Round Bottom Horse Camp

About

Round Bottom Horse Camp sits in the scenic North Carolina section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering equestrians access to miles of mountain horse trails amid pristine forests and mountain streams. The campground features 5 designated campsites, each with 4 horse stalls, gravel parking, tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and central hitch racks for tethering horses. Water for horses is accessible via a nearby stream. This is strictly an equestrian campground; you must have a horse to camp here. All horses require an original or copy of an official negative Coggins test. The campground can accommodate tents, RVs under 35 feet, pop-up campers, and small self-contained vehicles. Portable toilets are provided, but there is no potable drinking water, showers, or hookups. Firewood must be heat-treated and USDA or state-certified, though dead and downed wood may be collected on-site. The campground typically operates from late May through October. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. The $30 per night fee covers one site for up to 6 people and 4 horses. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Cherokee, NC, located about 13 miles away, offers fuel and grocery stores.

Directions

From Cherokee, NC: Take US 441 north. Just before entering the park, turn right at the last traffic light onto Acquoni Road. Go one block across the river and turn left onto Big Cove Road. Go 8.8 miles to where the road ends at Straight Fork Road. Turn right and go 0.9 mile to the end of the pavement. Continue on the gravel Straight Fork-Round Bottom road for 3.5 miles to the horse camp.