground were challenging due to the deep ruts and wash out," reports Terri S. about one location. Forest service roads particularly require high-clearance vehicles in some areas.

Site selection: Choose pull-through sites when available for easier maneuvering with larger rigs. "They have several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites. They have 50amp service and full hookup sites," notes Laura H. about available options at one campground.

Leveling requirements: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Our site was an 'leveling,' octagonal, elevated, crushed gravel pad, surrounded by landscape timbers...an elevated fire ring with a swing-over, non-adjustable grate, a picnic table and metal lantern pole," describes Dave V. about site conditions at one park.