Best Equestrian Camping near Mountain City, TN

Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground provides specialized equestrian facilities in Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia, approximately 60 miles from Mountain City. The campground features water and electric hookups at level, gravel back-in sites designed for horse trailers. Campers have access to stalls with both open and closed options available for additional fees. The bathhouse includes showers, toilets, and a laundry sink. Sites accommodate equestrian campers with horses as a priority, with non-horse campers allowed to make reservations only within 30 days of arrival. The campground maintains clean, well-repaired stalls for horses. Prices range from $20-23 per night, with slightly higher rates for out-of-state visitors.

The multi-use trail system connects riders to an extensive 66-mile network of equestrian paths throughout Grayson Highlands and surrounding areas. Riders can access trails directly from their campsites without trailering to different locations. The official camping season runs May through October, though primitive camping options remain available during March, April, and November for those seeking early or late-season rides. The state park itself features wild ponies that roam freely throughout the area, creating a unique equestrian environment. Trail riders should note that while the wild ponies appear approachable, they should be treated with respect and given appropriate distance as they are wild animals. The combination of established equestrian facilities and natural mountain terrain makes this area particularly attractive for serious trail riders seeking varied terrain and scenic views.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Mountain City, Tennessee (16)

    1. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    47 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

    "The campground is in an excellent location, just 5-10 minutes away from downtown Blowing Rock and of course it’s right on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway!"

    2. Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    6 Reviews
    Whitetop, VA
    20 miles
    +1 (276) 579-7092

    "This equestrian campground in a beautiful state forest allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses."

    "We camped at an equestrian campgrounds, chestnut ridge perhaps? Saw a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day!"

    3. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    2 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 391-0118

    $15 - $45 / night

    "This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice."

    "Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential."

    4. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $17 - $72 / night

    "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

    "So we did not hike all the trails, but the one's we did were stunning and memorable.

    The campgrounds are super clean and neat, the showerhouse/bathroom a positive too."

    5. Fox Creek Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 628-7202

    $5 / night

    "With a wide network of multi-use trails in this area, Fox Creek Horse Camp provides a nice base for exploring on horseback. Sites have a gravel/grass pads, picnic table, and fire ring."

    6. Old Virginia Group Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Troutdale, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 783-5196

    $50 / night

    7. Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    4 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 323-7790

    "I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting."

    "They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do."

    8. Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway

    3 Reviews
    Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 348-3487

    "Near a creek as well. Just follow the basin creek trail for about a mile and then cross bridge."

    "This camp ground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views it has no paved roads so bring a truck or suv sedans will get stuck easily there is"

    9. Sandy Creek Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Traphill, NC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8525

    "The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Very fun long weekend at a family friendly campground. Would definitely camp here again!"

    "Stayed there for a weekend, great location close to Stone Mtn park. Hiked from there into the state park. Very clean kept campground and nice owner"

    10. Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 323-2535

    $55 - $76 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mountain City, TN

136 Reviews of 16 Mountain City Campgrounds


  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Old Virginia Group Horse Camp

    Equestrian campground group site in national forest

    This is a group equestrian camp that can be reserved via Recreation.gov for$50/night for up to 25 people. There is no potable water available, so plan to bring your own. There is a stream at the site where the horses may drink. There's enough space for a number of trailers, including large ones, and up to 25 horses. There's a fair amount of grassy area and it's lined with rhododendron. Dumpster provided. No cell service.

    There are a number of horse trails that connect, starting with the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail nearby, so you don't need to trailer your horses to get to the trailhead

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    Equestrian campground in beautiful Grayson Highlands

    This equestrian campground in a beautiful state forest allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses. This state park has wild horses of its own, but has numerous multi-use and equestrian trails and connects with additional trails in the area for up to 66 miles of riding. Chestnut Hollow is distinct from the Hickory Ridge campground.

    The campsites are back-in along a single spur with turn-around at the end. There are  bathrooms with showers and a sink for laundry. Fees are $20-23/night, slightly higher for out of state campers. There are open and closed stall options for an additional fee. These were clean and in good repair. Although the official season runs May - October, it is open for primitive camping March, April, and November.

    Site are long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric.

  • Susan E.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    What luck!

    I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.

  • K
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    Bobcats, Black Bear, & Wild Horses

    Lot s of wildlife! We camped at an equestrian campgrounds, chestnut ridge perhaps? Saw a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day! Great facilities and located very close to Wilbur ridge where the wild ponies are! The AT is very close and waterfall hikes can be accessed from camp.also lots of great bouldering in the area

  • H
    Aug. 18, 2021

    Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    Nice and peaceful

    This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice. Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers. Free firewood. No pool or playground, but still a nice peaceful campground.

  • Laura H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    Convenient and Clean

    Kingsport/Bristol has easy access from Interstate 81 and the campground is easily navigated with a large 5th wheel.

    They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do. The park is also near Warriors Path State Park, which is fun to go hike and see.

    They have several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites. They have 50amp service and full hookup sites.

    Cellular reception is decent for TMobile and AT&T.

    This park is frequented by travelers and NASCAR fans.

  • K
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Lovely campground with lake access

    Stayed in site A31, a pull-through site. No sites here have hook-ups. This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding. There is wifi at the boat rental area, an easy walk from all parts of the campground where you can rent kayaks, get snacks, etc. All sites are well spaced out(A loop, I didn't see the other loops) but non- lake side sites don't have a ton of tree cover so aren't very private. Tent sites next to the lake are closer together and DO have more trees/ privacy. Several good trails within the campground- the 2.5 mile lake loop which winds around the lake was nice, flat and beautiful.

  • R
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Peaceful campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway

    We stayed at Site E14 during a weekend in July. The campground is in an excellent location, just 5-10 minutes away from downtown Blowing Rock and of course it’s right on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway! Our site was peaceful and shaded, easily fit our 14 foot teardrop with screen room and our truck. After walking through the other loops, I preferred ours as it was not as crowded and quieter. Great access to trails, Price Lake trail and Boone Fork trail access is within minutes. Our site was very shaded. The picnic table seating is extremely low to the ground so if you have mobility issues that could be an issue. The bathrooms were old but clean and served the purpose. Overall, I recommend this campground it is so peaceful and perfect location. We can’t wait to come back!!

  • M
    Nov. 14, 2021

    Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    Nice place

    Way up the road! It's a nice place once you get here on the narrow country road. Nice clean bathhouse. Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential.


Guide to Mountain City

Tennessee offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater specifically to equestrian needs.

Tips for equestrian camping near Mountain City, Tennessee

  • The Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground provides access to numerous multi-use and equestrian trails, making it an ideal base for horseback riding adventures.
  • At Fox Creek Horse Camp, you can enjoy a well-maintained site with hitching posts and easy access to a wide network of trails.
  • For a unique experience, consider the Old Virginia Group Horse Camp, which accommodates large groups and offers direct access to horse trails without the need to trailer your horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and facilities

  • The Bristol-Kingsport KOA features large pull-through sites and amenities that cater to both horses and campers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground provides a unique hammock camping experience alongside traditional horse camping, with facilities that welcome pets and equestrian guests.
  • Sandy Creek Family Campground offers a family-friendly atmosphere with ample space for horses, making it a great choice for those traveling with kids and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mountain City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mountain City, TN is Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.6-star rating from 47 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Mountain City, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.