Within Cherokee National Forest, Horse Creek Recreation Area operates as a US Forest Service campground that combines drive-in and walk-in camping options along a flowing creek. Most sites require campers to park in a designated lot and carry gear up to 300 yards along trails and over bridges to reach their spots. Only one site allows direct vehicle access.
The campground sits directly alongside Horse Creek, which runs through the center of the camping area. "All along a little creek," describes Sheree N., noting the water features a swimming hole with cold water year-round. Hiking trails branch out from the campground into the surrounding forest. The setting provides natural sound cover from the flowing water, though campers can still see and hear others from the main camping loop.
Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with water hookups available for those who can access the drive-in area. Each site includes fire pits and lantern posts. The facility provides restrooms with showers, though cleanliness levels vary according to visitor reports. A camp host stays on-site during the May through October season. For those exploring the broader region, camping near Cherokee National Forest offers additional forest-based options.
The campground operates on a budget-friendly fee structure and accepts reservations, making it accessible for weekend getaways or longer forest stays.
Description
Overview
Horse Creek Recreation Area is located eight miles from Greeneville, off TN 107 north. This recreation area is nestled into a hardwood cove beside its namesake, Horse Creek. Horse Creek is located in the Chuckey area of Greeneville, TN. The campground is primarily walk-in, tent camping only. With plenty of forest-related activities to do around the campground and being located right outside the city of Greeneville, Horse Creek is the perfect place to stay! Numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming spots are located within Horse Creek.
Recreation
There are several native trout streams within and nearby Horse Creek Recreation Area. See Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for permits as well as rules and regulations on fishing. There are two areas for picnicking in the Horse Creek Recreation Area, one upstream and one downstream of the campground. Multiple hiking trails can be accessed from Horse Creek.
Facilities
Horse Creek Recreation Area offers a bathhouse for campers use. The bathhouse includes hot showers, flushable toilets, and sinks.
Natural Features
Squibb Creek Falls: Get your feet wet on this 4-mile (round trip) trail on your way to see the 25-foot tall Squibb Creek Falls. This trail lies almost entirely in the Congressionally designated Sampson Mountain Wilderness. Please take extra caution when hiking this trail, as trails are not blazed and stream crossings may be difficult to negotiate. Pete's Branch Falls: This short, easy trail starts to the left of Poplar Cove trailhead after the first creek crossing. The trail follows the creek with 5 creek crossings to a 45-foot waterfall. It is recommended to come during the wet spring and fall months, where the abundance of water makes for optimal viewing. During the dry months, you can expect just a trickle coming over the falls. Please note that hiking or driving on Forest Road 94 requires several creek crossings. Hiking from the trailhead requires an additional 1.5 (each way) hike.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (423) 638-4109.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHorse Creek Recreation Area is located in Tennessee
Address
2897 Horse Creek Park Road
Greeneville, TN 37641
Coordinates
36.1083 N
82.6568 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/10/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/10/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 45 min from Johnson City, TN
- 57 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 45 min from Asheville, NC










