4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cottonwood Patch Campground provides horse camping facilities near Farner, Tennessee, approximately 20 miles away in Georgia's section of Chattahoochee National Forest. The campground features dedicated horse corrals and sites with adequate parking designed specifically for vehicles with horse trailers, making it one of the more practical equestrian campgrounds in the region. The primitive campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, though it lacks hookups for electricity or water. Basic amenities include toilets, trash disposal, and fire rings at each site. The campground maintains a reservation system for equestrians planning overnight stays.
Trails surrounding Cottonwood Patch connect directly to forest riding paths that wind through the mountains of north Georgia. The camp's location provides convenient access to multiple trail systems suitable for day rides of varying difficulty. Water for horses must be carried in or sourced from nearby natural features, as the campground does not provide water troughs at the corrals. Horse owners should bring their own feed storage containers and portable electric fencing if additional containment is needed beyond the provided corrals. The campground's proximity to both Tennessee and Georgia trail systems makes it a strategic base for exploring diverse terrain on horseback, with riding opportunities available throughout most of the year except during severe weather conditions.
"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. "
Available this weekend
"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!"
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it"
"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
"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."
"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."
"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
"A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."
Available this weekend
from $8 / night
"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!"
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.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
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
ScoutThe staff are fantastic and they keep the maintenance up. The bathrooms are the cleanest I have had at a campground. A lot of locals camping and they are great people to visit with.
ScoutWe stayed at one of the tent sites. Power and water at each side was a huge bonus. They had converters you could borrow for free for the plug. Bathrooms are old, but very well maintained and clean. For kids there’s 2 playgrounds, a fishing/ swimming pond, hiking trails. They told us they can also do pony rides but we never made it to the stables. We loved our stay and would definitely go back!
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.
GuideBeautiful spots down Jacks river directly and conveniently on the water. Remote but could see being busy during warmer seasons. We loved it.
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.
Equestrian camping near Farner, Tennessee puts visitors within reach of the Cohutta Wilderness area, which encompasses over 36,000 acres of mountainous terrain spanning both Georgia and Tennessee. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-45°F, while summer brings heat and humidity with temperatures between 70-85°F. The area features numerous creek crossings that can become difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall.
Horseback riding on Cohutta trails: The wilderness area near Jacks River Fields Campground provides multiple trail options for riders. "We love this campsite! There's a hiking trail that connects to the Benton McKaye just across from campsite and if you are bringing horses there are two paddocks for them as well," notes Liz B.
Tubing on local rivers: The Little River offers refreshing summer activities. "Go tubing!!! So much fun," recommends Cathy O. from Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, which is about an hour drive from Farner.
Creek swimming spots: Several campgrounds feature natural swimming areas. "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!" shares John B. about Hickey Gap, located approximately 25 miles from Farner.
Wildlife observation: The Cades Cove area offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," states Ashley Y.
Creek-side camping: Multiple sites offer water proximity. "This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all," explains Mike H. about Hickey Gap campground, noting the peaceful atmosphere created by the running water.
Trail accessibility: Direct trail access ranks high among camper preferences. "The campground has a nice nature trail that loops around the park. The park also offers a boat launch for river access," mentions Gregg G. about Gee Creek Campground.
Spacious horse facilities: Horse owners appreciate dedicated areas. "Level spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible. A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can," notes Bob P. about Cottonwood Patch Campground.
Winter camping solitude: Off-season visitors enjoy the quieter atmosphere. "Very quiet in winter," reports Keith R. about Gee Creek Campground, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in the mountains. "There's no cell service for Verizon and none for many miles on the drive to the site," warns Carol B. about camping in the region.
Bear safety requirements: Bears are active throughout the area. "There was 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," advises Mike H. about Hickey Gap.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds have difficult access roads. "The road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns," cautions Mike H. about the drive to Hickey Gap.
Reservations needed: Popular sites fill quickly. "Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!" advises Ashley Y. about Cades Cove Campground.
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer amenities specifically for children. "Great site managers and well appointed!" shares Jessica M. about Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, which features a pool and playground area.
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance family trips. "Very friendly staff. Clean facilities and nice playground. Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool," mentions Mickey L. about Gee Creek Campground.
Loop biking opportunities: Biking provides family-friendly exercise. "On certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride. At the store near the campground they rent bikes for a reasonable rate. We took the entire family on the loop bike ride. This was so much fun," recommends Jeremy H.
Limited hookup options: Most equestrian campgrounds have minimal amenities. "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers," explains Byron R. about Gee Creek Campground.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. "The sites on the North side of loop A are fairly uneven and would require a significant amount of leveling blocks if using a camper," warns Gregg G. about camping at Gee Creek.
Campground layout considerations: Some sites work better for specific RV types. "Our 2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up it on our way out, and we had to hit the steepest part with some speed to make it out," cautions Mike H. about the access road at Hickey Gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Farner, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Farner, 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 Farner, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 equestrian camping locations near Farner, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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