Cataloochee Horse Camp
Open for the 2026 season from May 1 through October 25. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. All horses require a current negative Coggins test. Firewood brought into the park must bear USDA-APHIS-PPQ or state heat-treatment certification.
Flood Watch issued October 10 at 10:00AM EDT until October 11 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...In Northeast Georgia, the following counties: Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun and Stephens. In western North Carolina, the following counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, Mitchell, Jackson, Transylvania and Yancey. In Upstate South Carolina, the following counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Central Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Spartanburg, and Oconee. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - As Isaias weakens and moves northward through the Mid-South this morning, periods of rain will continue. Rainfall rates will increase during the day, and heavy rain is most likely this afternoon through early Sunday morning, particularly along the south and east facing Blue Ridge Escarpment, that is, near the southern border of North Carolina west of I-26, and in the sharp terrain from near Saluda to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Also, a slow-moving band of heavy rain may move across northeast Georgia and the Upstate of South Carolina late this afternoon and evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
High Wind Warning issued October 10 at 2:38AM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning in high elevations above 3500 feet, southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. For the Wind Advisory in lower elevations below 3500 feet, southeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 45 to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...A portion of western North Carolina. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines especially in higher elevations. Widespread power outages are expected in higher elevations. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and may cause a few tree limbs to fall and cause isolated power outages in lower elevations.
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 2:38AM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning in high elevations above 3500 feet, southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. For the Wind Advisory in lower elevations below 3500 feet, southeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 45 to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...A portion of western North Carolina. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines especially in higher elevations. Widespread power outages are expected in higher elevations. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and may cause a few tree limbs to fall and cause isolated power outages in lower elevations.
About
Located in the scenic Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Horse Camp provides equestrian campers access to some of the park's most coveted riding trails. The 7 primitive sites are nestled in a cool, shaded canopy along Cataloochee Creek, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain that showcases wildflowers in spring and vivid foliage in fall. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 4 horses, with dedicated horse stalls and hitching racks. The campground offers vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and refuse containers, but no potable water. Campers should bring adequate drinking water for themselves and their animals. Access is via a narrow, winding mountain road with a 3-mile gravel section containing blind curves. The Cataloochee area is renowned for wildlife viewing, including a resident elk herd and approximately 1,500 black bears in the park. Historic structures including the Palmer House museum are nearby. The towns of Maggie Valley and Waynesville offer groceries and supplies.
Directions
Take I-40 east from Knoxville or west from Asheville. Exit at NC exit 20, approximately 25 miles west of Asheville. Turn right onto Cove Creek Road 1/10 mile from I-40. Follow Cove Creek Road approximately 11 miles to Cataloochee Horse Camp. The road is narrow and winding with a 3-mile gravel section; motorhomes over 32 feet and trailers over 25 feet are not recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (828) 497-9270 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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