Young Branch Horse Camp provides equestrian facilities in a natural wooded setting within Cherokee National Forest. This area east of Lenoir City offers access to the Citico Creek wilderness with moderately developed campsites specifically designed for horse owners. Trail riders find multiple camping areas with basic amenities among relatively level terrain with good tree cover.
What to do
Trail riding access: Young Branch Horse Camp serves as a gateway to the Cherokee National Forest trail system. "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. Medium sized sites, but we'll taken care of," notes Zane P.
Mountain biking routes: Tsali Campground offers extensive mountain biking trails approximately 70 miles from Lenoir City. "One of my all-time favorite campsites. 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. Roomy camp spots, decent privacy between spots, clean bath houses, all in a beautiful location," explains Robbie B.
Water recreation: Tellico Lake provides boating and fishing opportunities at several campsites including Notchy Creek. The nearby Toqua Beach Campground features "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. The sites are concrete and gravel," according to Allen S.
What campers like
Lake access: Visitors appreciate waterfront camping options near Lenoir City. At Toqua Beach Campground, Timothy T. notes, "They have gravel lots that are somewhat level. We stayed at site 104. People before us absolutely left a mess. 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."
Family-friendly environments: Cades Cove Campground offers community-oriented camping with recreational options for children. "This is a great campground, but can get a little busy. That doesn't make it good or bad, but you need to know what to plan for. If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else. If you want nature, love community, and want someone for your kids to play with, this is perfect," reports DrDavid P.
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the region typically feature clean, functional amenities. At Gee Creek Campground, Anna M. shared: "Nice, spacious campsites. Pull through campsites with picnic tables, grills, fire rings and water spigots. Nice bathhouse that is cleaned multiple times a day. The Rangers check in daily and are very friendly."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have specific operating seasons. Cades Cove Campground operates from March 11 to October 31, while Toqua Beach Campground remains open year-round. Some backcountry sites have weather-dependent access.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. At Gee Creek Campground, campers appreciate the organization. "The Gee Creek Campground is apart of the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park. The state park/campground adjoins the Cherokee National Forest and sits on the north bank of the Hiwassee River outside of Benton, TN. The park has a nice size bath house that is heated during the winter," notes Gregg G.
Limited amenities: Horse camps and backcountry sites often lack running water and electrical hookups. At Bote Mountain Campsite 18, Christina Z. shares: "Short hike from your vehicle on Laurel Gap Rd. West Prong of the Little River runs right through both separated sites, so plenty of water is an understatement. Ground is flat and plenty of room to spread out."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Take children on scenic drives for wildlife observation. At Cades Cove, Ashley Y. reports, "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. 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. Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, visitors find family-oriented amenities. "If you're going to go to Smokie Mountain National Park, the is the side to stay on. Gatlinburg is absolutely nuts while Townsend is about 1000% calmer. The KOA is exactly what you'd expect. Knowledgeable staff and clean facilities," notes Steve D.
Biking with children: Family-friendly biking options exist at several locations. Jeremy H. shares about Cades Cove: "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be. The campground is beautiful and on certain days they close off the loop of Cades Cove for bicycles to be able to ride."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for equestrian camping: Horse owners should choose appropriate sites with adequate space. At Young Branch Horse Camp, specialized sites accommodate trailers while maintaining access to essential amenities.
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial or full hookups for RVs. Katie C. says of Townsend KOA: "Spacious and on the river. Close to the biking trails and Cades cove. Spots are clean, fire pits are great, well maintained pavers patio and nicely landscaped."
Seasonal RV camping: Some parks remain open year-round for RVers. At Anderson County Park, Jason W. notes: "I spent the long Thanksgiving weekend here. Other campgrounds in the area were closed, but this one is open year round. Bathrooms and showers remain open as well. Sites were very clean and spacious and all have spectacular views of the lake."
