Best Equestrian Camping near Lenoir City, TN

Young Branch Horse Camp near Vonore serves tent campers with essential facilities for equestrian activities. The camp features picnic tables, toilets, and trash facilities in a natural wooded setting. Sites are reserved for campers with horses, with approximately six different camping areas maintained within the grounds. Fires are allowed at designated fire rings, and the campground is accessible by vehicle. The sites are medium-sized but well-maintained, making them suitable for visitors with horse trailers and equipment.

Located in the Citico Creek area, Young Branch provides access to surrounding trails and natural areas popular with horse enthusiasts. The campground has no electric hookups, drinking water, or shower facilities, requiring visitors to bring their own water supplies for both themselves and their horses. Trail riders find the location convenient for exploring the Cherokee National Forest trail system. The natural setting offers good shade coverage and relatively level terrain for camping. Sites within Young Branch Horse Camp are more developed than other primitive areas of Citico Creek, creating a balance between basic amenities and natural surroundings that appeals to equestrians seeking trail access in the Tennessee mountains.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Lenoir City, Tennessee (16)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    32 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. Toqua Beach Campground

    3 Reviews
    Vonore, TN
    19 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."

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

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    33 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."

    4. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    33 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."

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

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    43 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. "

    6. Young Branch Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Tallassee, TN
    25 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."

    7. Notchy Creek - Tellico Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Vonore, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 884-6280

    $24 - $40 / night

    8. Tsali Campground

    13 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    49 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. Bote Mountain Campsite 18 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    2 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    35 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."

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

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

    $30 / night

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

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Lenoir City, TN

209 Reviews of 16 Lenoir City Campgrounds


  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2019

    East Fork Stables

    Horses galore

    East Fork Stables is a HUGE equestrian campground that , guess what....you don’t have to have a horse to stay at! They have a whole loop complete with a pavilion cookhouse and annoying triangle bell that’s perfect for campers, tents and hammocks.

    The showerhouse is nice and clean. The sites plenty big and mostly shaded. 

    Of course you can use any of the loops but the rest will have some really big animals hanging out. 

    There are miles and miles of trails. Waterfalls , overlooks and scenery. A nice gift shop/camp office and cabins.

    I stayed here for the Cumberland Plateau Stage Race. The race director actually reserved the whole campground for his event.

  • 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).

  • 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!

  • J
    Dec. 1, 2020

    Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    Great location and accommodating staff

    We stayed here during Thanksgiving break 2020. We had a great spot on the river. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. We needed to work and do school while there and the Verizon cell service was limited and the WiFi signal was not great at our rig. 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. After walking around the river front patios are amazing followed by the river front decks.


Guide to Lenoir City

Horse camping in Tennessee offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities, making it a perfect getaway for equestrian enthusiasts.

Tips for equestrian camping near Lenoir City, Tennessee

  • The Young Branch Horse Camp provides a well-maintained area with access to trails, making it ideal for horseback riding adventures.
  • At Anthony Creek Horse Camp, you'll find easy access to trails right from your campsite, ensuring a seamless experience for you and your horse.
  • Notchy Creek - Tellico Lake offers a public camping experience with amenities that cater to horse campers, including picnic tables and reservable sites.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife while riding the trails at Cades Cove Campground, where you can spot deer and turkeys during your rides.
  • The Cades Cove Group Campground is perfect for group camping, allowing you to share the experience with fellow horse lovers while exploring the surrounding trails.
  • Experience the tranquility of nature at Bote Mountain Campsite 18, where you can enjoy peaceful rides along the creekside.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Anderson County Park features spacious sites with stunning lake views, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • The Townsend-Great Smokies KOA offers well-kept facilities, including electric hookups and a friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for horse campers.
  • At Toqua Beach Campground, you can enjoy a big-rig friendly environment with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lenoir City, TN?

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Lenoir City, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.