Overview

Harmon Den Campground is nestled on a mountainside beneath a forest of mixed hardwoods in the Pisgah National Forest. The camp is in a secluded area off of Cold Springs rd. in Haywood County, and the individual sites provide ample privacy.  

The upper loop is reserved for horse campers while the lower loop is reserved for tent camping and small trailers. There are no hookups, no dump station, and no drinking water at this time. There is a vault toilet facility for each camping loop as well as bear-proof garbage cans. The area trails are horse and hiking use only, NO bikes.
The campground is an ideal base for exploring the miles of nearby trails and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery, with nearby access to I-40, Max Patch, and Hot Springs, NC

Facilities

Harmon Den Campground has an upper loop for Horse campers and a lower loop for tent or dry trailer campers. Facilities provided include horse stalls and mangers that accommodate a maximum of 4 horses and 8 people at each site with a picnic table, tent pad, lantern post, fire ring and parking for a single vehicle with horse trailer. Also located within the campground are 2 vault toilets, a self-service livestock manure station and watering tank (non-potable) for livestock.

Natural Features

Recreation

Local attractions include more than 14 miles of trails designated for hiking and horseback riding and about 40 miles for hiking. Equestrians may ride other open
roads unless signed closed to horses with caution due to traffic during busy recreational seasons.

Trails include the 5.4-mile Buckeye Ridge, 2.6-mile Cherry Ridge, 2.5 mile Robert Gap and 3.6-mile Cold Springs Trails. Hunting and fishing are other popular activities in the area.

Nearby Attractions

Important Notices

• No accommodations for walk-ups at this location; reservations are required no less than 24 hours in advance.

• The water handpump is non-potable currently, please bring your own drinking water.

• This campground has gated access; the lock combination will be given when a reservation is made. Once code is entered, push down on shackle to open.

• Horses are not allowed in the interior portion of the campground; a perimeter trail provides access to riding trails.

• Campground is located within a bear sanctuary; all food and waste must be in bear-proof containers.

• Coggins test required.

• Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

• Please remove all leftover hay and straw during your departure.

• The upper loop is designed for horse camping, the lower loop is available for tent campers and small trailers. 

• Please use shovel and wheelbarrow provided to dispose of any horse manure and hay into designated trailer.

• Click here for more information about National Forests in North Carolina.

Available Activities

• WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
• HUNTING - Hunting
• HORSEBACK RIDING - Horseback Riding
• HIKING - Hiking
• FISHING - Fishing
• CAMPING - Camping

Directions

From Hot Springs, North Carolina, take Highway 209 south for approximately 7 miles. Turn right onto Meadowfork Road NCSR# 1175. After 6 miles turn right onto Little Creek Road NCSR# 1181 for 3 miles. Take a left onto Max Patch Road NCSR# 1182, then travel approximately 0.75 miles and turn right onto Cold Springs Road NFSR# 148. Travel southwest for about 3 miles to the intersection of Fall Branch Road NFSR#3526, the continue a half-mile to entrance of the campground on the left. Also access from Interstate 40 Exit 7 Harmon Den, travel east 3.0 miles on Cold Springs road NFSR#148 to Falls Branch road NFSR#3526 and 0.5 mile to entrance.

Contact Information

Phone: 828-689-9694

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip