Winesprings Horse Camp

Open

Open year-round. The camp is gated with combination lock access provided upon reservation. No potable water or restrooms available; campers must bring water and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions beginning April 15, 2026 prohibit campfires outside developed recreation sites, but campfires remain permitted in the provided fire rings at this campground.

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

Wine Spring Horse Camp is a primitive equestrian camping area in the Nantahala National Forest, located approximately 15 miles west of Franklin, North Carolina. The gated facility features 6 designated campsites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and tethering area for horses. Campers receive a combination to access the locked gate. The camp serves as a basecamp for the Wine Spring Trail System, which offers 15 miles of designated horse trails. Two primary loops—Wine Spring Trail #379A and Rocky Bald Trail #379B—each span 7.5 miles and cross Goat Bald at 4,800 feet elevation, providing scenic views toward the Great Smoky Mountains and Chilhowee Mountains in Tennessee. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no restrooms or potable water. Horses must not be tethered to trees or in any manner that damages bark. Reservations are made through the Nantahala Ranger District office rather than Recreation.gov.

Directions

From US 19, turn east on Wayah Road (SR 1310) at the Nantahala River Launch Site. Continue approximately 12 miles on Wayah Road. The camp is located off Forest Service Road 711.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $10

Vehicle

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

Contact

Email sm.fs.nantahalard@usda.gov
Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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