Best Equestrian Camping near Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cherokee National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Cherokee National Forest (26)

    1. Old Forge Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Cherokee National Forest, TN
    1 mile
    Website

    "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."

    2. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    25 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $28 - $56 / night

    "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"

    3. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "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."

    4. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Hartford, TN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 / night

    "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."

    5. Harmon Den Area

    6 Reviews
    Hartford, NC
    30 miles

    "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."

    6. Panther Creek State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Talbott, TN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 587-7046

    $26 - $42 / night

    "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."

    "The hiking trails ranged from difficult to short and easy. The ’Trout’ hiking trail was very nice. One of the longer hikes was the Knob trail and it was very nice as well."

    7. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "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."

    8. Maple Camp Bald

    3 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    32 miles
    Website

    "It’s a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground."

    "A little below where we set up camp, we found a natural spring for water and theres a decent amount of firewood around. We parked at the top of Mt."

    9. Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    4 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 323-7790

    "I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting."

    "They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do."

    10. Harmon Den Horse Campground

    1 Review
    Hartford, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 689-9694

    $15 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cherokee National Forest

161 Reviews of 26 Cherokee National Forest Campgrounds



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?

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?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Cherokee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.