Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
95 acres hosted by Catherine And Rick T.
1 lodging site · 8 RV/tent sites
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in North Carolina: 2nd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Natural features
Forest
Hot spring
River, stream, or creek
Mountainous
Select a site
Filter by
Loading sites...
Reviews
99% Recommend1393 ratings · 770 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 3 Rapids
The stream felt like a white noise machine and the grounds were kept impeccably! Would return to this spot in the future.
M
Mary K.
3 months on Hipcamp
Site 9 is a great secluded spot on the property over looking the farm and mountains. It was fun walking down to the river to swim, fish, or wade in. Love staying at Smokey Mountain Mangalista Farm!
J
Jordan S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Wow. Just wow. This is definitely a unique spot and the hosts just get it what a good camping experience looks like. The property is clearly loved and cared for. The views and nature are breathtaking, water in the river is clean, the nights are starry, and above all nobody is bothering anyone.
We were hesitant to write this review because we loved the place so much and didn't want it to become crowded. However the hosts deserve the recognition for their efforts — this place is a hidden gem. People, please help preserving it.
N
Natanael D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Catherine and Rick’s Mangalitsa farm is a beautiful place to stay with friends or family. We stayed on Rapids 3 which was absolutely beautiful on the river. Their directions to find the site were thorough and informative. Seeing the donkeys and piggies on the farm was great too! I picked up some fresh bratwurst, eggs and lard from the farm too to take home. They were so kind and made the stay a breeze. Sadly their farm was damaged in Helene but they have done a great job of restoring the land!
N
Noah S.
4 months on Hipcamp
My wife and I needed a couple days away from work and life so we looked on Hipcamp to find a nice place to camp and thankfully stumbled upon the Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch. Christina and Rick's majestic property was better than either of us could have imagined, from experiencing the sublime overlooking the mountains from the ranch's peak to swimming in both the lazy and the white-water parts of their river only a dozen steps from our tent on Site 3 (The Rapids). We set up a hammock under the trees, we had a fire that burned perfectly due to the refreshing breeze over the property fueling it. When I tell you that this ranch is like going into the children's book The Wind in the Willows, I am not kidding. It's super relaxing, especially watching the breeze blow past the fescue (looks like wheat) from my chair at the camp as the sun peaks through the big established walnut tree leaves, listening to the birds chirping and rushing water, seeing Stetson wander the landscape as the goats, donkeys, horses, and pigs graze. Christina and Rick were wonderfully hospitable and welcoming, and the Donkey Tour of the ranch is a must so you can get to know the property and the owners. It informs you of their talented work, but also their history and plans for the future. Their property is only a 15 minute drive from Waynesville, so we explored Main Street, since we'd never been before, and it was fun as well. We will certainly be coming back next time we need a weekend vacation!
M
Martin F.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Troutfall
Absolutely loved this spot. The campsite was well maintained, with an awesome deck and a floor hammock that made it easy to relax and soak in the surroundings. Falling asleep to the sound of the river was pure magic. The views from the meadows and the nearby knoll were incredible. Sunsets and moonrises up there are not to be missed. Perfect blend of comfort and nature.
A
Alexander P.
2 reviews
This was my friend group's second time camping at the Knoll and we love it! The views are beautiful and our site was conveniently located near the water. Catherine is usually quick to respond, which is helpful. We love that it is dog friendly and hope to come back in the future.
C
Cayla S.
2 months on Hipcamp
We stood at Site 1 and it’s was perfect we set out our hammocks pretty much on the River Beautiful and a special place Both Catherine and Rick are 10/10 host!! And Stetson the Camp Manager 🦮 was such a great companion From the Beautiful Views to the fireflies at night to being able to see and the piglets this Hipcamp was everything we Hoped For Perfect for a Birthday Getaway
D
Dashawn B.
3 reviews
Group: 5 adults, 10 kids (ages 3-10) from Chapel Hill/Durham
Wow, this blew our expectations out of the water. The property is stunning, beautiful, idyllic, and every other word you can think off. Surrounded by mountains with rolling hills, bird filled woods, and beautiful views, it’s the best campsite I’ve ever paid for. We stayed at Troutfall and felt like we had our own little slice of heaven. The deck overlooks the river where we observed bald eagles, osprey, hawks, kingfishers, and a myriad of song birds, with the highlight being a male Baltimore Oriole. There is a large level area to set up tents that held our one 4 person tent, two 6 per person tents, and one 8 person tent easily. Bring a hammer and sturdy stakes as the gravel is very rocky. We had quite a bit of rain during our 3 night stay and the whole site drained perfectly. The river was slow enough to take 8 kids ages 5-9 tubing, but exciting enough with mini rapids to have them wanting to do it again and again. We watched fireflies each night, got to see 5 piglets romp and play in their pen, and watched a sunrise from the top of one of their picturesque hills. Highly recommend renting the porta potty if you have a big group. It’s worth it, trust us. When asked how this camping trip rated among others, the kids said it was the best ever. Cat and Rick were great hosts and communicated perfectly. We’re already looking forward to our next trip there!
John B.
2 reviews
Really enjoyed staying at the Rapids campsite! Right on the river, so much land to walk, and the animals really topped it off. The goats, horses, donkeys, and pigs were so fun to see. There were even piglets! Could not recommend enough.
S
Sydney B.
1 year on Hipcamp
This site was so lovely. The rapids are peaceful and under some wonderful shade trees. The farm has great hiking, a little beach to access the river and lots of pigs!
Genessa K.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Site 3 Rapids
My family and I hesitated about going on our trip after finding out it was likely going to rain the majority of our trip here. We decided to make the best of our trip and still went, and had the greatest time. A great experience all around from the beautiful scenery to the farm fresh sausage. Already planning our next trip back!
C
Cody T.
3 months on Hipcamp
We absolutely LOVED staying at the Mangalitsa River Ranch!! We could not have asked for a better weekend. The views were incredible and sleeping to the sound of the River was so calming. Catherine was an excellent, super responsive host. We stayed at "Site 1 Rocks" which provided a grill, fire pit, and table with chairs to eat on. This area is also a short distance from Maggie Valley, Downtown Waynesville, and Asheville that we had so much fun exploring during the day. I can't wait to come back :)
G
Georgia B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 Rapids
We loved camping here! Absolutely beautiful spot and was so peaceful. A perfect weekend away!
K
Kimberly W.
8 months on Hipcamp
Enjoyed a delightful 3 days primitive camping by the gentle rapids of the river, greeted each day by Stetson the friendly farm guard dog. It was so peaceful!! Hosts were kind and responsive. Would definitely stay again!!
Cindy G.
16 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Troutfall
Camping at Trout fall was better than we could have ever imagined . The whole property is great. Beautiful views, cool animals, and clean port-o-potty. Highly recommend. Will be back.
A
Allen L.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Troutfall
Troutfall was a perfect spot for our family. It was beautiful, it was private, it was spacious, our kids could roam and explore, we could swim in the river, it was convenient to the Smokies, it was everything we were hoping for.
Catherine was very quick to respond if I had questions and everything was very easy from our perspective.
I would 100% recommend to a friend.
A
Andy H.
2 reviews
Super people, awesome location. We find Mangalitsa to be a very calm and relaxing camp site. We WILL BE BACK!!
R
Richard V.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Site 8 Hilltop 4WD
Site 8 was the best! Super fun driving through the property, and it was very secluded compared to the other sites we drove by. Amazing views and felt very primitive even though we were so close to civilization
will stay again!
A
Ava S.
2 months on Hipcamp
This HipCamp is amazing! One of the best places I’ve had the pleasure of camping - primarily due to the property. You are literally on a beautifully-maintained farm, with a river rolling through it, and also encompassed by rolling hills and mountains. It’s gorgeous! Will be back!
T
Tori L.
3 reviews
My husband and I had a relaxing, private and peaceful time on this beautiful farm. If you love nature, beautiful views, and water this is the place for you! We can’t wait to return with the entire family and to top it off Catherine and Rick are amazing hosts. Highly recommend ordering fresh meat, or lard! It’s fresh beyond anything we’ve had.
M
Memoree F.
2 years on Hipcamp
We had such a wonderful time on our camping trip at the Mangalitsa River Ranch. Catherine and Rick are very warm and make you feel right at home. We really enjoyed the vibrant nature all around us. We stayed at site 3 (Rapids) and it was so peaceful to fall asleep by the river. It honestly felt like a dream because they upkeep their property so well. It really blew my husband and I away! If you have time-sign up for the tour. It was fun to get a closer look at the animals and find out more about the history of the place. 10/10. We want to come back.
A
Anthea J.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
30 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Site 2 Knoll
The views are stunning and the entire setting is relaxing and simply beautiful. We were amazed how well kept all was. Grass cut even on steeper slopes (we were here in May when grass grows at the speed of light). Paths were well kept with gravel. The knoll is the ultimate spot with immense real estate. Just wished that there was a bit more grass growing on the knoll. It got pretty muddy after we got rained out. Nice feature was that the fire pit was surrounded by small gravel keeping everything clean and neat.
We enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back! It would be a nice feature if trash could be deposited here instead of taking it out though.
Stetson came to visit twice and our 3 dogs could quite cope with it. But smart as he is, Stetson realized it was better to stop visiting.
Gabrielle And Rocco B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Beautiful, peaceful and so serene!!!! Mrs Catherine was so very kind to work with and will most definitely be going back. I didn’t want to leave it was so peaceful 👍🏼
L
Laura S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 1 Rocks
Beautiful land and lovely hosts! The site was perfect for our entire family. The kids loved roaming the land and seeing the animals (especially cows on the other side of the river who decided to take a swim!). There was a campsite within eyesight but the sound of the river made it feel like we were the only ones there. We couldn’t hear another soul, just nature! Beautiful spot. Would definitely recommend.
Emily T.
4 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Site 3 Rapids
It is a beautiful property all the way from the cabin that I saw at the top of the ridge down to the Pigeon river. The fishing suffered from Helene’s rampage but everything seemed to be well on its way to a beautiful recovery.
B
Brian W.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
Site 1 Rocks
We absolutely love staying here!
Catherine and Rick are very kind hosts.
This time we stayed at The Rocks site.
Lots of space for us and our 3 dogs to relax for a couple nights.
Bobbie P.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Site 7 Meadow
The farm was such a great place to stay! Our daughter loved seeing the animals. This was our first Hipcamp experience and were very pleased! We will definitely come back!
A
Alec A.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Site 7 Meadow
Beautiful location! Site 7 (Meadow) was perfect for me and my group, and i will definitely be coming back! Hosts are also super helpful and accommodating.
V
Vincent D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Catherine’s property, views, animals and charisma were just a delight. We got the tour and the donkey meet and scratch (highly recommended) and just had a blast. Would 100% go back and stay on the farm. Very close to a great little town Waynesville where we found lots of delicious eats and beers.
J
James G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Location
Waynesville, Haywood, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Catherine And Rick T.
Joined in January 2021Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
Campers also viewed...
Related Searches
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.