The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Loudon, TN

206 Reviews

Young Branch Horse Camp in Vonore accommodates tent camping with basic sites for equestrian travelers. The campground includes picnic tables and toilet facilities but lacks amenities like drinking water or electrical hookups. Located in the Citico Creek area, the six medium-sized sites are well-maintained despite the primitive setting. The campground remains relatively secluded while still providing vehicle access for horse trailers. Fires are permitted at designated fire rings, and trash collection is available on-site. Reviews note that Young Branch offers a more organized camping experience compared to other sections of Citico Creek.

Anthony Creek Horse Camp in Townsend operates seasonally from April 1 to November 13 within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The camp provides picnic tables and designated areas for tent and RV camping with horses. The campground requires reservations and maintains specific regulations for equestrian campers. Trail access from the camp connects riders to the extensive network of bridle paths throughout the park. Campers should note that pets are not permitted at this horse camp, distinguishing it from some other equestrian facilities in the region. Vehicle access is available, making it convenient for horse trailers, though the campground does not accommodate large rigs. Proximity to Cades Cove provides additional recreational opportunities for campers beyond horseback riding.

Map showing campgrounds near Loudon, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Loudon, Tennessee (14)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "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!"

    2. Toqua Beach Campground

    3 Reviews
    Vonore, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 884-3317

    $49 - $69 / night

    "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."

    3. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "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."

    4. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-2241

    "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."

    5. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / night

    "Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."

    "This sweet state park campground is tucked into a spot along Gee Creek, which is great for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summertime heat of Tennessee. "

    6. Young Branch Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Tallassee, TN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $15 / night

    "Located in between campsites 7&8, Young Branch is the more “civilized” part of Citico Creek. There is a toilet, but no hookups. About 6 different sites within the campground."

    7. Notchy Creek - Tellico Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Vonore, GA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 884-6280

    $24 - $40 / night

    8. Tsali Campground

    13 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge."

    "Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend."

    9. Bote Mountain Campsite 18 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    2 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    37 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Anthony Creek Horse Camp — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    1 Review
    Townsend, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "easy access to the trails right from camp....beautiful area. will be going back for sure."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Loudon Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Loudon, TN

6 Photos of 14 Loudon Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Loudon, TN

206 Reviews of 14 Loudon Campgrounds

  • Candy O.
    Apr. 19, 2019

    Lost Corral Horse Camp

    Very nice area for camping with horses

    This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it

  • B
    May. 30, 2019

    Cades Cove Campground

    Family friendly and beautiful

    This campground is so convenient to Cades Cove. 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. Make sure to take the necessary steps to store your food. Great spot to go explore the beauty and history of East Tennessee!

  • Gail C.
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Our Favorite

    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! Bears and deer may be just across the road from your campsite. There are bikes and firewood available as well as a small campstore (with ice cream). Lots of trails, a waterfall, rivers and creeks to fish and wade. Horses and wagons to ride. Activities for campers young and old. Night walks and ranger talks. The most beatiful views this side of heaven. Take special note of the view walking back from the John Oliver cabin (the first one).

  • Ashley A.
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Beautiful place to visit!

    Loved visiting Cades Cove! We drove around the entire loop. Saw many horses, deer, and even a coyote! Would love to go back soon!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Tsali Campground

    Tsali

    This is one of our favorite local campgrounds. Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge. A great spot for mountain biking on the Tsali trail system, close to the Appalachian Trail, close to the Nantahalad river for kayaking and rafting. Good access to Lake Fontana for kayaking, SUPing and swimming.

  • Dan N.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Cades Cove Campground

    Best in spring or fall

    Never been in summer when it’s busy but it’s great with wildflowers/leaf peeping along the wildlife drive. You can also bike the wildlife drive certain days and times. Camping options are simple rustic campground (though large with 150+ sites), horse camping, and backcountry backpacking sites. We’ve done the latter but drove through the campground, which was wooded and clean though fairly busy.

  • L
    Jul. 26, 2018

    Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    Quiet and safe

    Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays. Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities. Friendly staff at the park office. Nice place!

  • J
    Dec. 1, 2020

    Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    Great location and accommodating staff

    We stayed here during Thanksgiving break 2020. We had a great spot on the river. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. We needed to work and do school while there and the Verizon cell service was limited and the WiFi signal was not great at our rig. 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. After walking around the river front patios are amazing followed by the river front decks.

  • Jenny J.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Cades Cove Campground

    Primitive camping in the most beautiful State Park

    We have camped here in our tent and my only complaint is that the tent pads are slightly elevated and we have a huge two room tent that would not fit on any of the tent pads. We found a site that didn't have a tent pads and that's where we set up. So of you have a large or abnormally shaped tent you'll need to do some research first to find a tent site that will accommodate your tent. We love how wooded and shaded the sites are. We camped in the middle of a hot sticky Tennessee summer and felt just fine in all of the shade. Right around the corner from the loop of historic Cade's Cove, we were able to explore the loop and all that it offers. We were also close to the gift shop and camp store so the kids could go grab an ice cream cone in the afternoon. We had a a great time here.

Guide to Loudon

Horse camping in Tennessee offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse lovers, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your equine companions are well taken care of.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Young Branch Horse Camp, you can explore the beautiful Citico Creek area, which offers a range of trails perfect for horseback riding.
  • Anthony Creek Horse Camp provides easy access to numerous hiking trails right from the campsite, making it ideal for adventurous riders.
  • The Lost Corral Horse Camp is situated in a picturesque area, allowing for enjoyable rides along scenic routes.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campgrounds include essential features

  • Notchy Creek - Tellico Lake offers electric hookups and drinking water, making it a practical choice for those who want to ensure their horses have the best care.
  • Cades Cove Campground provides a market and firewood for campers, enhancing the overall experience for those staying with horses.
  • Townsend-Great Smokies KOA features a variety of accommodation types, including cabins and yurts, catering to different preferences while ensuring easy access to horse-friendly activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Loudon, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Loudon, TN is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 98 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Loudon, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring