Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Oliver Springs? Camping with your horse in Oliver Springs just got easier. These scenic and easy-to-reach Tennessee campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$30 / night
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
$30 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures, popular biking and hiking trails and scenic waterfalls and streams. Tucked in the mountains under a lush, shaded canopy, this group campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, turnoff at the sign and follow the directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove Loop Road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
$50 / night
196 Acres on Norris Lake 12 short-term RV sites with water and electric hook-up ($30 per night) , 13 non-electrical-sites with water hookups ($20 per night).
38 Long-term sites ($350 per month) with winter storage option ($150 per month) Group camp with covered shelter, trails, 2 boat ramps, picnic tables, electric and water hookups and grills-must reserve ($60 per night with a $20 deposit that will be applied to the first night camp fee) Two ADA accessible shower/restroom facilities and 2 other bath facilities Dump station ADA campsite-Must have proof of a disabled occupant Security lights at the campground, boat ramp and along shore. Playground equipment Public Swimming Area Boat Ramp for campers only and a public boat ramp Self-guided nature trails Two Pavilions with grills-must reserve ($35 per day) Camping Season March – November
$20 - $60 / night
True West Campground is OPEN YEAR ROUND!!! We are centrally located by Big South Fork, TN with easy access to a great many outdoor adventures. Saddle your horse up and ride right out of the campground and find the Cumberland Valley Trail head just 1 mile away, there you can take a nice short ride if you wish, find an overlook to stop and have lunch or ride for miles & miles!!! Lots of bicycle trails around here and the hiking is never ending!!
Our facilities include 33 easy access, level RV and camping sites, all with water and electric, some with sewer hookups. Our shower houses are very clean and provide plenty of hot water!
For those who use it, there is WIFI all throughout the 11 acre campground offered for FREE to all our Campers.
Don't have a Camper or Living Quarters? We've got you covered! We have lodging available to rent. Many different options to choose from. There is the Marshal Suite in the main building above the Mercantile Store that sleeps up to 8 or more and the tucked-in-the-woods Miner's Shack Cabin. We also offer the unique experience of sleeping in the Conestoga Covered Wagons for 'Glamping'- with some creature comforts of home (beds & heat/air!!).
If you are in need of horse facilities, we have two large barns with a total of 67 stalls, each with 2 bucket hooks for your water and feed, a saddle rack and a bridle hook. We have two large horse wash bay areas, and a large 60' round pen.
True West Campground has MANY fun filled Events all throughout the year!! Check us out on Facebook to see what's coming up next!
True West also offers parking and the use of the common area to those just passing through for the day and needing access to the trails.
$26 - $165 / night
Toqua Campground has Premium RV sites, Standard RV sites, and Primitive Cabins. All RV sites are full hookup.
$49 - $69 / night
The Great Meadows Campground, located on Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, is developed on both sides of the road. Deer Loop is on the right; Raccoon Loop is on the left. Deer Loop is open year round; but the water is shut off during the winter season. Raccoon Loop is April 1 - November 15. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to Great Meadows Campground. Learn more... View Great Meadows Guide and Map Rock Creek, a designated Kentucky Wild River, runs along the Raccoon Loop. Rock Creek is stocked with rainbow trout March - June and September - December.. Campsite availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Trails nearby: Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail - Section 37 and Section 38; Mark Branch Trail # 635 and Gobblers Arch Trail # 636.
$10 - $15 / night
Bear Creek Horse Camp is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Numerous trails snake through the recreation area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors.
Big South Fork is located in north-central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres including rocky gorges and forested plateaus.
Just a few miles from the campground is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.
$35 / night
Thank you for considering Clayton Geneva memorial campground for your camping trip. Please read the entire description including our rules and regulations. Also be sure to view the site map. The gravel driveway to the sites is passable with any vehicle. If you choose to use our alternate parking there will be a hike to your site, appropriately 1/8 of a mile. I can’t stress enough that it is primitive camping, there is a restroom available at the top of the hill. We are inviting you to enjoy a peaceful, primitive camping experience on a spacious plot right on the sandy banks of the Cumberland River. We offer a tree canopy covered, serene spot that offers river swimming, fishing, enjoy a camp fire or just plain nothing but peace and quiet. Each site is equipt with a fire ring. The drive way to the primitive sites is a little lane that wraps around a mountain side that leads to the primitive sites. We do our best to keep up with it however due to the nature of weather, gravity and water it’s a constant chore. Your welcome to hike in to the sites, it’s not mandatory that you driver on down. If you feel comfortable by all means slowly drive directly to your site. If your not sure of the lane please hike to your site. Hikers, Horses and riders welcome, located a couple miles from Daniel Boone National Forrest, seemingly endless trails through some of the most beautiful country. Bring your canoe and kayaks. Located 16 miles from Cumberland Falls State Park. Located 11 miles from Sheltowee Trade Adventure Park. Located 11 miles from Kentucky Splash Water Park. Located 11 miles from Wal-Mart, restaurants and Pilot
$20 - $70 / night
Guide
We stayed here on a KAT section 2 trip. Super friendly and helpful staff. They had campsites, covered wagons, and cabins. The had a small camp store and sold firewood
GuideWe stayed there while running the KAT section 2. Great staff. Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space.
Scout
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Scout
Visiting in 2 weeks
Traveler
That's a great recommendation! Elkmont Campground sounds like a wonderful place to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. The variety of accommodation options makes it accessible to campers of all preferences. Therefore SRSLY Low Carb helps me stick to a diet and it reflects well on my body. I love active recreation. However, I always take care of my diet because I have health problems. Have a nice trip and take care of your health.
TravelerWe had an amazing time, the campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome. Hoping to come back soon.
Traveler
If you're looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to be. Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground. Note... Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just erritates the bears.
Traveler
Only 2 of the 6 sites are usable if it has rained within a week of your stay. Would not recommend for large groups unless you enjoy sleeping in mud. Would not recommend unless the weather is pristine.
ScoutIt looks so good so far. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a very good day!
RangerReally enjoyed our one night stay at Cades Cove. Make sure to check the campsite descriptions if you need a level site. Some are a bit close together. Heated bathrooms!
TravelerWe have spent only one night here and we enjoyed every bit of it. It was so quiet and dark in the late evening really what we needed to have a family campfire getaway.
ScoutMy family of five camped three nights at Elkmont the last week of March 2024. High was in the 50's and 60's and low in the 30's. It was windy and cold at nights. I did a ton of research attempting to book a"private" site at this campground--but now I'll share what I have learned-- there are none! We had site A-7, which is"walk-in", but the walk is incredibly short and not far from your car. All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them. That said, the campsite is gorgeous and I do recommend it. Despite having no visual privacy, the sound of the rushing water masks all the sounds of talking, etc. and I slept great with the rushing water. Considering the walk-in sites are no more private than any other, I think my highest recommendation would be the B sites. Otherwise try to book any site along the river.
The bathrooms were adequate--sinks and toilets and cleaned daily (no showers). We did one of our hikes from our site--the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap at it was beautiful. While the technical distance of that loop is 5 and a half miles, it was 7 miles total from our site. I recommend doing Little River Trail first, as it is a gradual uphill on a gravel road. While the wide road is not ideal, it is along the beautiful river. Cucumber Gap trail is single track with some nice views. The final portion of that loop, Jakes Creek Trail to the Elkmont Historic District is STEEP--so I was glad we were going down, not up.
GuideStayed here in the Fall of 2023. It was perfectly quiet at night which was great. The bathrooms are clean and there’s a dish washing room as well. Due to the amount of black bears in the area they’re very vigilant about keeping trash in trash cans (apparently bears break into the bathrooms… so there’s ZERO trash cans in the bathrooms and you have to walk your paper towels or other items to the big dumpsters)
Coming from the Rocky Mountains where black and brown bears are also very active, I was surprised to see that there were no bear boxes of any kind.
This minor complaint won’t affect most people. but to those who need a bear boxe to store items while away from their campsite or perhaps while they’re there, just keep that in mind. 😊
GuideElkmont is a big campground located on little river. I spent the weekend here, and had a great time with cool weather. Warm during the day and just above freezing at night.
I drove up to clingmans dome at sunrise and caught a brief amazing glimpse before clouds covered up the whole view. It was really interesting the way the conditions changed so quickly. I made a short youtube video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5LIvzDiSY4
I fly fished around the campground, but didn't have much luck until I walked a good distance upstream on the little river trail. It was a great afternoon, and all fish I caught were rainbows and about hand size. Nothing remarkable, but time well spent and very enjoyable.
I would love to bring my son here, and look forward to trying to get a spot next year to bring him here.
As a note, I drove through gatlinburg early morning and the traffic was awful. I turned left after gatlinburg and rather than having to head back through town there was a bypass, which was a huge time saver.
GuideVery clean. Very nice. We will be back
GuideCampground is super easy to find, with plenty of signage. Go to the visitor’s center first and get your parking permit if you plan on doing any exploring by vehicle. $5/day or $15/weekend. Zero cell service past Laurel Falls (Verizon). Firewood and other essentials on site for purchase. They take cash or credit! Everything is within a good 20 minute drive. B7 is right on the river. Sounds of the water drown out any neighbors, which makes up for the sites being pretty close to each other.
ScoutBeautiful campground, nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of, dump station on site which was very easy to get to. Barns are well kept and clean. Bathrooms/bathhouses were spotless! Free sawdust to campers for their stalls. Water all throughout the barn and easy to get to. The location is great, just 20 minutes from Jamestown for a quick trip to Walmart or the Dollar store. Nice little restaurant just 4 miles down the road if you don't want to cook. Picket state park is only 30 minutes down the road for some nice hiking and other activities, Scott State park is just a few miles the other way. Endless hiking, lots of trails to ride as well!
ScoutNice barns, clean bathhouses, and very friendly staff
TravelerThis 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. The sites are concrete and gravel.
TravelerThe sites are good with picnic tables, fire rings, and gravel tent pads. Also, the trees provide plenty of shade and bear-proof trash containers. Also, no bright street or area lights are shining into the tent all night long.
Although there are not any shower facilities, which didn't bother me, the toilets are not that great!
Two big problems for me. 1. A lot of generator noise and 2. No one respected the 5 mph speed limit which was a big concern with the young children running around, and the number of wild animals around.
If you are a tent camper, I recommend looking for tent only camp sites in this area.
TravelerNice campground in a good location in the park. Decently close to cade’s cove, and really close to laurel falls. Even though there are no showers, you can access the river in tons of spots even if you don’t have a waterfront site. Another thing that might bother some people would be bugs in the bathrooms, but most of them are dead and all of them are harmless, just a little gross. Overall pretty solid campsite if you’re willing to lose some comfort.
LegendCades Cove:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating: 3
Price 2023: $15 w America The Beautiful
Usage during visit: Packed.
Site Privacy: Tightly packed.
Site Spacing: Most sites are close
Site surface: Blacktop
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Low
Road Noise: None. Not near main road
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: Yes
Potable Water Available: At toilet facilities.
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Yes. Flush toilets
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: some
Cell Service (AT&T):
Setting: Open with some woods. Not pretty in my opinion. Nearby driving loop w trails is well worth the stay over.
Weather: 70s and low 80s
Bugs: Not bad
Solar: There are enough trees to interfere w fixed roof panels.
Host: Around. They do no regulate offenses as tightly as I’d expected.
Sites: B+ (door side more private w thick shrubbery & pretty private back: 68, 80, 83, 43, 45,46 47,48,50 , 16. 4, 5, 21
B- (door points to corner but shrubbery is open, and private in back) 70 , 18, 42,1. - still better than most sites .
C. Back of site a bit more private: 72,81, 84, 85, 44, 60,62,
Most others are at least semi private to rear only
Traveler
The campsites are off to thereselfs and make for great camping with privacy. The drive there is a little long and no cell service for the most part but isn't that what camping is about anyway.
Scout
We have a 40ft 5th wheel and had a spot right by the water and wonderful view, we were able to go tubing and kayaking right by our camper and go hiking in the park not far from the campground (spruce falls is a must if you want to see a waterfall, its about 2 miles long roundtrip) although bears have been seen along the trails, you just have to be cautious. The campground has many trees so it doesn't feel like your in a trailer park and the people that work there are so friendly. I would definitely come back to this campground again.
TravelerReview from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on Racoon side. Got surprised by a bear while gathering firewood nearby. Clean and well maintained although it was a sleepless night because of a group of drunk locals.
GuideCades coves was a good campground for our first visit to the smoky mountains. The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did.
RangerMy dog and I enjoyed 4 nights here. The sites are well spaced and the tent pad is even. The bathrooms could use an update but I was just happy they’re flush toilets! There are no showers. There is no cell service with T-Mobile. The rangers are friendly and the campground is clean. Cades Cove loop is within a short distance and I saw bears every day as well as turkey and deer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Oliver Springs, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oliver Springs, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 94 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Oliver Springs, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Oliver Springs, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
