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Cottonwood Patch Campground accommodates both equestrians and standard campers with level camping spots equipped with picnic tables. The campground features horse corrals for trail riders, making it a primary destination for those exploring the Cohutta Wilderness on horseback. Several large sites can accommodate horse trailers, with dedicated areas where horses can be tied near vehicles. While primarily designed for horseback riding excursions, the campground offers primitive equestrian camping with basic amenities, including a maintained pit toilet. The campground's proximity to water adds to its appeal, providing a pleasant atmosphere for overnight stays after trail rides.
The campground connects directly to multiple trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, with several designated specifically for horse use. Located approximately 30 minutes from Copperhill, Tennessee, this primitive horse camping area serves as an excellent launching point for extensive trail systems throughout the region. Jacks River Fields Campground, another horse-friendly option nearby, offers two paddocks for equestrians bringing horses along with their camping gear. The campground maintains clean facilities despite its remote setting. Both campgrounds provide strategic access to the Benton McKaye trail system, allowing riders to embark on day-long excursions through the surrounding wilderness. Riders appreciate the well-maintained trail networks that connect directly to these horse-friendly campgrounds, eliminating the need for additional transportation once arrived.
"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. "
from $35 - $85 / night
Check Availability"There’s a hiking trail that connects to the Benton McKaye just across from campsite and if you are a bringing horses there are two paddocks for them as well."
"Please be kind and do not leave trash behind."
from $5 / night
"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
"As an Eagle Scout from around this area, this was our go-to place for summer camp and occasional other camping trips as well."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all. It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available."
"There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
"This park has amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of shade. It has an equestrian area where you can book horseback rides."
"A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it"
"The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."
"Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."
from $26 - $100 / night
Check Availability
GuideGood sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground. We heard some people on dirt bikes on the trails too.
LegendI visited Bristol Fields for a planned primitive camping event with a group. I’m glad I arrived in daylight because my first drive in on the approximately 4 mile stretch of dirt and gravel road was a little nerve racking. Mostly because I wasn’t 100% sure I was going the correct way and second because there are some nice drop offs from the road. It is a wide road (about 1 1/2 lane)but passing in some areas would be interesting. Stay right and you will find the sign. The campground is primarily for horse oriented camping. It is split into three areas. The first section to the right as you pull in is the area we set up in. Then there is a long field that is obviously for horse trailer parking and camping with tie out poles included. There is a small tree break prior to the last area which has the pit style latrine and a large field for camping use. This whole area is bordered by a nice cold stream that is excellent for soaking your sore muscles in after a horse ride or hike. There is direct access to horse and hiking trails that are not extremely scenic (as in no long views until you get to the top) but will give you a good vertical workout. You can run or bike ride on the road too. There are several large fire pit areas throughout and a fire circle with wood chairs in the main area. There were five of us, three tent campers and two in vans and we had plenty of room to set up. The gravel center with picnic table worked well as our “kitchen” and dining area. Once parked my vehicle didn’t move again until it was time to leave. Total black at night meant excellent star gazing and the creek was the loudest thing out there. It did seem to be a young adult destination in the evenings, but they left when they saw that the site was occupied. A nice feature someone created was a “dam” of rocks with a round pool to sit in. Excellent get away with no electronics to speak of.
RangerThis park has amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of shade. It has an equestrian area where you can book horseback rides. The people that run the park are very friendly and accommodating. Lots of hiking trails both in the park and outside of the park. There were only 2 negatives that we had on this trip. One was our first encounter with "stink bugs". They were everywhere and you couldn't keep them out of the RV. When we got home to Florida we were still killing them inside the RV for almost 5 months! The other negative is that hurricane Micheal was barreling for Florida before our stay was up at Trackrock. We had to cut our stay short so that we wouldn't be driving through a hurricane.
LegendThis campground is definitely designed to be a launching point for those wishing to go horseback riding in the Cohutta Wilderness. We stopped through here on our way to go backpacking in the area. There were several large sites with campers on them and almost everyone had horses tied up near their vehicles. There is an outhouse on the site but it does not appear like there is any regular upkeep being done. There are many really nice trails in the area and several are designated horse only so if you own a horse this is a great option that is very close to the trailheads. Another nice feature of this site is that it is right on the water so that provides a nice atmosphere. Overall though it still smelled like horses and unless that is what you are going for I would not suggest setting up a tent here. Instead go down the road to some of the campgrounds more set up for tents or just head into the backcountry and take up one of the MANY free sites that aren't too long of a hike in.
GuideLevel spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible. A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained.
GuideThis place has absolutely breathtaking views, nice lake, well stocked little office store, nice game room, did not do the equestrian part, but I’m sure it’s well worth it.. town is not far and has some good shopping and local restaurants. Definitely worth the trip...
ScoutThis is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it
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.
ScoutGreat campground surrounded by the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Also a working horse farm so be sure and schedule a guided horseback ride. Full hookup sites that are private. Campground also has bathhouse and laundry facilities.
Equestrian camping near Copperhill, Tennessee sits within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest region, offering elevations ranging from 1,700 to 4,000 feet and typically mild spring and fall temperatures with summer highs averaging 80-85°F. The area features a mix of hardwood forests and mountain streams, with several trailheads accessible directly from camping areas. Horse-friendly camping options typically require trailers to navigate gravel forest service roads with occasional steep grades.
Waterfall hiking: 1-mile hike from Hickey Gap Campground leads to a notable waterfall. "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek," notes Julia B., who adds that bringing "a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes" is essential for enjoying the natural swimming areas.
Creek swimming access: Jacks River Fields Campground provides direct stream access for cooling off. "Well kept and clean," writes Bob P., who visited midweek when "no one was there." The campground borders a stream ideal for wading or splashing.
Appalachian Trail exploration: Standing Indian Campground provides direct AT access across from the entrance. "The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail," reports John K., who recommends bringing a small trailer since "the road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep."
Clean facilities: Gee Creek Campground features regularly maintained bathhouses. "The park has a nice size bath house that is heated during the winter," explains Gregg G., who notes, "There is a nice nature trail that loops around the park" and "Each campsite has a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post."
Seasonal solitude: Winter camping offers peaceful experiences at Hickey Gap. "This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all," writes Mike H., who appreciated the "pit toilet with plenty of toilet paper" that was "quite clean." The campground also provides a bear box for food storage.
Level camping areas: Both horse-focused and standard sites at Cottonwood Patch Campground accommodate various camping styles. "Level spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible," describes Bob P., who noted it has "a pit toilet that was maintained."
Bear precautions required: Hickey Gap Campground has active wildlife. "There's also a bear box and signs clearly indicating there are bears around and that you should keep all food in your vehicle or use the box," warns Mike H. Proper food storage is non-negotiable in this area.
Road challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating unpaved access roads. "The road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail," cautions Mike H. about Hickey Gap, noting "the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep" and his "2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up."
Limited connectivity: Most campsites offer minimal or no cell service. Gregg G. mentions that at Gee Creek Campground, "Verizon service was moderate," but most other campgrounds in the area have no reliable connection.
Playground amenities: Gee Creek Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Clean facilities and nice playground," reports Mickey L., who enjoyed hearing the "Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool."
Stream activities: The creek running through Standing Indian Campground provides natural entertainment. "A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites," explains John K., who found the "bathrooms and showers are clean."
Group camping setup: At Bristol Fields Horse Camp, groups can create communal spaces. "The gravel center with picnic table worked well as our 'kitchen' and dining area," notes Shelly S., who appreciated how "the creek was the loudest thing out there" and "total black at night meant excellent star gazing."
Trailer size limitations: Large fifth wheels face challenges at Trackrock Campground. "Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving," warns Anthony M., who experienced significant damage when "our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times."
Trailer-friendly horse camping options: For equestrian camping near Copperhill with trailers, Cottonwood Patch accommodates horse owners specifically. "This campground is definitely designed to be a launching point for those wishing to go horseback riding in the Cohutta Wilderness," explains Asher K., noting "several large sites with campers" where "almost everyone had horses tied up near their vehicles."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Copperhill, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Copperhill, TN is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Copperhill, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Copperhill, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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