Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Shady level sites near stream
Nice sites but fairly open layout so not private.
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Limited equestrian camping options exist near Morristown, Tennessee, with few developed facilities specifically for horse owners. Based on available data, no campgrounds in the immediate area offer dedicated horse corrals or formal equestrian facilities. Panther Creek State Park Campground, located approximately 10 minutes from I-81, maintains hiking and horseback riding trails but lacks specialized horse amenities at campsites. The park encompasses multiple trail systems suitable for day rides, though overnight horse camping infrastructure is minimal. Horse owners typically need to arrange appropriate containment systems when staying at standard campsites that permit horses.
Trails throughout the region connect to larger networks in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains, creating opportunities for day rides from established campgrounds. Most area campgrounds require advance arrangements for horse accommodations, as standard sites aren't configured for trailer parking and horse containment. Out on The Creek Campground provides access to the Clinch River with spacious lots that may accommodate small horse trailers by prior arrangement. For dedicated equestrian camping facilities, horse owners often travel to specialized areas within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, such as Big Creek Horse Camp, which offers more comprehensive equestrian accommodations. Most trail systems enforce seasonal usage restrictions, particularly during winter months and after heavy rainfall periods.
"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."
"Visitor Center at the entrance opens at 7 AM. Tent pads appeared to be 8x8’ max, so if you have a family size tent you’ll need to find flat grass to pitch on YOUR site."
Available next weekend
"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!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Building a fire was next to impossible. I think there might have been thirty minutes without rain, so pictures are limited."
"About 1 hour away from Gatlinburg, but this side is less crowded. The sites are plenty big, a little tight to back into, but not a big deal."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots"
from $25 - $50 / night
"The Tennessee and NC sides each have great things to offer. Just feel that the NC side has more smaller campgrounds and is generally a little more quiet and laid back. Go NC!"
"This: Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Nearby is group camping and horse camping. You cannot park your car right on the campsite. There is a parking lot and you need to carry your gear in. It's about 100 feet to the sites."
"The camp is beautiful and you are surrounded by the magical sounds of rushing water. There are two creeks nearby, one big and one small. We spent one day simply enjoying the campground."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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."
"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."
"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)."
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $94 / night
Nice sites but fairly open layout so not private.
Great 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.
We’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!
Great site with nice facilities like pool. Reception with large shop with basic camping needs, groceries and beer and wine. Wood service, delivered to your site, is also great! Could be experienced as a bit busy, but not noisy at all.
Lovely camping site employees are courteous and helpful the area is super neat and clean. Very pretty and borders a lake
We love this campground! We have the best spot although, all of them are nice! Right on Lake Norris with the most beautiful views!
I'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.
There 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!
Clean and well-kept campground. Nuzzled into the East Tennessee hills. Very pretty. Nice State Park. Would stay here again.
Equestrian camping options near Morristown, Tennessee extend beyond the immediate area to accessible locations in the Great Smoky Mountains region. Located in eastern Tennessee at approximately 1,350 feet elevation, Morristown experiences seasonal temperature swings with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F. Horse owners planning overnight trips can access established trails within a 45-minute drive from town.
Hike extensive trail systems: Panther Creek State Park Campground offers 60 miles of trails suitable for both hiking and horseback riding. "Hikers Retreat... We visited this site while participating in the Dirty Bird Dirt Circuit! We camped while running the race through the trails of the park. The campsite is small but close to all the trails," notes Bryan R. The park maintains well-marked paths of varying difficulties.
Explore historic mountain structures: Cataloochee Campground provides access to preserved homesteads within a 90-minute drive from Morristown. "There are historical homesteads, a school, churches and cemetery to take you back in time. Trails by creeks there to hike," writes Jodie K. Morning visits typically offer better viewing conditions before afternoon crowds arrive.
Fish mountain streams: Cold water fishing spots exist throughout the region with accessible creek fronts at several campgrounds. "The wildlife officer came through our camp with a fishnet full of trout to stock the creek. She asked us if we brought our fishing poles," reports Myron C. about Harmon Den Area. Tennessee fishing licenses required for anglers 13 and older.
Creek-side camping sites: Water proximity ranks high among visitor preferences. "We had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50... It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table," mentions Jennifer M. about Panther Creek State Park. Sites near water tend to fill first during peak season.
Mountain trail access: Direct trail connections from campsites receive frequent positive mentions. "The campground has a trailhead and several other trailheads in easy walking, pedaling distance, plus an awesome overlook and more strenuous hike up the road," notes Shelly S. Morristown sits within driving distance of multiple trailhead access points.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Big Creek Campground offers natural wildlife habitat within an hour's drive from Morristown. "We stayed in Big Creek for 3 nights and wish we could have stayed longer. The camp is beautiful and you are surrounded by the magical sounds of rushing water," reports Alison W. Early morning and dusk provide optimal viewing times.
Seasonal availability varies: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Panther creek has great hiking trails, pool, playground fire pits and so much more! The campground tends to be quiet and relaxed and has full hookups on some of the sites along with a nice little store and the dump station," states Bill P. Always verify operating dates before planning trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Morristown, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Morristown, TN is Panther Creek State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Morristown, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Morristown, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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