Open

The main portion of the campground is closed indefinitely due to a water system issue. The lower 8 primitive sites are open year-round with vault toilet access but no potable water. Campers must bring their own drinking water.

Nantahala National Forest

Rainbow Springs Road closed for reconstruction

Rainbow Ridge Road (NFSR 437) on the Nantahala National Forest will close on Monday, October 19, to begin permanent repairs after a large section the road collapsed during Hurricane Helene. Our contractor anticipates this work will be completed in February 2027. While repairs are underway, the…

Nantahala National Forest

Siddie Fields Day Use Area closed for improvements

The Siddie Fields Day Use Area on the Croatan National Forest is closed for a wide-ranging project to repair storm damage on sites along the Neuse River, improve access and infrastructure, and strengthen resiliency to withstand future hazardous weather events.Members of the public should avoid the…

Nantahala National Forest

Uwharrie Cave and Mine Closure Order

Entering a cave or mine on Uwharrie National Forest is prohibited.

About

Horse Cove Campground is located 13 miles north of Robbinsville, NC near the entrance to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, a 3,800-acre old-growth forest memorial to the poet killed in World War I. The campground provides convenient access to the forest's famous loop trail through massive tulip poplars, hemlocks, and other virgin timber. The main portion of the campground is closed indefinitely due to a water system issue. However, the lower 8 sites remain open year-round as primitive camping. These sites have access to a vault toilet but no running water; campers must bring their own drinking water. A creek runs nearby. The campground operates on a cash or check payment system at $15 per night. Check-in is at 2:00 PM, check-out at noon, with quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites.

Directions

From Robbinsville, NC, take US-129 north 7.9 miles to Joyce Kilmer Road (State Route 1147). Turn left onto Joyce Kilmer Road and go 0.5 miles to a T intersection. Turn right at the intersection (over bridge), staying on Joyce Kilmer Road, and continue 5.5 miles to the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Email sm.fs.cheoahrd@usda.gov
Phone +1 (828) 479-6431

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!