Maureen G.
Ranger
RangerSmokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Shady level sites near stream
Nice sites but fairly open layout so not private.
Equestrian Camping near Knoxville, TN
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Anthony Creek Horse Camp provides designated equestrian camping approximately 30 miles from Knoxville within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The camp operates seasonally from April 1 to November 13 and includes picnic tables at each site. Horse owners must bring their own water for animals as no drinking water is available on-site. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with drive-in access. Daily trail rides connect campers to extensive bridle path networks throughout the Smokies. Reservations are required for all equestrian campsites, and sites fill quickly during peak season.
Located near Townsend, Anthony Creek serves as a convenient base for accessing backcountry horseback riding trails. The campground features hitching posts rather than corrals, so campers should bring high-lines or portable containment systems for overnight horse management. The proximity to Cades Cove provides riders with access to scenic loop routes and connecting trails. Riders must clean up after their horses and follow park regulations regarding designated equestrian trails. The quiet atmosphere and separation from the more crowded areas of the park appeal to equestrians seeking peaceful camping experiences. Proper preparation is essential as no showers, electric hookups, or horse-specific amenities like wash racks are provided at this primitive campground.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Knoxville (26)
1. Cades Cove Campground
"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!"
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
2. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
"Amazingly clean campgrounds 10 minutes from the entrance of the National Park and 20 minutes from the Visitor's Center."
"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."
3. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $94 / night
4. Riverstone Campground
"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!"
5. Frozen Head State Park Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when available6. Riverside RV Park & Resort
"Easy to get from Knoxville without going into the craziest part of traffic in Sevierville. There are many RV sites and cabins along the bend of the Little Pidgeon River. "
"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."
7. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
8. Anderson County Park
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $60 / night
9. Panther Creek State Park Campground
"This great park for hiking is less than an hour from Knoxville. It’s always nice to escape the city and this was an ideal place to go. The hiking trails ranged from difficult to short and easy."
"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."
9 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
10. Bote Mountain Campsite 18 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"I chose this campsite as the location of my first backcountry overnight experience, and I was not disappointed. Loved every minute of it. Short hike from your vehicle on Laurel Gap Rd."
"Camp site is about .5 miles downhill from the Bote Mountain and West Prong Trail Head. There are 2 sites that can be used and they are separated from one another."
Drive Time
- 40 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 5 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 21 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 59 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Knoxville, TN
9 Photos of 26 Knoxville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Knoxville, TN
370 Reviews of 26 Knoxville Campgrounds
- RRoddrick
GuideCades Cove Campground
Very Nice
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.
Kimberly A.GuideAnderson County Park
Beautiful overnight stay
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!
Rogier P.
ScoutCherokee-Great Smokies KOA
Fantastic site!
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.
Kelly W.ScoutPanther Creek State Park Campground
Panther Creek State Park
Lovely camping site employees are courteous and helpful the area is super neat and clean. Very pretty and borders a lake
- LLinda K.Scout
Anderson County Park
Beautiful State Park
We love this campground! We have the best spot although, all of them are nice! Right on Lake Norris with the most beautiful views!
- QQuindeda C.Scout
Anderson County Park
Nice peaceful campground for RVs and tents.
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.
- HHope H.Guide
Cades Cove Campground
Scenic Quiet Campground
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!
Tony M.ScoutPanther Creek State Park Campground
Very nice little camp ground
Clean and well-kept campground. Nuzzled into the East Tennessee hills. Very pretty. Nice State Park. Would stay here again.
Guide to Knoxville
Anthony Creek Horse Camp operates seasonally from April 1 to November 13, approximately 30 miles from Knoxville within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The camp serves as an access point to extensive bridle trails throughout the Smokies. Located near Townsend, this primitive equestrian campground requires riders to bring their own water for horses and use portable containment systems as it offers hitching posts rather than corrals.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Multiple connected trails allow for rides of various lengths and difficulty levels starting directly from Anthony Creek Horse Camp. Riders report "easy access to the trails right from camp" and consider it a "beautiful area" worth returning to.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Cades Cove area offers exceptional wildlife spotting potential, especially for black bears. Visitors to Cades Cove Campground note "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."
Cycling the scenic loops: Several campgrounds provide access to cycling routes on closed vehicle roads. At Cades Cove, campers report "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."
What campers like
Natural water features: Many horse campgrounds near Knoxville, Tennessee feature creeks or river access that enhance the camping experience. At Cherokee Great Smokies KOA, campers value waterside sites: "We enjoyed a River side site during the off season and during the week. Was very quiet and enjoyed the River."
Scenic mountain surroundings: The landscape around these equestrian-friendly sites creates a memorable backdrop. Campers at Townsend Great Smokies KOA appreciate that it's "Spacious and on the river. Close to the biking trails and Cades cove. Spots are clean, fire pits are great, well maintained pavers patio and nicely landscaped."
Historical sites: Many trails from equestrian campgrounds connect to preserved historical structures. Visitors recommend exploring these areas: "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian camping areas fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. For Cades Cove Group Campground, campers advise: "Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!"
Limited amenities: Most horse campgrounds near Knoxville provide basic facilities only. Campers should prepare accordingly: "Proper preparation is essential as no showers, electric hookups, or horse-specific amenities like wash racks are provided at this primitive campground."
Weather considerations: The mountain climate can change rapidly. A visitor to Cades Cove noted: "November is when the leaves are changing. Temps cool at night, moderately nice during the day...got snow at Clingman's Dome however during the day!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation for children. At Panther Creek State Park Campground, families appreciate the diverse options: "Great place for families because of the surrounding wooded activities. Hiking and biking was an A+."
Safety with wildlife: When camping with children in areas with bear activity, follow proper food storage protocols. A camper notes: "Make sure to lock your food up in your car or bear proof boxes because there are plenty of bears around."
Campground noise levels: Consider the social atmosphere when selecting a site for family camping. One camper observed: "If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else. If you want nature, love community, and want someone for your kids to play with, this is perfect."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Toqua Beach Campground, RVers note: "They have gravel lots that are somewhat level. We stayed at site 104."
Hookup availability: Check campground amenities before arrival as many horse camps have limited services. Some RV sites in the area offer full hookups: "The sites aren't very large so check the internet under TN State Parks for available sites."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts access and comfort for RVers. A camper shared: "We camped here in November and didn't have a problem getting a site, but the place did fill up!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Knoxville, TN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Knoxville, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Knoxville, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 100 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Knoxville, TN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Knoxville, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Knoxville, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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