Best Equestrian Camping near Farragut, TN

Young Branch Horse Camp in Vonore offers primitive tent camping with direct access to equestrian trails in Cherokee National Forest. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and trash disposal, but lacks drinking water, electric hookups, and showers. Campers should bring their own water for themselves and their horses. The campground is designed specifically for equestrians, with sites that accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons. The campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere where riders can enjoy starry nights after a day on the trails.

Located approximately 45 miles from Farragut, the horse camp connects to an extensive network of forest trails suitable for various riding abilities. Anthony Creek Horse Camp in Townsend offers another equestrian camping option near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operating seasonally from April through mid-November. Both campgrounds provide access to scenic mountain terrain with diverse riding opportunities. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some routes becoming challenging after heavy rainfall. Most trails feature natural water crossings where horses can drink, though riders should verify water availability during dry periods. The campgrounds enforce standard horse camping etiquette, including proper manure management and overnight tethering protocols. Group equestrian camping is available at select sites, allowing multiple riders to camp together while maintaining adequate space for horses and equipment.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Farragut, Tennessee (15)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "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!"

    2. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "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."

    3. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / 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."

    4. Toqua Beach Campground

    3 Reviews
    Vonore, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 884-3317

    $49 - $69 / night

    "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."

    5. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / night

    "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. "

    6. Young Branch Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Tallassee, TN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $15 / night

    "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."

    7. Panther Creek State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Talbott, TN
    49 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."

    8. Bote Mountain Campsite 18 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    2 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    31 miles
    Website

    "I chose this campsite as the location of my first backcountry overnight experience, and I was not disappointed. Loved every minute of it. Short hike from your vehicle on Laurel Gap Rd."

    "Camp site is about .5 miles downhill from the Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail Head. There are 2 sites that can be used and they are separated from one another."

    9. Tsali Campground

    13 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge."

    "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."

    10. Anthony Creek Horse Camp — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    1 Review
    Townsend, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "easy access to the trails right from camp....beautiful area. will be going back for sure."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Farragut, TN

224 Reviews of 15 Farragut Campgrounds


  • Candy O.
    Apr. 19, 2019

    Lost Corral Horse Camp

    Very nice area for camping with horses

    This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it

  • B
    May. 30, 2019

    Cades Cove Campground

    Family friendly and beautiful

    This campground is so convenient to Cades Cove. 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. Make sure to take the necessary steps to store your food. Great spot to go explore the beauty and history of East Tennessee!

  • Gail C.
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Our Favorite

    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! Bears and deer may be just across the road from your campsite. There are bikes and firewood available as well as a small campstore (with ice cream). Lots of trails, a waterfall, rivers and creeks to fish and wade. Horses and wagons to ride. Activities for campers young and old. Night walks and ranger talks. The most beatiful views this side of heaven. Take special note of the view walking back from the John Oliver cabin (the first one).

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2022

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Going up

    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. I ended up sharing a site with a friend who lives even closer, lol This is a small State Park but it offers a lot to do recreation wise. The weekend we stayed there was a youth mountain bike event and cross country running going on. There’s also horseback trails. My only complaint about the trails is they are not marked well. A Boy Scout troop needs to do some merit badge work and improve them . The campground is small, a little tight in the sides and limited on full service sites. It’s a gradual uphill drive through the camp , you curve to the left and then back down the hill. The sites in the upper curve are bigger then the ones on the hill. There are several that offer tent pads and small vehicle pads. Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards. The two showerhouses are next to pavilions. All well maintained. The upper pavilion has a very cool fire pit area. And can accommodate a small gathering. There is a trailhead in the campground and several other trailheads in easy walking, pedaling distance , plus an awesome overlook and more strenuous hike up the road. The boat ramp is in an adjacent area and the lake is beautiful.

  • Ashley A.
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Beautiful place to visit!

    Loved visiting Cades Cove! We drove around the entire loop. Saw many horses, deer, and even a coyote! Would love to go back soon!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Tsali Campground

    Tsali

    This is one of our favorite local campgrounds. Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge. A great spot for mountain biking on the Tsali trail system, close to the Appalachian Trail, close to the Nantahalad river for kayaking and rafting. Good access to Lake Fontana for kayaking, SUPing and swimming.

  • Dan N.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Cades Cove Campground

    Best in spring or fall

    Never been in summer when it’s busy but it’s great with wildflowers/leaf peeping along the wildlife drive. You can also bike the wildlife drive certain days and times. Camping options are simple rustic campground (though large with 150+ sites), horse camping, and backcountry backpacking sites. We’ve done the latter but drove through the campground, which was wooded and clean though fairly busy.

  • L
    Jul. 26, 2018

    Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    Quiet and safe

    Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays. 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. Friendly staff at the park office. Nice place!

  • J
    Dec. 1, 2020

    Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    Great location and accommodating staff

    We stayed here during Thanksgiving break 2020. We had a great spot on the river. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. We needed to work and do school while there and the Verizon cell service was limited and the WiFi signal was not great at our rig. 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. After walking around the river front patios are amazing followed by the river front decks.


Guide to Farragut

Horse camping in Tennessee offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

Tips for equestrian camping near Farragut, Tennessee

  • The Anthony Creek Horse Camp provides easy access to trails right from the camp, allowing for a seamless riding experience in the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • At Young Branch Horse Camp, you'll find well-maintained sites that cater specifically to horse campers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • For those looking for a more rustic experience, Cades Cove Group Campground offers a peaceful environment deep in the forest, perfect for family campfire getaways.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The Cades Cove Campground is not only great for camping but also provides access to numerous hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Enjoy tubing and kayaking at the Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, which is conveniently located near the entrance to the Smoky Mountains.
  • The Bote Mountain Campsite 18 offers a serene creekside setting, ideal for relaxing after a day of riding.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and water access

  • Anderson County Park features spacious sites with spectacular views of the lake, making it a great choice for horse campers looking for comfort and scenery.
  • The Riverside RV Park & Resort provides electric hookups and easy access to the river, perfect for cooling off after a long ride.
  • Elkmont Campground offers flush toilets and a clean environment, ensuring a pleasant stay for both you and your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Farragut, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Farragut, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 97 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Farragut, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Farragut, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.