Best Equestrian Camping near Maryville, TN

Anthony Creek Horse Camp is one of the primary horse-friendly campgrounds near Maryville, Tennessee, located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campground offers picnic tables and fire rings at each site while accommodating both tents and RVs with space for horse trailers. Reservations are required for the camping season, which runs from April 1 to November 13. The camping area maintains a strict no-pet policy to minimize wildlife disruptions, focusing exclusively on equestrian use. Young Branch Horse Camp in Vonore provides another option for horse owners with basic amenities including toilets, trash disposal, picnic tables, and campfire rings. Both campgrounds feature sites specifically designed to accommodate riders and their horses, with ample space for trailer parking and room for portable corrals. Many riders note the well-maintained conditions of the campsites despite high seasonal usage.

The trail networks accessible from these horse camps connect to extensive bridle path systems throughout the Smoky Mountains region. Riders at Anthony Creek have direct access to backcountry trails within the national park, while Young Branch Camp connects to trail systems in the Cherokee National Forest. Neither campground offers electric hookups, water hookups, or shower facilities, so equestrians should prepare accordingly with adequate water supplies for both themselves and their horses. Campgrounds typically fill quickly during peak riding seasons, particularly in spring when wildflowers bloom along the trails and fall when foliage colors peak. Bears are common throughout the region, making proper food storage essential for both human supplies and horse feed. The pristine natural setting compensates for the rustic facilities, with numerous opportunities to spot wildlife including deer, turkey, and occasionally bears from horseback along the trail systems.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Maryville, Tennessee (25)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "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!"

    2. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "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."

    3. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "The Lizard Lounge has a separate WiFi but you have to be inside or just outside to use it. Amazing river views and very close to the entrance of the National park."

    "Right next to the entrance to the Great Smokey mountains. Townsend is a lovely town for eating and lots of walking trails. It is a short drive into pigeon forge if you want more activities to do."

    4. Toqua Beach Campground

    3 Reviews
    Vonore, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 884-3317

    $49 - $69 / night

    "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."

    5. Bote Mountain Campsite 18 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    2 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    18 miles
    Website

    "I chose this campsite as the location of my first backcountry overnight experience, and I was not disappointed. Loved every minute of it. Short hike from your vehicle on Laurel Gap Rd."

    "Camp site is about .5 miles downhill from the Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail Head. There are 2 sites that can be used and they are separated from one another."

    6. Anthony Creek Horse Camp — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    1 Review
    Townsend, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "easy access to the trails right from camp....beautiful area. will be going back for sure."

    7. Young Branch Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Tallassee, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $15 / night

    "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."

    8. Tsali Campground

    13 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge."

    "Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend."

    9. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    25 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9711

    "If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it.  It is perfectly situated beside the river.  "

    "But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."

    10. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / night

    "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. "

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Maryville, TN

277 Reviews of 25 Maryville Campgrounds


  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Bristol Fields Horse Camp

    No horsin around

    I visited Bristol Fields for a planned primitive camping event with a group. I’m glad I arrived in daylight because my first drive in on the approximately 4 mile stretch of dirt and gravel road was a little nerve racking. Mostly because I wasn’t 100% sure I was going the correct way and second because there are some nice drop offs from the road. It is a wide road (about 1 1/2 lane)but passing in some areas would be interesting. Stay right and you will find the sign. The campground is primarily for horse oriented camping. It is split into three areas. The first section to the right as you pull in is the area we set up in. Then there is a long field that is obviously for horse trailer parking and camping with tie out poles included. There is a small tree break prior to the last area which has the pit style latrine and a large field for camping use. This whole area is bordered by a nice cold stream that is excellent for soaking your sore muscles in after a horse ride or hike. There is direct access to horse and hiking trails that are not extremely scenic (as in no long views until you get to the top) but will give you a good vertical workout. You can run or bike ride on the road too. There are several large fire pit areas throughout and a fire circle with wood chairs in the main area. There were five of us, three tent campers and two in vans and we had plenty of room to set up. The gravel center with picnic table worked well as our “kitchen” and dining area. Once parked my vehicle didn’t move again until it was time to leave. Total black at night meant excellent star gazing and the creek was the loudest thing out there. It did seem to be a young adult destination in the evenings, but they left when they saw that the site was occupied. A nice feature someone created was a “dam” of rocks with a round pool to sit in. Excellent get away with no electronics to speak of.

  • Candy O.
    Apr. 19, 2019

    Lost Corral Horse Camp

    Very nice area for camping with horses

    This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it

  • B
    May. 30, 2019

    Cades Cove Campground

    Family friendly and beautiful

    This 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!

  • Gail C.
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Our Favorite

    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! 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).

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2022

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Going up

    Panther Creek SP

    Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home. I ended up sharing a site with a friend who lives even closer, lol This is a small State Park but it offers a lot to do recreation wise. The weekend we stayed there was a youth mountain bike event and cross country running going on. There’s also horseback trails. My only complaint about the trails is they are not marked well. A Boy Scout troop needs to do some merit badge work and improve them . The campground is small, a little tight in the sides and limited on full service sites. It’s a gradual uphill drive through the camp , you curve to the left and then back down the hill. The sites in the upper curve are bigger then the ones on the hill. There are several that offer tent pads and small vehicle pads. Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards. The two showerhouses are next to pavilions. All well maintained. The upper pavilion has a very cool fire pit area. And can accommodate a small gathering. There is a trailhead in the campground and several other trailheads in easy walking, pedaling distance , plus an awesome overlook and more strenuous hike up the road. The boat ramp is in an adjacent area and the lake is beautiful.

  • Ashley A.
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Beautiful place to visit!

    Loved visiting Cades Cove! We drove around the entire loop. Saw many horses, deer, and even a coyote! Would love to go back soon!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Tsali Campground

    Tsali

    This is one of our favorite local campgrounds. Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge. A great spot for mountain biking on the Tsali trail system, close to the Appalachian Trail, close to the Nantahalad river for kayaking and rafting. Good access to Lake Fontana for kayaking, SUPing and swimming.

  • Dan N.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Cades Cove Campground

    Best in spring or fall

    Never been in summer when it’s busy but it’s great with wildflowers/leaf peeping along the wildlife drive. You can also bike the wildlife drive certain days and times. Camping options are simple rustic campground (though large with 150+ sites), horse camping, and backcountry backpacking sites. We’ve done the latter but drove through the campground, which was wooded and clean though fairly busy.

  • L
    Jul. 26, 2018

    Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    Quiet and safe

    Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays. 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. Friendly staff at the park office. Nice place!


Guide to Maryville

Anthony Creek and Young Branch offer equestrian campgrounds near Maryville, Tennessee at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet. Both campgrounds operate seasonally, with Anthony Creek available from April through mid-November and Young Branch typically open during similar months. Trail conditions vary by season, with spring bringing muddy conditions after rainfall.

What to do

Wildlife viewing from horseback trails: At Cades Cove Campground, riders can access extensive trail networks. "I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience," reports Ashley Y.

Mountain biking at designated times: Some horse campgrounds connect to multi-use trails. At Tsali Campground, campers appreciate the trail system accessibility. "This is the campground to stay if you want to mountain bike. The Tsali system starts right from the campground. You can ride to & from your campsite and never have to load up," explains Tony C.

Historical exploration: Several horse trails near Maryville lead to historical structures. Robbie T. from Cherokee Great Smokies KOA mentions, "All kinds of stuff for the kids. Two pools, jump pillow and pad, banana bikes, play ground and three ponds for fishing."

What campers like

Direct trail access: Horse campers appreciate immediate trail entry from campsites. At Bote Mountain Campsite 18, Christina Z. notes, "Short hike from your vehicle on Laurel Gap Rd. West Prong of the Little River runs right through both separated sites, so plenty of water is an understatement. Ground is flat and plenty of room to spread out."

Well-maintained facilities: Despite rustic conditions at many equestrian sites, campers value cleanliness. At Gee Creek Campground, Anna M. reports, "Nice, spacious campsites. Pull through campsites with picnic tables, grills, fire rings and water spigots. Nice bathhouse that is cleaned multiple times a day."

Proximity to water sources: Horse owners need water access for their animals. Timothy T. at Toqua Beach Campground describes, "They have gravel lots that are somewhat level. We stayed at site 104... 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."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Anthony Creek Horse Camp requires advance booking, especially during peak seasons. As Robbie S. notes, "Easy access to the trails right from camp....beautiful area. Will be going back for sure."

Limited amenities: Most equestrian sites lack electrical hookups and shower facilities. At Young Branch Horse Camp, Zane P. advises, "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."

Seasonal considerations: Many horse trails become muddy after rainfall, particularly in spring. As Buck R. mentions about Cades Cove, "November is when the leaves are changing. Temps cool at night, moderately nice during the day...got snow at Clingman's Dome however during the day!"

Food storage requirements: Due to wildlife presence, secure food storage is mandatory. Crystal C. observes, "They offer bike rentals, shuttle tours to the mountains, fishing, giant checkers and game boards, a clubhouse area, children's activities."

Tips for camping with families

Choose weekday visits: Most equestrian campgrounds near Maryville experience higher weekend traffic. DrDavid P. advises about Cades Cove, "This is a great campground, but can get a little busy. That doesn't make it good or bad, but you need to know what to plan for. If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else."

Bring entertainment: Horse campgrounds often lack structured activities. Brittni F. from Cherokee Great Smokies KOA recommends, "No phone service so you get to completely relax. Absolutely breathtaking scenery."

Pack extra supplies: Limited facilities mean families should bring necessities. Nathan B. from Gee Creek suggests, "Had a great family outing. Bathrooms were clean and site were nice too."

Book early for holiday weekends: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly during peak seasons. As Aliy L. notes about Cades Cove, "Had a great stop at this campground! Loved how close it was to the Cades Cove Road to tour for the downtime. Took a while to get into and out of though."

Tips from RVers

Consider site dimensions: Many horse camps accommodate trailers but have limited RV hookups. Cory A. from Townsend KOA advises, "The staff is extremely accommodating and very helpful. The bathrooms/showers were clean and the campground was well laid out."

Research accessibility: Roads to equestrian sites may present challenges for larger rigs. Kim L. notes about Cades Cove, "Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites."

Plan for power limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds lack electrical hookups. Katie C. from Townsend KOA recommends, "Spacious and on the river. Close to the biking trails and Cades cove. Spots are clean, fire pits are great."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Maryville, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Maryville, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 98 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Maryville, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Maryville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.