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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.
"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"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."
"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
"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 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."
"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. "
"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"Tucked away in quiet town of Townsend TN on Hwy 73, the campground has tent sites and RV hookups. There are toilets and a shower for each restroom."
"It was definitely packed but everyone stayed pretty quiet even when kids were playing around the sites. Super clean sites and bath houses. Water on EACH site was the bomb!"
from $24 - $40 / night
Check Availability"This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean."
"Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!"
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability
GuideGreat 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.
GuideWe’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!
ScoutWe love this campground! We have the best spot although, all of them are nice! Right on Lake Norris with the most beautiful views!
ScoutI'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.
GuideThere 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!
RangerWe stayed here 5/15- 5/17 and had a wonderful time. The bathrooms were great & the playground was a huge hit with all the kids. They also loved catching little minnows in the streambed of the boat launch. There is a trail that surrounds camp that's great for little adventures or even a short mountain bike
ScoutWe had a great time. Nice people who are friendly and helpful.
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.
TravelerI’m not a planner so I tend to find spots late in the day and just take what I get. I was so pleased when I pulled into the park at sunset to find only one other camper! The park is beautiful and very well kept. A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back and completely unbothered that I had arrived after hours. This was a Monday morning and he told me they were packed over the weekend and I was floored because it was so clean! The restroom is huge with showers and was older but clean. Absolutely recommend.
Young Branch Horse Camp provides equestrian facilities in a natural wooded setting within Cherokee National Forest. This area east of Lenoir City offers access to the Citico Creek wilderness with moderately developed campsites specifically designed for horse owners. Trail riders find multiple camping areas with basic amenities among relatively level terrain with good tree cover.
Trail riding access: Young Branch Horse Camp serves as a gateway to the Cherokee National Forest trail system. "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. Medium sized sites, but we'll taken care of," notes Zane P.
Mountain biking routes: Tsali Campground offers extensive mountain biking trails approximately 70 miles from Lenoir City. "One of my all-time favorite campsites. 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. Roomy camp spots, decent privacy between spots, clean bath houses, all in a beautiful location," explains Robbie B.
Water recreation: Tellico Lake provides boating and fishing opportunities at several campsites including Notchy Creek. The nearby Toqua Beach Campground features "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. The sites are concrete and gravel," according to Allen S.
Lake access: Visitors appreciate waterfront camping options near Lenoir City. At Toqua Beach Campground, Timothy T. notes, "They have gravel lots that are somewhat level. We stayed at site 104. People before us absolutely left a mess. 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."
Family-friendly environments: Cades Cove Campground offers community-oriented camping with recreational options for children. "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. If you want nature, love community, and want someone for your kids to play with, this is perfect," reports DrDavid P.
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the region typically feature clean, functional amenities. At Gee Creek Campground, Anna M. shared: "Nice, spacious campsites. Pull through campsites with picnic tables, grills, fire rings and water spigots. Nice bathhouse that is cleaned multiple times a day. The Rangers check in daily and are very friendly."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have specific operating seasons. Cades Cove Campground operates from March 11 to October 31, while Toqua Beach Campground remains open year-round. Some backcountry sites have weather-dependent access.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. At Gee Creek Campground, campers appreciate the organization. "The Gee Creek Campground is apart of the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park. The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN. The park has a nice size bath house that is heated during the winter," notes Gregg G.
Limited amenities: Horse camps and backcountry sites often lack running water and electrical hookups. At Bote Mountain Campsite 18, Christina Z. shares: "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Take children on scenic drives for wildlife observation. At Cades Cove, Ashley Y. reports, "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. 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. Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, visitors find family-oriented amenities. "If you're going to go to Smokie Mountain National Park, the is the side to stay on. Gatlinburg is absolutely nuts while Townsend is about 1000% calmer. The KOA is exactly what you'd expect. Knowledgeable staff and clean facilities," notes Steve D.
Biking with children: Family-friendly biking options exist at several locations. Jeremy H. shares about Cades Cove: "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be. The campground is beautiful and on certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride."
Site selection for equestrian camping: Horse owners should choose appropriate sites with adequate space. At Young Branch Horse Camp, specialized sites accommodate trailers while maintaining access to essential amenities.
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial or full hookups for RVs. Katie C. says of Townsend KOA: "Spacious and on the river. Close to the biking trails and Cades cove. Spots are clean, fire pits are great, well maintained pavers patio and nicely landscaped."
Seasonal RV camping: Some parks remain open year-round for RVers. At Anderson County Park, Jason W. notes: "I spent the long Thanksgiving weekend here. Other campgrounds in the area were closed, but this one is open year round. Bathrooms and showers remain open as well. Sites were very clean and spacious and all have spectacular views of the lake."
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 100 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lenoir City, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Lenoir City, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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