Equestrian camping near Lookout Mountain, Tennessee offers special facilities for trail riders in the scenic Appalachian foothills. Most horse campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet with access to extensive trail systems through hardwood forests. Sites typically feature larger clearings to accommodate horse trailers and dedicated areas for tethering mounts away from tents and vehicles.
What to Do
Trail riding to waterfalls: At Hickey Gap in the Cohutta Wilderness Management Area, riders can access waterfall trails directly from camp. "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!" notes John B.
Rock climbing excursions: Near Tennessee Wall Camp, climbers can access prominent routes with minimal approach hiking. "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water," reports Suzie K.
Fishing access: Equestrians camping at several wilderness areas can bring fishing gear for creek access. "The little pond is a breeding ground for lots of bugs, but it's peaceful and pretty to look at. Not many fish biting this time of year. We did see a couple go out on an inflatable boat," observes Tessa B. at Davis Pond.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites for gear: Horse campers appreciate the larger clearings available at wilderness campsites. "Great sites with fire pits," mentions Lakisha D. about Tennessee Wall Camp, where sites can accommodate multiple tents and gear.
Water proximity: Many horse-friendly sites offer water access for cooling off after rides. At Davis Pond, one camper notes, "On arrival there is a huge meadow area. Tons of spots to pitch a tent or park vehicles. We used our truck tent and a fire pit and were super happy with the setup."
Community atmosphere: Fall Creek Falls State Park offers both isolation and social camping options. "Campground A & B are great for families with kids. C & D are more quiet. Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," advises Richard F.
What You Should Know
Road conditions: Access roads to wilderness horse camps often require higher clearance vehicles. At Davis Pond, Tessa B. warns: "Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
Water availability: Most horse camps have natural water sources requiring filtration. At Walls of Jericho, Steve V. reports, "Water can be sourced from Turkey Creek if it is flowing, but should be treated/filtered (on this visit Turkey Creek was pretty dry after a very dry summer, but Hurricane Creek is just a short walk away)."
Wildlife awareness: Equestrians should secure food properly in bear country. At Hickey Gap, Mike H. observed, "There was a pit toilet with plenty of toilet paper and it was quite clean. 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."
Tips for Camping with Families
Beginner-friendly trails: Several equestrian campgrounds offer easier trails for young riders. "There is plenty of hiking to do in this area. The rock formations are truly beautiful and fairly unique to this camping area," notes Ethan K. about Walls of Jericho.
Swimming spots: After trail rides, many families enjoy cooling off in nearby creeks. At Hickey Gap, Julia B. suggests, "Bring a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes. There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek."
Educational opportunities: Gee Creek Campground offers nature programs for families. "A trail runs the perimeter of the camp and the Hiwasee River runs next to the campground. The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained," says Anna M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For those traveling with horse trailers and RVs, site choice matters. "Tim's Ford 'Fairview' is very beautiful. Very nice and peaceful. Very nice bathhouses and a friendly staff. It's not a huge campground so you may want to reserve early," advises Doug H. about Fairview Campground.
Leveling needs: Horse campers with trailers should bring leveling equipment. At Gee Creek Campground, Gregg G. notes, "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."
Off-grid preparation: Most horse campgrounds lack full hookups. Mike H. points out about Hickey Gap, "Lastly, 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."
