21 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
True West Campground & Stables is a key destination for horse camping near Oliver Springs, Tennessee, offering 40 year-round campsites in the Big South Fork area. The campground provides electric hookups with both 30 and 50-amp service along with water connections suitable for RVs and cabin accommodations. While no specific horse corrals are listed in the facilities data, the campground's name and focus on equestrian activities indicates specialized horse amenities. Bear Creek Horse Camp in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area provides another option for equestrian campsites with 30-amp electric hookups and water access from April through October. Both campgrounds include typical amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash collection. Sites at Big South Fork campgrounds are spacious and well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and shower facilities regularly serviced by park staff.
The extensive trail network at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers numerous riding opportunities connecting to both campgrounds. Riders can access multiple trailheads directly from the camping areas, with trail systems suitable for various experience levels. The Big South Fork region features diverse terrain through forested areas with several natural landmarks accessible on horseback. Bandy Creek Campground, though not specifically designated for horses in the data, provides a central location for accessing multiple horseback riding trailheads with a horse stable located near the visitor center. The Oneida entrance to the park includes several steep inclines with sharp switchbacks that can be challenging for horse trailers, while the western approach through Jamestown offers easier access. Trail conditions throughout the area are generally well-maintained with clearly marked routes connecting to various historical sites and natural features.
"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."
"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"Big South Fork is located in a very remote area of TN and KY. Miles of Great hiking, biking, horse and motorized trails. There is plenty to see and all of it is beautiful. "
"D19 is in a dead end loop so little to no vehicles drive through . The bathhouse is a bit of a walk, the buildings are newer and well maintained."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean."
"Our site was right next to the lake. Quiet and very peaceful until 7am lol! People get going right away lol!"
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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
"We didn't have any horses but everyone treated us with welcoming vibes and kindness. The owners and family are attentive, kind, and hard working. The grounds are well kept."
"Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space."
from $26 - $165 / 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!"
"Great for kayaking, fishing, wading, hiking, sightseeing(areas close by to check out), also there are some swimming holes..just have to find them. can camp right by the creek and across the road is a few"
"Love it clean nice people Has water some of the time no electricity sites are well kept has horseshoe pits no stores close by no cell phone service but it does have clean toilets fishing is good"
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability
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!
ScoutWe had a great time. Nice people who are friendly and helpful.
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.
RangerThis place has clean bathrooms, wifi, secluded spots on the river to fish. Enough space for group camping too. Pick the spot the stump of banks end for the best river side spot. Book on Hipcamp! The host is amazing and delivers anything you need. Firewood, fishing bait, even fresh chicken eggs from the farm. Also does dog grooming! And you can book extra to spend time with the fluffy cows! Close to Cumberland falls!
ScoutStalls/barn is filthy. The owners had their own horses removed from their custody by animal control for neglect. The horses were skin and bones even though they sell feed in their store.
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area establishes the backdrop for equestrian camping near Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Located on the Cumberland Plateau, the region sits at elevations between 700-1,200 feet and features sandstone bluffs and gorges cut by the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The area receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation and occasional trail challenges during spring and fall.
Cycling the Cades Cove loop: Cades Cove Campground provides access to a scenic biking route that closes to vehicle traffic on certain days. "What a great campground!! This is away from the craziness of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It puts you back into the outdoors as the National Parks should be. The campground is beautiful and 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," notes Jeremy H.
Wildlife viewing: The Cades Cove area offers regular wildlife sightings within a reasonable distance. "This is a very unique spot in the smokies. I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience. Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!" shares Ashley Y. from Cades Cove Campground.
Kayaking and river activities: The Cumberland River provides opportunities for water recreation near several campgrounds. "The campground has everything you need. You can fish off the banks of the Cumberland river or take a swim. Close to trails and a waterpark too," writes Jennifer L. about Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground.
Dark sky stargazing: The Big South Fork area offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "Camped here a few years ago and got wonderful night sky shots. Definitely worth a stay if you're visiting Big South Fork. Great campers and great scenery," reports Tyler J. about his experience at Bandy Creek Campground.
Direct trail access: Many equestrian-focused campgrounds provide immediate trail connections. "The camp sites are also shaded, very comfortable even in July. Great place for canoe, kayak & swimming activities. Fishing, hiking and more. The Horseman's Camp is also nice, miles of trails to be discovered just at the dead end of the road," explains Amber H.
River proximity: Waterfront sites allow for easy fishing access. "Sanded, river front tent sites. The camp sites are also shaded, very comfortable even in July. Great place for canoe, kayak & swimming activities. Fishing, hiking and more," reports another camper at Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent in many campgrounds. "No cell service for Verizon and none for many miles on the drive to the site," reports Carol B. from Cades Cove Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs or horse trailers in some areas. "Make sure you have the horse power for the hills going out. I had to back down the gravel hill and get a second run to make it up!" warns Shelly S. about Bear Creek Horse Camp.
Advance reservations required: Popular horse camps fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "This is a beautiful campground, but can get a little busy. That doesn't make it good or bad, but you need to know what to plan for. If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else," advises DrDavid P.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play facilities for children. "The campground also has a large swimming pool, with lifeguards," notes Lori H. at Bandy Creek Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historic structures provide learning experiences for children. "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest," recommends Buck R. from Cades Cove Group Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer safe swimming areas for children. "Bear Creek is some of the best smallmouth fishing around. I love the backcountry camping in BSF, it's so peaceful, and beautiful. The Burnt Mill area is awesome, but the hike can be challenging, but it is so worth it," shares Nate H.
Site sizing limitations: Be aware of parking constraints at some campgrounds. "The sites were a bit short and we couldn't park our tow vehicle in front of our 17' camper. So large campers beware. There are limited parking spots near the shower house," cautions Chelsea D.
Utility connections: Many horse-focused campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. "Beautiful 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," notes Heather S. about True West Campground & Stables.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds have limited facilities during off-season periods. "I spent the long Thanksgiving weekend here. Other campgrounds in the area were closed, but this one is open year round. Bathrooms and showers remain open as well. Sites were very clean and spacious and all have spectacular views of the lake," reports Jason W. from Anderson County Park.
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 Frozen Head State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Oliver Springs, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Oliver Springs, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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