Horse Cove

A beautiful campsite. All spots are dispersed and you feel like you’re camping alone. The lake is gorgeous. We caught brim and saw several bass. Easy access in and out. Very light traffic during the day and almost nonexistent at night. You can occasionally hear an engine rev from the road a bit away. Highly recommended.

This campground has very few sites and they don’t allow pre-bookings. It’s very rustic - there is a bathroom with toilets but no showers. The campground is walking distance to Joyce Kilmer memorial forest and a boat launch on lake Santeetlah. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever camped.

If you drive the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico plains, make a left onto Joyce Kilmer Road. You'll come to an intersection; Left gets you Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Straight ahead will garner you a fabulous view from Maple Springs Overlook, and Right, will take you by Hose Cove Campground. Go Right first and secure a spot at this first-come first-served campground, nestled among the trees of the Nantahala Forest, beside the rushing waters of the Little Santeetlah Creek ...and then go back for hiking and views:)

This campground has 13 sites on the opposite side of the road from the lake, and several spots flanking Santeetlah. If you are a tent camper, my suggestion is go for the opposite side of the lake. I don't think you can even fit a camper into one of these spaces. The campground is a dead end with #13 at the very end, and no turn around past #10. 

We arrived at the perfect hour of the day and had our pick of any site. We chose #12, for its privacy and the beautiful rushing water to sleep by and watch while sitting beside the fire and enjoying morning coffee. If you like camping with friends in adjoining campsites, it looked like #8 and #9 would be good to grab as they are closer together and have a little path that runs between them.

There are flushing toilets and sinks with cold running water, but no hot water and no showers. Just don't even think about using the bathroom facilities until you've selected your spot and paid for it. Elizabeth and John are the camp hosts and NOTHING gets by Elizabeth. Dogs are welcome, but should be leashed. There is a boat ramp with plenty of parking, maybe a mile past the campground, perfect for putting in kayaks and canoes. Bear proof trashcans are on site at Horse Cove, and usual Bear Precautions apply.

This is a great little tucked away haven and totally worth the $10 a night!