Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables in Bluff City accommodates equestrian camping with paddocks for horses and extensive trail exploration opportunities in wooded areas. The campground features tent sites, RV spots with 30-amp hookups, and cabins arranged around a central fire ring with tables and benches. Water hookups and sewer connections are available for RV campers with horses. The small, quiet setting provides a peaceful environment for horse owners camping with their animals. Bathhouse facilities remain clean and well-maintained, with hot showers available for campers after trail riding sessions. Firewood is provided at no additional cost to campers.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Unicoi on narrow country roads, the campground requires careful navigation when pulling horse trailers. The property connects to multiple exploration trails through surrounding forest land, offering various riding options for different skill levels. Horse owners can access water sources for their animals throughout the property, with the campground open seasonally from March through November. Weather conditions in the Blue Ridge Mountains region can change rapidly, affecting trail conditions and riding opportunities. Primitive horse camping options exist at nearby forest service areas for those seeking more rustic experiences with their horses. The husband and wife management team provides assistance with anything needed during equestrian camping stays, helping create a secure environment for both horses and their owners.
"This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."
"The campground is in an excellent location, just 5-10 minutes away from downtown Blowing Rock and of course it’s right on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:
- The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."
"River sites are first come first serve Has group camping {must reserve online} Large tent pads Rv sites Fishing Can purchase: Ice Soda/water Ice cream Kindling Fire starter Wood
Hiking: Access to"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $56 / night
"I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting."
"They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do."
"It’s a beautiful, peaceful little campground tucked into the mountains and you can tell a lot of care goes into it."
from $65 - $79 / night
"Absolutely love camping here at warriors path State Park it's beyond one of my favorite places to camp"
"This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice."
"Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential."
from $15 - $45 / night
"Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks. Very simple rustic site with very little facilities. Pros: very wooded and private large campsites, babbling creek, outhouses."
from $7 / night
"It’s a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground."
"A little below where we set up camp, we found a natural spring for water and theres a decent amount of firewood around. We parked at the top of Mt."
GuideMother nature is amazing and helps relieve stress from the ones who never deserved to be around you to take and cover it up. So I'll run to God's beauty, and enjoy my fire at the same time. Come on baby light my fire! ;)
RangerIt says no overnight camping but there were 3 cars camping so I decided to camp. Drove straight across the entrance where a sign said parking but no camping. Was actually a really good camp spot plenty of room.
ScoutI stayed long term while working in the area, including through the winter months, and loved the propane delivery. Coming home to a full tank already dropped at my site was such a nice perk.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful little campground tucked into the mountains and you can tell a lot of care goes into it. It’s not a parking lot like other places I’ve stayed the sites are tiered on the mountainside but level and large. Staff is friendly, they have a game room and laundry room and the store sells cold beer! It was a nice home away from home while working in town
ScoutAbsolutely love camping here at warriors path State Park it's beyond one of my favorite places to camp
LegendA quiet, easy-access campground with good site privacy and great lake views. Some site boundaries feel a bit unclear and the bathrooms can get crowded, but the location is perfect for exploring the Blue Ridge. A solid stay, especially with the RV and primitive areas kept separate.
Check out our video of all the sites.
https://youtu.be/3NspCX_Zgnw
TravelerThe campground itself was good. Bathhouse was clean-ish. The one shower stall smelled quite moldy/mildewy. Not a lot of amenities. We stayed a week and all days during the week - Monday through Friday, there was construction literally right beside our RV. Constant leaf blowing. I understand that they are doing improvements, that is great. A head's up about it, possible option to stay at another site, a noise discount, or at least letting us know, so we could make a choice, would have been nice. Would never stay here again.
TravelerMost campsites have good privacy and is quiet most hours. All have easy access, but bathrooms are small for number of campers. Some campsites are a little confusing about site areas as it seems they overlap into each other some. The view of the lake is one of the best parts. More campgrounds should separate rv and primitive like they do.
ScoutFR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate. Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out. The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground. There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.
LegendWe chose this campground because it was close to Natural Tunnel and Devils Fork trail (30-45 min). Both of these are worth doing if you are in the area. We chose to only hike to Devils bathtub (about 2 miles one way). It was exceptional but difficult.
Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, its wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road.
Campground is well maintained, lots of playground equipment for kids and a launch for tubes/kayaks. At main road there is a public launch if you want to put in there and then float to campground.
No laundry. Bathhouse is just ok, dated but functional.
Owners are nice, and communicate quickly by email or phone. We had issue with the site we reserved and just moved over one site when setting up late and in the rain…told owner next day and it was no problem.
Cherokee National Forest surrounds Unicoi, Tennessee, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. Equestrian camping options near Unicoi provide access to extensive trail systems through wooded terrain with seasonal considerations affecting trail conditions from March through November. Most horse-friendly facilities require advance reservations during peak summer months.
Trail riding options: The Black Mountain Campground area offers numerous trails for riders of different experience levels. "From here you can climb 4000ft to the summit of Mt Mitchell. It's a great, challenging hike with many rewards along the way," notes David M. While primarily known for hiking, many trails accommodate horses with proper permits.
Water activities: Explore the Julian Price Park Campground which features lake access for horses and riders. "This park is right on a gorgeous lake. There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake," shares Danielle L. The lake provides a cooling spot for horses after long rides.
Seasonal events: Local equestrian gatherings occur throughout riding season, typically April through October. Fall color rides are particularly popular when forest foliage changes. "Great campground! The prices are reasonable, the campground was very clean, the people were friendly, and the bathhouses were some of the cleanest I've seen," says Jenna S. about nearby camping options.
Clean facilities: The Clinch River Family Campground maintains well-kept facilities for riders and horses. "Camp grounds were amazing. Staff was beyond friendly and professional. I knocked off a star only because of how close sites were together. Other than that everything was out standing," reports Erin I. Bathroom facilities include hot showers for after-ride comfort.
Peaceful environment: Horse owners appreciate the quiet settings for animals to rest between trail rides. "This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice. Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites," explains Holli C. about local camping options.
Natural surroundings: The forested setting provides shade and natural beauty. "This amazing campsite it at the base of Big Tom. It's a moderate hike to and from the campsite with great views. There's fire rings and lots of sites to choose from," says Justin Z. about backcountry camping areas accessible on horseback with proper equipment.
Access challenges: Many equestrian camping areas require navigation on narrow roads. "The camp on the west side is Dangerous to drive up in a motorhome. I personally drove my 36' up the most curvy incline I wouldn't recommend anyone to give this a second thought if your not a seasoned driver," warns Debbie O. about the Rocky Top Campground.
Weather considerations: Mountain weather changes rapidly, affecting trail conditions. "Campground is closed due to hurricane damage," reported Duane C. about one facility, highlighting the impact of severe weather events on access.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), advance booking is essential for horse camping spots. Most facilities require 48-hour minimum notice for equestrian sites to ensure proper paddock preparation.
Water sources: Bring equipment to filter water for horses at primitive sites. "0.4 miles from the bald is a nice water source," notes Francis C. about backcountry camping options, which applies to horse watering needs as well.
Beginner-friendly locations: The Old Forge Recreation Area offers gentle terrain for novice riders. "Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks. Very simple rustic site with very little facilities. Pros: very wooded and private large campsites, babbling creek, outhouses," shares Justin S.
Safety precautions: Always bring reflective gear for horses when riding near roads or during low light conditions. Helmets required for riders under 16 at most facilities.
Activity alternatives: Plan non-riding activities for weather delays. "There is a huge playground and ball field at the campground," mentions Mike B., providing options when trail conditions aren't suitable for riding.
Food storage: Use designated storage areas away from horse paddocks to prevent unwanted animal visits. Food storage requirements differ between developed and primitive sites.
Hookup availability: The Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground offers facilities for RV campers with horses. "There are 2 main campgrounds here for rvs and tents. Is it a nice safe place for families. Pets welcome. 30 and up a night with a good security faculty," notes Terri W.
Maneuverability: Horse trailers require extra space for turning and backing. "I'd never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting," shares Susan E. about a campground with suitable space for horse trailers.
Site selection: Request sites away from common areas for quieter horse environment. End sites often provide more space for tethering and temporary corrals.
Electricity needs: Most equestrian sites offer limited 30-amp service. Bring adapters if your horse trailer requires different connections. Generator restrictions apply at most locations from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Unicoi, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Unicoi, TN is Grandview Ranch RV Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Unicoi, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Unicoi, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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