Bristol Fields Horse Camp is primarily designed for equestrian campers visiting Nantahala National Forest. Located at higher elevations in western North Carolina, the campground sits approximately 4 miles from the main road via a dirt and gravel access route. The area contains three main sections for different uses, with natural water access from a bordering creek that campers use for cooling off during warmer months.
What to do
Trail riding access: Bristol Fields offers direct connections to multiple horse-friendly trails with significant elevation changes. One visitor noted that while scenic views are limited at lower elevations, "There are plenty of trails, which are well managed to avoid conflicts with other users (read the signs!)" at nearby Tsali Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several nearby streams and lakes provide fishing options within short driving distance. At Trackrock Campground, "Lake is clean and refreshing" and fishing is permitted with appropriate licenses.
Stargazing sessions: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. One camper at Cherokee KOA mentioned the benefit of limited connectivity, noting "No phone service so you get to completely relax. Absolutely breathtaking scenery."
What campers like
Natural water features: The creek bordering Bristol Fields provides natural cooling options. Similarly, at Deep Creek Tube Center, campers enjoy "a short drive into the GSMNP for some fun tubing. The campground fills up, and most of your neighbors will be in RVs, but everyone was respectful and quiet during our stay."
Disconnected experience: The absence of cell service creates true separation from technology. A camper at Standing Indian Campground described it as having "No electric, no cell service. Branch of Nantahala river offers trout fishing with NC fishing license."
Elevation and climate: Higher elevation campsites provide cooler temperatures during summer months. One reviewer shared that Standing Indian "is my favorite campground for escaping the heat in August. If you must have electricity stay home. This is a beautiful family friendly campground with great facilities."
What you should know
Road access challenges: The unpaved 4-mile access road has steep sections and drop-offs. A visitor to another forest campground noted similar challenges: "The road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep, and there is at least one very tight hairpin turn."
No reservations available: All sites operate on first-come, first-served basis. Similar to other forest campgrounds, "The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend."
Limited facilities: Unlike some improved campgrounds in the region, Bristol Fields offers only vault toilets and no running water. At Cades Cove Group Campground, campers face similar situations: "The restrooms were clean but there were no showers."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water supply: Pack sufficient drinking water for your entire stay as no potable water is available. Families staying at other primitive sites recommend "each loop does have 2 community water faucets and a bathhouse with flush toilets and push button showers, bathhouses are clean and modern."
Plan offline activities: The lack of connectivity requires advance planning for entertainment. A family camping at Nantahala National Forest suggested "picking a part of the forest to visit that has a view. There are some incredible lookout points that have campgrounds and firepits available."
Consider weather patterns: Mountain areas can experience rapid temperature changes and afternoon thunderstorms. One camper noted that in nearby locations "the GSMNP is a busy place, so get in early. We camped here in November and didn't have a problem getting a site, but the place did fill up!"
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: The campground can accommodate modest-sized RVs but presents challenges for larger rigs. A camper at Townsend Great Smokies KOA shared their experience: "We were nervous about parking and getting set up- but they helped us get a spot that was easy to pull into."
Generator requirements: With no electrical hookups, plan for generator use or alternative power sources. Visitors to other horse-friendly campgrounds advise: "We had one outlet and water, a picnic table and a firepit. After setting up around 8 pm we cooled off by the fire. Our ac has its own plug, and there was nowhere to plug it in."
Navigation planning: Large trailers require careful navigation on forest roads. An RVer in the area warned, "We suffered a hole busted in our front cap from it hitting the side of the truck, we damaged the side of our truck bed and broke every support on our rear ladder."
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