CATALOOCHEE HORSE CAMP
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview Located in the scenic Cataloochee Valley, tucked in a cool and shady canopy, this campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer, including some of the most coveted horseback riding trails in the park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the preservation of Southern Appalachian culture, the Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. You MUST have a HORSE to camp at Cataloochee Horse Camp! Recreation With access to some of the most popular trails in the area, includi
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
35.62876, -83.11559
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:17 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Maggie Valley, NC.
Today
84°F
Sunny
3% rain · wind 5 mph
Tonight
64°F
Partly Cloudy
1% rain · wind 3 mph
Friday
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
54% rain · wind 2 mph
Friday Night
65°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
51% rain · wind 2 mph
Saturday
80°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
91% rain · wind 3 mph
Saturday Night
64°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
81% rain · wind 2 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
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