19 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lost Corral Horse Camp in Delano accommodates equestrians with tent and RV sites within the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park boundaries. The campground features toilet facilities and trash disposal, offering primitive camping specifically designed for visitors with horses. Campers have water access, though not directly at the sites. Young Branch Horse Camp in Vonore provides another option for horseback riders, with tent camping, picnic tables, toilets, and trash removal. Both campgrounds allow fires and provide reservable sites. The campsites are spacious and offer natural settings that create a quiet atmosphere for horses and riders. The primitive nature of these facilities allows for authentic outdoor experiences while maintaining necessary amenities for horse care.
Both horse camps connect to extensive trail networks through the Cherokee National Forest. Lost Corral's location provides convenient access to riding routes along the Hiwassee River, a beautiful waterway known for its scenic value. Young Branch offers similar trail access with convenient drive-in accessibility for horse trailers. Cottonwood Patch Campground in nearby Georgia features dedicated horse corrals, distinguishing it from other options in the region. This campground offers tent and RV accommodation with fire rings and toilet facilities. The campground is a very nice area for camping with horses, though it doesn't provide direct water views. All these equestrian campgrounds maintain a rustic atmosphere that appeals to riders seeking genuine outdoor experiences while providing the basic amenities necessary for camping with horses.
"Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."
"This sweet state park campground is tucked into a spot along Gee Creek, which is great for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summertime heat of Tennessee. "
from $35 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Hiking trails, great water falls, horse back riding, fishing, golf and wildlife. There are cabins available as well. Shower houses are clean and well situated."
"There is also a riding stable close by. The kids loved it! I got to ride Leonard the horse who looked a bit like the Wonky Donkey. 😂"
from $8 - $32 / night
Check Availability"You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey."
"This campground is off the beaten path but found by LOTS so have a reservation. There is an 11 mile loop with historic structures and lots of wildlife. Watch for BEARS!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it"
"This is a very clean, gated campground located right on the lake with available boat slips to rent during your stay. This is a very open campground with very few trees."
"But with that being said the lake is beautiful. We didn't see the beach till the last day we were there unfortunately. But it look like an awesome area. There is a Beach area with volleyball."
from $49 - $69 / night
Check Availability"The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."
"It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee. There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."
"There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."
"I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."
from $50 - $94 / night
Check Availability"The terrain is hilly but plenty of places to hike, we found a nice trail that we followed to the top of the mountain that was gradual and an easy relaxing walk. "
"Located in between campsites 7&8, Young Branch is the more “civilized” part of Citico Creek. There is a toilet, but no hookups. About 6 different sites within the campground."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
TravelerOffers everything you can possibly want. Hiking trails, great water falls, horse back riding, fishing, golf and wildlife. There are cabins available as well. Shower houses are clean and well situated.
LegendThis campground is definitely designed to be a launching point for those wishing to go horseback riding in the Cohutta Wilderness. We stopped through here on our way to go backpacking in the area. There were several large sites with campers on them and almost everyone had horses tied up near their vehicles. There is an outhouse on the site but it does not appear like there is any regular upkeep being done. There are many really nice trails in the area and several are designated horse only so if you own a horse this is a great option that is very close to the trailheads. Another nice feature of this site is that it is right on the water so that provides a nice atmosphere. Overall though it still smelled like horses and unless that is what you are going for I would not suggest setting up a tent here. Instead go down the road to some of the campgrounds more set up for tents or just head into the backcountry and take up one of the MANY free sites that aren't too long of a hike in.
ScoutThis is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it
GuideLevel spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible. A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained.
ScoutThis campground is so convenient to Cades Cove. You can easily bike through the loop, or drive. Nice spot to see wildlife as well. Cades Cove is well known for spotting bears, deer and turkey. Make sure to take the necessary steps to store your food. Great spot to go explore the beauty and history of East Tennessee!
GuideThis campground is off the beaten path but found by LOTS so have a reservation. There is an 11 mile loop with historic structures and lots of wildlife. Watch for BEARS! Bears and deer may be just across the road from your campsite. There are bikes and firewood available as well as a small campstore (with ice cream). Lots of trails, a waterfall, rivers and creeks to fish and wade. Horses and wagons to ride. Activities for campers young and old. Night walks and ranger talks. The most beatiful views this side of heaven. Take special note of the view walking back from the John Oliver cabin (the first one).
GuideYoung Branch Campground is a bit off the grid, no services cellular or TV. We camped mid November and had the whole place to ourselves. There are 8 back in gravel sites with fire pits, a vault toilet (very clean) and a short stroll down to Cherokee Creek. The terrain is hilly but plenty of places to hike, we found a nice trail that we followed to the top of the mountain that was gradual and an easy relaxing walk. There are many marked campsites along the creek for OTG camping. We spent 3 days here and I could count on one hand the amount of vehicles that passed on the road. It was a great escape to a peaceful wooded forest with the sound of the creek just yards away.
ADDITION: There is a paddock and horse stalls so I'm assuming that horses are welcomed at this location.
GuideFall Creek Falls is a beautiful park. The campsite was nice and spacious, and the kids loved having swings right by our site. There a several nice hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes. There wasn’t much water in the falls when we were there last, but it was still beautiful. There is also a riding stable close by. The kids loved it! I got to ride Leonard the horse who looked a bit like the Wonky Donkey. 😂
GuideFrozen Head is a wonderful place. For starters, the ranger that was on duty at the Visitor's Center was so helpful and kind. The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric). There are also many well kept backcountry sites with fire pits if you are backpacking. The surroundings are gorgeous: the foothills of the Appalachians and the hiking is superb and challenging. If you are able, make sure to hike to the Lookout Tower! This is a great park and campground if you want to experience the beauty of East Tennessee without the crowds of the Smoky Mountains.
Equestrian camping options near Athens, Tennessee provide access to extensive trail networks in the Cherokee National Forest. The region sits within the southern Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,800 feet. Campgrounds in the area typically open from March through October, though some offer year-round access depending on weather conditions and seasonal maintenance schedules.
Trail riding opportunities: Gee Creek Campground connects to numerous riding paths with varying difficulty levels. "There is a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access," notes Gregg G., highlighting additional activities for when you're not on horseback.
Waterfall exploration: Several trails lead to cascading water features within a short drive. "So many adventures offered from skeet shooting to hiking to waterfalls," reports Vanessa S. from Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, which offers day-trip options for equestrians staying at nearby horse camps.
Creek swimming: Natural swimming holes provide cooling options during summer months. "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!" mentions John B. about Hickey Gap, describing a popular after-ride activity for hot days.
Quiet atmosphere: The equestrian campgrounds maintain distance from busier tourist areas. "The campground is very quiet in winter, no power at sites, it does have hot showers," notes Byron R. about Gee Creek Campground, reflecting the peaceful environment that continues year-round.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to observe local fauna. "The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground," explains Kim L. from Cades Cove Campground, describing the infrastructure supporting wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide river or lake fishing opportunities. "This is a very clean, gated campground located right on the lake with available boat slips to rent during your stay," reports Allen S. about Toqua Beach Campground, offering an additional activity for equestrian campers.
Reservation requirements: Horse camps fill quickly during peak season. "This is a busy little campground sites are close together but it is very clean and secure," notes Hilary B. from Cades Cove Group Campground, reflecting common conditions at popular equestrian sites.
Limited amenities: Most horse camps provide basic facilities only. "Located in between campsites 7&8, Young Branch is the more 'civilized' part of Citico Creek. There is a toilet, but no hookups. About 6 different sites within the campground," explains Zane P. about Young Branch Horse Camp.
Weather considerations: Spring brings unpredictable conditions. "The showers are push valve with no temperature control, so you will periodically have to push the valve for water," advises Gregg G. about Gee Creek Campground, highlighting practical bathroom considerations during cooler months.
Safety protocols: Keep children away from horses they don't know. "There were several large sites with campers on them and almost everyone had horses tied up near their vehicles," observes Asher K. from Cottonwood Patch Campground, describing the typical layout with horses present.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer play areas. "Very friendly staff. Clean facilities and nice playground. Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool," shares Mickey L. about Gee Creek Campground.
Noise levels: Family sections tend to be livelier than dedicated horse camps. "The group site was great! There was only 20 people allowed at the site but could've held 40. It poured rain all weekend so we made a tarp city and squeezed all of our tents together," recounts Madison G. about Cades Cove Group Campground.
Leveling challenges: Prepare with blocks for uneven terrain. "Level spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible. A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can," mentions Bob P. about Cottonwood Patch Campground, addressing site conditions.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps can be challenging. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out. We are definitely going back in summer to get wet in the falls and creeks. Can't swim in lake but you can kayak," advises Richard F. from Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Water access planning: Water sources may require planning. "The sites on the North side of loop A are fairly uneven and would require a significant amount of leveling blocks if using a camper. Potable water is available from spickets placed around each loop," notes Gregg G. about water access at Gee Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Athens, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Athens, TN is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Athens, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Athens, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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