Maureen G.
Ranger
RangerSmokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Shady level sites near stream
Nice sites but fairly open layout so not private.
Equestrian Camping near Talbott, TN
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Big Creek Horse Camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers primitive campsites specifically designed for equestrians. The campground features designated areas for tethering horses and trailer parking. Sites accommodate both tent and limited RV camping with horse areas separated from human camping zones. The park maintains clear trail access points from the campground to the extensive bridle trail network. Mountain views and creek access characterize this secluded camping area, with campers noting the stunning fall colors and photographer-friendly surroundings.
Located along the park boundary, Big Creek Horse Camp connects directly to over 550 miles of trails throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, including numerous trails suitable for horseback riding. Riders can access both moderate and challenging terrain from the campground. Primitive facilities include basic toilets without showers, and campers must bring their own water for horses. Trailer access requires navigating mountain roads to reach the campground entrance. Reservations are required for all horse campsites, and the campground operates seasonally, typically closing during winter months. The quiet, natural setting away from developed areas provides an authentic backcountry experience for equestrians seeking trail access.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Talbott (27)
1. Panther Creek State Park Campground
"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."
"Nuzzled into the East Tennessee hills. Very pretty. Nice State Park. Would stay here again."
9 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
2. Cades Cove Campground
"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!"
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $30 / night
3. Riverside RV Park & Resort
"Convenient to highway 66 that runs from Interstate 40 to Sevierville. Not particularly charming, but seems to be clean and well run. Worked well for a one night stay."
4. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Building a fire was next to impossible. I think there might have been thirty minutes without rain, so pictures are limited."
"About 1 hour away from Gatlinburg, but this side is less crowded. The sites are plenty big, a little tight to back into, but not a big deal."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
5. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
"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."
6. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"The Tennessee and NC sides each have great things to offer. Just feel that the NC side has more smaller campgrounds and is generally a little more quiet and laid back. Go NC!"
"This: Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
7. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Nearby is group camping and horse camping. You cannot park your car right on the campsite. There is a parking lot and you need to carry your gear in. It's about 100 feet to the sites."
"The camp is beautiful and you are surrounded by the magical sounds of rushing water. There are two creeks nearby, one big and one small. We spent one day simply enjoying the campground."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
8. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $94 / night
9. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA
"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. Out on The Creek Campground
"Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots"
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
Drive Time
- 8 min from Morristown, TN
- 36 min from Knoxville, TN
- 59 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 1 min from Johnson City, TN
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Talbott, TN
15 Photos of 27 Talbott Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Talbott, TN
368 Reviews of 27 Talbott Campgrounds
- RRoddrick
GuideCades Cove Campground
Very Nice
Great campsites, little closer together than what I like but still nice and shaded all paved. Have three dump stations that are very nice. Will definitely come back. Better have reservations, cause it does stay full.
Kimberly A.GuideAnderson County Park
Beautiful overnight stay
We’re heading down to Florida and this was along our route. Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!
Rogier P.
ScoutCherokee-Great Smokies KOA
Fantastic site!
Great site with nice facilities like pool. Reception with large shop with basic camping needs, groceries and beer and wine. Wood service, delivered to your site, is also great! Could be experienced as a bit busy, but not noisy at all.
Kelly W.ScoutPanther Creek State Park Campground
Panther Creek State Park
Lovely camping site employees are courteous and helpful the area is super neat and clean. Very pretty and borders a lake
- LLinda K.Scout
Anderson County Park
Beautiful State Park
We love this campground! We have the best spot although, all of them are nice! Right on Lake Norris with the most beautiful views!
- QQuindeda C.Scout
Anderson County Park
Nice peaceful campground for RVs and tents.
I've camper here a few times over the years. It's always been a peaceful experience. Bath house has always been pretty clean. Could use an update but over all always been happy with our trips.
- HHope H.Guide
Cades Cove Campground
Scenic Quiet Campground
There is a beautiful drive to get to this campground once you get through the traffic jam of Sevierville. Enjoy the scenic and winding river road! Only loop C is open in the off season. Generators are allowed at this time of year, but must be off by 8pm. The women's restroom was revoltingly smelly (some animal had sprayed in there, smelled like male cat x100). I hope this was a temporary situation.
The sites have nice new pads(not perfectly level though) and the tent pads are spacious and flat. Cade's Cove loop was definitely worth taking, and I would do it again and stop at every stop. Take the pull outs and let the people pass you so you can really soak it all in. Also, make sure to get a parking pass and a brochure at the first stop, which explains the sites along the loop. I saw many turkeys showing off their fan tails. And a large black bear chowing down on the sweet, fattening, tender spring grass. Also there were quite a few deer out. The scenery was magnificent!
Tony M.ScoutPanther Creek State Park Campground
Very nice little camp ground
Clean and well-kept campground. Nuzzled into the East Tennessee hills. Very pretty. Nice State Park. Would stay here again.
Guide to Talbott
Big Creek Horse Camp offers specialized facilities for equestrian campers in the eastern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located near the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the camp sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation, providing moderate temperatures that average 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas. The camp's terrain features a mix of hardwood forest with creek access and connects directly to multiple bridle trails that extend throughout the park's extensive trail network.
What to do
Trail riding to Midnight Hole: Access the Big Creek Trail directly from Big Creek Campground for a moderate ride to this popular swimming area. "Even though it rained we had a great hike. The falls were beautiful, and jumping into Midnight Hole was fun," reports Chris M.
Wildlife viewing in Cataloochee Valley: Equestrians can trailer horses to Cataloochee Campground for premier elk viewing opportunities during rutting season. "We spent 5 nights and watched them early am and afternoons every day. They will get up close-and personal," shares Jodie K., who visited during the fall rut.
Historical structure exploration: Ride to preserved homesteads, churches, and barns throughout the park's eastern sections. "There are historical homesteads, a school, churches and cemetery to take you back in time. Trails by creeks there to hike," notes a Cataloochee visitor.
What campers like
Secluded creek access: The sound of running water creates a peaceful camping atmosphere. "Camp was great. Pads were large and flat and well kept. Nice path to walk and explore along stream which is very beautiful," writes Nick about Big Creek.
Primitive camping experience: Many equestrians appreciate the undeveloped setting of Tricorner Knob Shelter, which connects to horse trails. "The shelter is a classic three-sided AT shelter... Excellent water source a few feet from the shelter," explains Bill S.
Easy trail connections: Campers value direct access to riding trails without having to trailer horses after arrival. "The campground has several trailheads for hiking in the Smokies. A very nice feature is how close the campsites are to the creek," notes Katrin M.
What you should know
Remote location challenges: Access roads to horse camps can be difficult. For Panther Creek State Park Campground, a camper notes: "Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards" as sites require careful positioning.
Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds have basic amenities only. "No electricity, no problem. A couple of water spigots centrally located and a dish washing station. Bath house was a little ways from us, but we could drive and park there. No showers or hot water," explains a Cataloochee visitor.
Reservation requirements: All horse camping sites require advance booking. "Sites are limited and must be reserved through the phone or website," explains Todd R. about Big Creek.
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations can mean significant temperature differences. "The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters," advises Bill S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Talbott, TN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Talbott, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Talbott, TN is Panther Creek State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Talbott, TN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Talbott, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Talbott, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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