Best Equestrian Camping near Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee is the closest major city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is only about an hour away if you’re looking for comfortable accommodations when traveling to the park.

Knoxville has capitalized on comfortable camping with plenty of glamping and RV resorts to choose from in the area. The best camping near Knoxville is in the Norris Dam State Park and surrounding area. Another good option for campgrounds is Big Ridge State Park near Ridenour, TN. It’s worth noting that for an extra 30 minutes of driving, you can get to Great Smoky, where admission is free and the campsites are more abundant.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Knoxville, Tennessee (22)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    26 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
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "Amazingly clean campgrounds 10 minutes from the entrance of the National Park and 20 minutes from the Visitor's Center."

    "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."

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

    26 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    26 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. Riverside RV Park & Resort

    2 Reviews
    Sevierville, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 453-7299

    "Easy to get from Knoxville without going into the craziest part of traffic in Sevierville.  There are many RV sites and cabins along the bend of the Little Pidgeon River. "

    "Convenient to highway 66 that runs from Interstate 40 to Sevierville. Not particularly charming, but seems to be clean and well run. Worked well for a one night stay."

    5. Panther Creek State Park Campground

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

    $26 - $42 / night

    "This great park for hiking is less than an hour from Knoxville. It’s always nice to escape the city and this was an ideal place to go. The hiking trails ranged from difficult to short and easy."

    "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."

    6. Anderson County Park

    1 Review
    Norris, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9352

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Sites were very clean and spacious and all have spectacular views of the lake."

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

    2 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    26 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."

    8. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    25 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9711

    "If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it.  It is perfectly situated beside the river.  "

    "But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."

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

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

    $30 / night

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

    10. Toqua Beach Campground

    3 Reviews
    Vonore, TN
    31 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Knoxville, TN

275 Reviews of 22 Knoxville Campgrounds



Guide to Knoxville

Horse camping in Tennessee offers a unique way to explore the beautiful landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Anthony Creek Horse Camp provides easy access to trails right from the campsite, making it a beautiful area for horseback riding.
  • At Young Branch Horse Camp, you'll find well-maintained sites with a toilet facility, perfect for a comfortable stay while enjoying the outdoors.
  • Bote Mountain Campsite 18 features a short hike in, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful creekside experience with your horse.

Tips for equestrian camping near Knoxville, Tennessee

  • When visiting Cades Cove Campground, be sure to explore the nearby trails that offer stunning views and abundant wildlife sightings.
  • The Cades Cove Group Campground is a great option for larger groups, providing a quiet environment deep in the forest for a memorable camping experience.
  • Consider staying at Panther Creek State Park Campground, which offers a variety of recreational activities and easy access to trails for horseback riding.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like riding trails

  • The Toqua Beach Campground features a scenic lakeside location with ample space for horse camping and nearby trails to explore.
  • Riverside RV Park & Resort offers a peaceful setting along the river, making it an ideal spot for equestrian campers looking to unwind after a day of riding.
  • At Elkmont Campground, you can enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while having access to trails suitable for horseback riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Knoxville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.