18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Young Branch Horse Camp in Vonore accommodates tent camping with basic sites for equestrian travelers. The campground includes picnic tables and toilet facilities but lacks amenities like drinking water or electrical hookups. Located in the Citico Creek area, the six medium-sized sites are well-maintained despite the primitive setting. The campground remains relatively secluded while still providing vehicle access for horse trailers. Fires are permitted at designated fire rings, and trash collection is available on-site. Reviews note that Young Branch offers a more organized camping experience compared to other sections of Citico Creek.
Anthony Creek Horse Camp in Townsend operates seasonally from April 1 to November 13 within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The camp provides picnic tables and designated areas for tent and RV camping with horses. The campground requires reservations and maintains specific regulations for equestrian campers. Trail access from the camp connects riders to the extensive network of bridle paths throughout the park. Campers should note that pets are not permitted at this horse camp, distinguishing it from some other equestrian facilities in the region. Vehicle access is available, making it convenient for horse trailers, though the campground does not accommodate large rigs. Proximity to Cades Cove provides additional recreational opportunities for campers beyond horseback riding.
"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!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric)."
"It may be the loveliest campground in Tennessee. There’s only 20 spots, and they all seem to be shady and have trees between neighbors."
"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."
from $49 - $69 / 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."
from $50 - $94 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"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."
"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. "
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $24 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away in quiet town of Townsend TN on Hwy 73, the campground has tent sites and RV hookups. There are toilets and a shower for each restroom."
"It was definitely packed but everyone stayed pretty quiet even when kids were playing around the sites. Super clean sites and bath houses. Water on EACH site was the bomb!"
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
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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.
GuideWe’re heading down to Florida and this was along our route. Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!
ScoutWe love this campground! We have the best spot although, all of them are nice! Right on Lake Norris with the most beautiful views!
ScoutI've camper here a few times over the years. It's always been a peaceful experience. Bath house has always been pretty clean. Could use an update but over all always been happy with our trips.
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
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.
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.
GuideI have been camping at Frozen Head since I was a child. In fact, I went to my first day of Kindergarten from the campsite. The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around I absolutely loved the little library they had. This last trip, we stayed in the primitive site and loved being next to a little creek. There is no wifi and no cell phone reception.
Horse campgrounds near Loudon, Tennessee offer direct access to bridle paths and forest trails throughout the Smoky Mountains region. Located in mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 800-2,000 feet, these equestrian-friendly sites typically feature hitching posts, larger camping areas, and fire rings. Most horse camps in this region open from April through October when trail conditions are optimal.
Trail riding from camp: At Tsali Campground riders can access trails directly from their sites. "Has one of the best views of the lake and GSMNP that I know of," notes Mickey L. The campground connects to over 40 miles of designated horse trails with rotating schedules.
Tubing adventures: Campers at Townsend-Great Smokies KOA enjoy river access for summer water activities. "The Little River runs behind it. Go tubing! So much fun," shares Cathy O. Tubing outfitters operate from April through September, with rentals starting at $10 per person.
Historic exploration: From Cades Cove Campground, visitors can explore pioneer structures dating to the 1800s. "Amazing wildlife! Awesome historical buildings," writes Ashley Y. The 11-mile loop road features restored cabins, churches, and a working grist mill with interpretive displays.
Abundant wildlife viewing: Cades Cove Group Campground draws nature enthusiasts for its animal sightings. "We saw more wildlife in this amazing campground than at yellowstone!" reports Hilary B. Early morning or evening drives around the loop road increase chances of seeing deer, turkey, and black bears from safe distances.
Private riverside camping: Bote Mountain Campsite 18 offers secluded creek-side spots away from crowds. "West Prong of the Little River runs right through both separated sites, so plenty of water is an understatement," notes Christina Z. The short 0.5-mile hike in keeps the sites less trafficked than developed campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate the maintained grounds at equine-specific sites. "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 well taken care of," reports Zane P.
Seasonal considerations: Many horse campgrounds near Loudon close during winter months. At Gee Creek Campground, "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers," notes Byron R. Call ahead from November through March as many facilities operate on reduced schedules.
Reservation requirements: Anthony Creek Horse Camp requires advance booking through the national park reservation system up to 6 months ahead. "Easy access to the trails right from camp....beautiful area," shares Robbie S. Most equestrian sites have limited spots that fill quickly during peak riding seasons.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Limited cell service for AT&T," reports Mark C. about Tsali. At Toqua Beach Campground, reception is better: "This is a very clean, gated campground located right on the lake with available boat slips to rent during your stay," according to Allen S.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Family groups often prefer Cades Cove Group Campground for its amenities and activities. "There is a small ice cream shop on site that the kids loved. There is a lovely stream near the picnic area," writes Hilary B. The campground offers special ranger programs on summer weekends.
Bike rentals: Several campgrounds provide bicycle access to traffic-free areas. "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," shares Jeremy H. The Wednesday and Saturday morning closures run until 10am.
Wildlife safety: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife viewing protocols. "Make sure to lock your food up in your car or bear proof boxes because there are plenty of bears around," advises Michelle A. Rangers recommend maintaining at least 50 yards distance from all wild animals.
Site selection considerations: At Toqua Beach Campground, "They have gravel lots that are somewhat level. We stayed at site 104," reports Timothy T. Larger rigs should request specific sites with adequate clearance and turning radius.
Extended stay preparations: Long-term campers should research available services. "After walking around the river front patios are amazing followed by the river front decks," notes John about the Townsend KOA, where premium sites offer enhanced amenities for longer visits.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some equestrian campgrounds. At Gee Creek, "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. Most horse-friendly sites prioritize trailer parking over perfectly level RV pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Loudon, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Loudon, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 100 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Loudon, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Loudon, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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