3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Young Branch Horse Camp and Lost Corral Horse Camp offer tent camping options for equestrians in the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains. These two horse campgrounds provide trailer parking, vault toilets, and trail access into a broad backcountry network, making them practical base camps for riders seeking primitive equestrian camping near Tellico Plains. Young Branch features basic amenities including vault toilets but no hookups, with medium-sized sites that accommodate horse trailers. Located between campsites 7 and 8 in the Citico Creek area, this campground represents the more developed section of this wilderness region. Lost Corral provides access to water for horses, though direct views of water aren't available from the campground itself. Both locations maintain primitive camping conditions with toilet facilities and trash collection, but lack drinking water and electrical connections.
The trail systems connecting to these horse camps provide access to the expansive Cherokee National Forest trail network. Young Branch connects to a nature trail leading to the Hiwassee River, allowing horses and riders to access water. Lost Corral serves primarily as a base camp for equestrians exploring the surrounding wilderness areas. Both campgrounds accommodate tent camping with horses, though they lack dedicated corrals or stalls. Trailer parking is available at both locations, with enough space for standard horse trailers. The campgrounds become more crowded during summer months, making advance planning advisable for equestrians seeking the more spacious sites needed for camping with horses. The primitive nature of these facilities appeals to riders looking for backcountry equestrian experiences rather than developed resort-style accommodations.
"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. "
Available next weekend
"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!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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. "
"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."
from $15 / 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."
from $49 - $69 / 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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $94 / night
"This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it"
"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."
from $24 - $40 / night
"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
"This park has amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of shade. It has an equestrian area where you can book horseback rides."
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.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
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!
RangerWe stayed here 5/15- 5/17 and had a wonderful time. The bathrooms were great & the playground was a huge hit with all the kids. They also loved catching little minnows in the streambed of the boat launch. There is a trail that surrounds camp that's great for little adventures or even a short mountain bike
ScoutThe staff are fantastic and they keep the maintenance up. The bathrooms are the cleanest I have had at a campground. A lot of locals camping and they are great people to visit with.
ScoutWe stayed at one of the tent sites. Power and water at each side was a huge bonus. They had converters you could borrow for free for the plug. Bathrooms are old, but very well maintained and clean. For kids there’s 2 playgrounds, a fishing/ swimming pond, hiking trails. They told us they can also do pony rides but we never made it to the stables. We loved our stay and would definitely go back!
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.
GuideBeautiful spots down Jacks river directly and conveniently on the water. Remote but could see being busy during warmer seasons. We loved it.
TravelerI’m not a planner so I tend to find spots late in the day and just take what I get. I was so pleased when I pulled into the park at sunset to find only one other camper! The park is beautiful and very well kept. A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back and completely unbothered that I had arrived after hours. This was a Monday morning and he told me they were packed over the weekend and I was floored because it was so clean! The restroom is huge with showers and was older but clean. Absolutely recommend.
Equestrian camping near Tellico Plains, Tennessee centers on access to the Citico Creek watershed within Cherokee National Forest. The area sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with higher surrounding mountains reaching 5,000+ feet, creating significant temperature variations between seasons. Trail systems through this wilderness area connect to over 150 miles of maintained horse trails across the forest, requiring riders to navigate varied terrain and occasional stream crossings.
Trail riding along Hiwassee River: Access the Cherokee National Forest trail network directly from Gee Creek Campground, where "a nature trail loops around the park" and "the Hiwassee River runs next to the campground" according to Anna M. The area provides both beginner-friendly rides and more technical routes.
Fishing in Tellico Lake: Cast for bass, crappie, and catfish at Toqua Beach Campground where campers have direct lake access. Timothy T. notes that "the lake is beautiful" and mentions there's "a Beach area with volleyball" for those looking to alternate between riding and water activities.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Tellico Plains contain diverse wildlife populations. At Cades Cove Group Campground, campers report exceptional animal sightings: "We saw more wildlife in this amazing campground than at yellowstone!" according to Hilary B., while others mention black bears and whippoorwill calls at night.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Quinn Springs Campground receives high marks for maintenance with one reviewer noting, "The park is beautiful and very well kept... I was floored because it was so clean!" The restroom facilities include showers and remain clean despite heavy weekend use.
Water access for horses: Lost Corral Horse Camp provides essential amenities for equestrian campers. Candy O. explains that while "you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it" for watering horses after trail rides, making this location functional rather than scenic.
Proximity to multiple trail systems: Campers appreciate the central location for exploring various parts of Cherokee National Forest. At Cades Cove Campground, Kim L. notes there are "several hiking trails accessible from campground" with "all driveways shaded, paved, and level," providing a comfortable base for daily excursions.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping brings different conditions to the area. Byron R. mentions that "during winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers" at Gee Creek Campground. Fall brings changing leaves and moderate temperatures, while summer can be humid with afternoon thunderstorms.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal throughout the Tellico Plains area. At Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, John notes "the Verizon cell service was limited and the WiFi signal was not great at our rig," which can affect communication and navigation planning for trail rides.
Terrain challenges: The mountainous landscape means campgrounds often feature uneven sites. Frank S. advises tent campers that "the ground was hard & pretty level. Make sure you have solid tent spikes" when camping in the region, particularly at higher elevations.
Playground access: Families camping with children will find recreation areas at multiple campgrounds. Mickey L. mentions "clean facilities and nice playground" at Gee Creek, providing alternative activities for younger campers who may not be riding.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites throughout the area offer learning experiences. Justin S. notes that Cades Cove features "excellent wildlife, beautiful views everywhere, lovely historic buildings" that can supplement horse camping with cultural context about the region's settlement.
Diverse water activities: When not trail riding, families can enjoy swimming and tubing. At the Townsend KOA, multiple reviewers mention the Little River access, with Cathy O. advising "Go tubing!!! So much fun." These water options provide cooling alternatives during hot summer days between trail rides.
Site selection for horse trailers: RV campers hauling horses should carefully consider site dimensions. At Trackrock Campground, Anthony M. cautions that some sites have "very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving," which can create challenges for vehicles with trailers.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian-focused campgrounds near Tellico Plains offer limited or no hookups. Zane P. confirms Young Branch Horse Camp has "a toilet, but no hookups" with "about 6 different sites within the campground. Medium sized sites, but well taken care of," requiring RVers to plan for boondocking.
Road conditions: Access roads to wilderness horse camps can be challenging. Karen R. describes one campground approach as "roughstic" noting "the road in was rough," requiring slower speeds and careful navigation with horse trailers in tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Tellico Plains, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Tellico Plains, TN is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Tellico Plains, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Tellico Plains, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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