Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Tennessee. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. It's easy to find a Tennessee campground for horse camping with the Dyrt. With our help, you'll find the best Tennessee equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.

Tennessee

The Best Equestrian Camping in Tennessee

Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Cedar Hills is the way to go. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. With our help, you'll find the best Tennessee equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.

Cedar Hills

The Best Equestrian Camping Near Cedar Hills, Tennessee

Our farm is beautifully located adjacent to the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. The White Rocks trailhead is within walking distance and is a very popular for both horseback riding and hiking. The campsite has a great view of the White Rocks and is located just a few minutes from Hwy 58 making it a convenient stop if traveling through. The campsite is equine friendly, bring your horse trailer and stay the night after a long ride.

Rock Bottom Horse Camp

Panther Creek State Park

Riverside RV Park & Resort

## Overview

**The only horse camp in the Great Smoky Mountains with potable water and flushing toilets!**

Pack up your horses for a getaway at Big Creek Horse Camp, located on far northeastern side of Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee. This campsite sits along the gently rolling waters of Big Creek and offers miles of horse trails with breathtaking scenic backdrops. 

**You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Big Creek Horse Camp!**

## Recreation

The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are accessible from Big Creek and for riders looking for a little hiking, the Appalachian Trail can be easily reached via the 2.1 mile Chestnut Branch Trail, located within walking distance from the camp. 

Day Use horse area- so invite your horse riding friends and family for a fun day even if they don't want to camp with you.   
  
Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams that snake through the mountains, with Rainbow and Brook trout available in abundance, particularly during spring months.

## Facilities

Big Creek Horse Camp is fairly primitive, providing only the basic amenities, but an unforgettable outdoors experience. The sites are large and the facility does offer flush toilets, drinking water and plenty of shade.   
  
  
  
Since horses are not permitted in the camping area, horse stalls and hitching rails are provided to guests.  
  
  
There are no hookups or showers at the campground, but water is available from the campground spigot. 

**You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Big Creek Horse Camp!**

## Natural Features

At a 1,700 foot elevation, Big Creek provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The camp is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams.   
  
Nearby Mouse Creek Falls, a 35 foot waterfall forming at the confluence of Mouse Creek and Big Creek, is reachable by horseback or on foot via the Big Creek trailhead located on-site.  
  
The beautiful falls splits over moss covered rocks and falls about 20 ft. before pooling and falling another 15 ft. into Big Creek. The falls can be reached via the Big Creek Trail, which is covered in wildflowers during spring months. 

## Nearby Attractions

The Big Creek Group Campground is located nearby, with plenty of space for larger groups.   
  
Full service grocery stores and medical facilities are located 16 miles away in Newport, Tennessee.

Big Creek Horse Camp

Wilderness Road - Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Big Creek area offers some of the most challenging hikes within the Park. Baxter Creek trail begins near the campground and with an elevation gain of 4200' from trail head to the summit of Mt Sterling provides a strenuous work out for the strongest of hikers. The nearby Big Creek trail offers a pleasant hike along the waters of Big Creek with a beautiful waterfall along the way. Local anglers agree that Big Creek offers some of the best trout fishing in the area. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 black bear living in the park, it is not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. Facilities Big Creek Campground offers 12 TENT ONLY campsites for a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. There is an emergency phone available at the Big Creek Ranger Station located 1 mile from the campground. No generator use or recreational vehicles are allowed in Big Creek Campground. There is a food storage locker available for public use. Natural Features Located at an elevation of 1,700' Big Creek Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and a pristine mountain stream. Black Bear sightings are not uncommon and some lucky visitors may spot River Otter playing in Big Creek. Nearby Attractions Nearby attractions include the Cataloochee Valley, Newport, TN, Cosby Campground, Hartford Whitewater Rafting, the Appalachian Trail and the Max Patch/Pisgah National Forest. 

Big Creek Campground

Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making a great place for camping near Nashville. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Recreation The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. Facilities Elkmont Campground has 200 tent / RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Although most sites will accommodate tents or RVs, extreme slope or length of driveway make certain sites more suitable for tents than RVs. Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites. In addition to these tent / RV sites, Elkmont has 20 walk-in sites for tents. Campers on these beautiful wooded sites will have a short walk from their parking area to their tent pad. Nine of Elkmont's campsites are wheelchair accessible ADA sites. These sites have wide concrete driveways, raised fire rings, and wheelchair accessible picnic tables. All of these sites are located near accessible restrooms. Three of the sites provide 5 amp electrical service for medical equipment. Restrooms at Elkmont Campground have flush toilets, cold running water, and utility sinks. Potable water is available at spigots near each restroom; use of hoses is not allowed. Elkmont Campground does NOT have electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. There is no RV dump/fill station at Elkmont campground. The nearest RV dump/fill station is located across from Sugarlands Visitor Center approximately 6 miles from Elkmont. Elkmont is strictly an overnight campground; there are no day-use facilities. The nearest picnic area is Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, west of Elkmont on Little River Road. Due to its central location and variety of amenities, Elkmont Campground tends to be heavily used during the summer vacation months and in October. Sites along Little River are in particularly high demand. Even when Elkmont is full, campsites are often available at Cosby Campground, located at the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Natural Features Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago. Nearby Attractions Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more. ADA Access: N

Elkmont Campground

196 Acres on Norris Lake
12 short-term RV sites with water and electric hook-up ($30 per night) , 13 non-electrical-sites with water hookups ($20 per night). 

38 Long-term sites ($350 per month) with winter storage option ($150 per month)
Group camp with covered shelter, trails, 2 boat ramps, picnic tables, electric and water hookups and grills-must reserve ($60 per night with a $20 deposit that will be applied to the first night camp fee)
Two ADA accessible shower/restroom facilities and 2 other bath facilities
Dump station
ADA campsite-Must have proof of a disabled occupant
Security lights at the campground, boat ramp and along shore.
Playground equipment
Public  Swimming Area
Boat Ramp for campers only and a public boat ramp
Self-guided nature trails
Two Pavilions with grills-must reserve ($35 per day)
Camping Season March – November

Anderson County Park

Tricorner Knob Shelter

Harmon Den is on the Appalachian Ranger District in the vicinity of exit 7 off of I-40. The area is a haven for hikers and horseback riders. It offers 54.5 miles of trails with 14.2 miles of trails designated for horseback riding and 40.3 miles for hiking. ACTIVITIES Camping Hiking: Trail Difficulty Easy: Route is easy to find and follow; trail has less than 8 percent grade; length is less than 3 miles; trail is mostly flat with few rocks. Moderate: Route may or may not be blazed; most of the trail has a less than 20 percent grade; length is usually between 2 and 8 miles; trail may be rocky and have stream crossings. Difficult: Route may require pathfinding skills; most of the trail has a 20 percent or steeper grade; length is usually more than 8 miles; trail is rocky and uneven and may have stream crossings. Horseback Riding: No trace horse hints: Take only fit, calm, experienced animals. Stay on the trail, and ride in a single file. Water horses at natural fords or from a bucket. Keep stock tethered at least 200 feet away from streams and away from trails and campsites. Avoid temporarily tying stock to trees. Use a highline with tree-saver straps to tether your animal. This prevents stock from trampling roots and chewing bark. Break up and scatter manure and fill in pawed holes when breaking camp. Pack some grain, since grazing is limited. Be certain that feed is weed-free to prevent noxious plants from spreading. Hunting: Part of Harmon Den in Haywood County, NC and the area north of US 25/70 to the Tennessee State line are bear sanctuaries where bear hunting is not allowed. Outside the sanctuaries, hunting is popular for bears as well as for deer. While the US Forest Service manages wildlife habitat, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulates hunting seasons and limits. A state license is required for hunting. Every hunter should get a copy of the Regulations Digest from the commission by calling (919) 662-4381 or from the website: www.wildlife.state.nc.us, select "regulations". Picnicking Wildlife Viewing Horse Camping: No trace horse hints: Take only fit, calm, experienced animals. Stay on the trail, and ride in a single file. Water horses at natural fords or from a bucket. Keep stock tethered at least 200 feet away from streams and away from trails and campsites. Avoid temporarily tying stock to trees. Use a highline with tree-saver straps to tether your animal. This prevents stock from trampling roots and chewing bark. Break up and scatter manure and fill in pawed holes when breaking camp. Pack some grain, since grazing is limited. Be certain that feed is weed-free to prevent noxious plants from spreading.

Harmon Den Area

Nashville, TN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Nashville is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Nashville. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Nashville

The Best Camping Near Nashville, Tennessee

Camping near Memphis, TN, offers your pick of settings, whether you want to stay in a neighborhood, by a lake, or close to the forests. The area offers some of the best camping in Tennessee with great biking and hiking on wooded trails. RV campers won't have a problem finding campsites to accommodate their vehicles, with campgrounds near the former home of Elvis Presley and out in nature. There are single and group tent campsites in historic T.O. Fuller State Park just outside the city. The park hosts events, has a pool and is a great spot for hiking and birding.

Memphis

The Best Camping Near Memphis, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee is the closest major city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is only about an hour away if you’re looking for comfortable accommodations when traveling to the park.

Knoxville has capitalized on comfortable camping with plenty of glamping and RV resorts to choose from in the area. The best camping near Knoxville is in the Norris Dam State Park and surrounding area. Another good option for campgrounds is Big Ridge State Park near Ridenour, TN. It’s worth noting that for an extra 30 minutes of driving, you can get to Great Smoky, where admission is free and the campsites are more abundant.

Knoxville

Looking for the best campgrounds near Knoxville, TN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping Near Knoxville, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee is often seen as a place you pass through on your way to Great Smoky National Park. If you just drive through this Tennessee town, you’ll be missing out on all it has to offer!

The best camping near Chattanooga is located on the banks of the Tennessee River, with plenty of campgrounds to choose from. With a handful of tent and RV campgrounds to choose from in the area, you’ll be able to enjoy the riverfront views in peace. The Cherokee National Forest by Benton, TN is another excellent camping opportunity if you're willing to make the drive. Not only are there great campsites to choose from, but you can miss a lot of the crowds of the national parks by exploring this forest that’s 100,000 acres larger than Great Smoky!

Chattanooga

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Chattanooga, TN has a lot to offer. Chattanooga is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Chattanooga, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Chattanooga Camping | Tennessee Campgrounds

Join the fun near Clarksville. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Clarksville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Clarksville

The Best Camping Near Clarksville, Tennessee

Looking for the best campgrounds near Murfreesboro, TN? Murfreesboro is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Murfreesboro

The Best Camping Near Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Join the fun near Franklin. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Franklin. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Franklin. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Franklin

The Best Camping Near Franklin, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jackson. Jackson is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jackson

The Best Camping Near Jackson, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Johnson City. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Johnson City, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Johnson City

The Best Camping Near Johnson City, Tennessee

Join the fun near Bartlett. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Bartlett, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Bartlett, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Bartlett

The Best Camping Near Bartlett, Tennessee

Cherokee National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cherokee National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Cherokee National Forest, TN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Cherokee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Natchez Trace Parkway, TN has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Natchez Trace Parkway is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Best Camping Near Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Old Hickory Lake, TN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Old Hickory Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Old Hickory Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Old Hickory Lake

The Best Camping Near Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee

Join the fun near Stillhouse Hollow Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, TN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Stillhouse Hollow Lake

The Best Camping Near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near J Percy Priest Lake. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near J Percy Priest Lake, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

J Percy Priest Lake

The Best Camping Near J Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Center Hill Lake, TN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Center Hill Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Center Hill Lake

The Best Camping Near Center Hill Lake, Tennessee

Obed Wild and Scenic River is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Obed Wild and Scenic River. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Obed Wild and Scenic River camping trip.

Obed Wild and Scenic River

The Best Camping Near Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee

Looking for the best campgrounds near Wagontrain Lake, TN? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Wagontrain Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

The Best Equestrian Camping in Cedar Hills

Top Campgrounds in Cedar Hills (24)

1.