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 Cherokee National Forest, TN
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Harmon Den Horse Campground accommodates equestrians with several spacious sites designed for horse camping. Located near the Tennessee-North Carolina border in Pisgah National Forest, this remote campground features primitive sites with areas to tie up horses. A locked gate requires campers to obtain the combination when making reservations. The spacious campsites include picnic tables and are separated by wooded areas that provide privacy. Horse manure is present throughout the grounds, including on tent pads. The campground lacks reliable water sources, as the only pump has been reported non-functioning. Vault toilets are available but may require better maintenance. The grounds are situated at 3,144 feet elevation, providing naturally cool temperatures during summer months.
Direct access to multiple horse trails begins at Harmon Den, with the campground positioned near Max Patch, a mountain bald crossed by the Appalachian Trail. Riders should plan for primitive conditions similar to dispersed camping but with dedicated equestrian facilities. The nearby Harmon Den Area offers several dispersed camping options along Cold Springs Creek Road with horse access, though these sites are only marked with camping symbols and provide no amenities beyond fire rings. The forest roads leading to these areas are narrow with limited clearance in several spots, making them unsuitable for large trailers or RVs. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is recommended for accessing these areas. Wildlife officers occasionally stock Cold Springs Creek with trout, making fishing a popular complementary activity for horse campers between trail rides.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Cherokee National Forest (29)
1. Old Forge Recreation Area
"Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks. Very simple rustic site with very little facilities. Pros: very wooded and private large campsites, babbling creek, outhouses."
from $7 / night
Check Availability2. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY
"This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:
- The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."
"River sites are first come first serve Has group camping {must reserve online} Large tent pads Rv sites Fishing Can purchase: Ice Soda/water Ice cream Kindling Fire starter Wood
Hiking: Access to"
from $28 - $56 / night
Check Availability3. 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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability4. 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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability5. 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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. 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."
7. Harmon Den Area
"You will not want to drive too fast since there are several potholes, washboards, and protruding rocks in the road."
"There are specific campgrounds only a ten minute walk from the summit. This is where I camp when I go."
8. North Mills River
"Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."
"This is a great campground next to the beautiful North Mills River. Hosts were very accommodating and delivered ice and firewood for a cheap price upon request."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability9. Grandview Ranch RV Park
10. Harmon Den Horse Campground
"I went around the signs and came to an area of the road washed out by the hurricaine. They was a crew working on the road."
from $15 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 1 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 12 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 49 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cherokee National Forest
11 Photos of 29 Cherokee National Forest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cherokee National Forest
230 Reviews of 29 Cherokee National Forest Campgrounds
- JJonathan B.
GuideNorth Mills River
Quiet campground
Have camped here before. Very quiet campground.
Vinny D.RangerBig Ivy Primitive Camping
Good spot, quiet
It says no overnight camping but there were 3 cars camping so I decided to camp. Drove straight across the entrance where a sign said parking but no camping. Was actually a really good camp spot plenty of room.
Zachary T.
ScoutRocky Top Campground & RV Park
Long term stay
I stayed long term while working in the area, including through the winter months, and loved the propane delivery. Coming home to a full tank already dropped at my site was such a nice perk.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful little campground tucked into the mountains and you can tell a lot of care goes into it. It’s not a parking lot like other places I’ve stayed the sites are tiered on the mountainside but level and large. Staff is friendly, they have a game room and laundry room and the store sells cold beer! It was a nice home away from home while working in town
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
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.
Naomi H.ScoutCedar Ridge Hammock Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
Favorite place
Absolutely love camping here at warriors path State Park it's beyond one of my favorite places to camp
- Nick M.
TravelerSmokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nice Campground near a stream
This is a great campsite near a stream that has natural wood log bridge crossings!! Campsites are very open between each other which could be good or bad depending on your style.
Daniel R.ScoutNorth Mills River
Unprofessional Camp Host
The camp host was unprofessional, rude, and threatened to call the sheriffs department because he said we were talking too loud. We were not loud and are filing a complaint. We have been coming here for years but will not pay to be treated this way.
Guide to Cherokee National Forest
Horse camping near Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.
Tips for equestrian camping near Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee
- The Harmon Den Horse Campground provides spacious sites and easy access to numerous horse trails, making it a great base for your adventures.
- At Big Creek Horse Camp, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while being surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- For those seeking a more rustic experience, the Old Forge Recreation Area allows horses and offers a primitive camping experience with beautiful wooded surroundings.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- The trails near Harmon Den Area are perfect for horseback riding, with scenic views and a peaceful environment to enjoy nature.
- Explore the rolling hills and creeks at Old Forge Recreation Area, where you can ride your horse along well-maintained paths.
- Big Creek Horse Camp offers direct access to trails that lead into the heart of the Smokies, ideal for a day of riding and exploration.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- The Harmon Den Horse Campground features designated areas for tying up horses, ensuring convenience for equestrian campers.
- At Big Creek Horse Camp, you'll find spacious sites that accommodate both horses and riders, along with access to essential facilities.
- The Old Forge Recreation Area allows pets, making it a welcoming spot for horse owners looking to camp with their animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Cherokee National Forest?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cherokee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cherokee National Forest is Old Forge Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Cherokee National Forest?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cherokee National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 equestrian camping locations near Cherokee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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