Best Equestrian Camping in Tennessee
Looking for a place to camp in Tennessee with your horse? Finding a place to stay in Tennessee while traveling with your horse is easy. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you in seconds.
Best Equestrian Sites in Tennessee (49)
1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground
Spencer, Tennessee144 Reviews•633 Photos•939 SavesFall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30.
In 1937, the federal government began purchasing the badly eroded land around Fall Creek Falls. The following year, the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the forest and constructing park facilities. A few years later in 1944, the National Park Service transferred ownership of the park to the State of Tennessee.
Fall Creek Falls features 30 cabins, 222 campsites, and the 85-room Lodge Fall Creek Falls. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit.
The park is home to a variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to the base of Fall Creek Falls. There are two long-distance overnight trails for adventure-seeking visitors while the day-use trails are designed to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages. More than 56 miles of trails can be explored.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$8 - $32 / night
2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg, Tennessee122 Reviews•479 Photos•1046 SavesOverview
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Recreation
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Natural Features
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Nearby Attractions
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$30 / night
3. Cades Cove Campground
Townsend, Tennessee95 Reviews•543 Photos•611 SavesOverview
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
Recreation
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Natural Features
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
Nearby Attractions
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
Charges & Cancellations
If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$30 / night
4. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Burns, Tennessee64 Reviews•229 Photos•233 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Lebanon, Tennessee47 Reviews•136 Photos•202 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $30 / night
6. Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Rugby, Tennessee41 Reviews•137 Photos•87 SavesOverview
Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Recreation
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. A swimming pool, along with on-site volleyball court, playgrounds and ball fields, make Bandy Creek an ideal spot for families. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
Natural Features
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres including rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys, which are found throughout the park.
Nearby Attractions
Located just under 20 miles from Bandy Creek is the Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$140 / night
7. Chickasaw State Park Campground
Silerton, Tennessee35 Reviews•145 Photos•109 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$27 - $35 / night
8. Henry Horton State Park Campground
Chapel Hill, Tennessee31 Reviews•100 Photos•215 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$10 - $150 / night
9. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA
Townsend, Tennessee28 Reviews•66 Photos•267 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Delano, Tennessee29 Reviews•100 Photos•74 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
$35 - $85 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Tennessee
843 Reviews of 49 Tennessee Campgrounds
Kim L.
Ranger
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Busy but well kept campground
Large campground but had level, shaded, and private camp sites. Flush toilets clean but no showers. Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground. I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use. Nice creek runs through campground. Campground fairly close to visitor center and nearby hiking trails but wickedly crowded. Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons. Dump station on site.
- Kim L.Ranger
Cades Cove Campground
Near popular Cades Cove scenic drive
Approx 20 miles from main visitor center. The scenic drive increases congestion and traffic. Camp store is near campsites. Also a ranger station. Several hiking trails are accessible from campground. All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place. Only negative is the requirement to check in between 9-10:00 am the following day if one arrived later than check in time, which caused me to change hiking plans.
MickandKarla W.
Legend
Rvino - The Broken Banjo
One of the Nicer Private Campgrounds
We followed our RV GPS right to the campground (CG) that is located right off I-24. Check in was quick and easy. We were then escorted to one of their“long” pull through sites with FHUs, site 27. What we first noticed was the large cement patio with table, chairs, bench, stand up barbecue, and fire pit. The utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad’s front. Water pressure was okay at around 45 psi. They have cable but we did not use it. Their Wifi was about average for a CG this size. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi on this overnighter. Satellite could be iffy due to the amount of mature trees. We did see Starlink antennas at some of the sites. The sites are decently spaced and site 27 was the easiest pull through we’ve ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig. They have glamping cabins, teepees, and a covered wagon with nice patio decor. There’s also a swimming pool, pickleball court, catch& release pond plus other amenities. There’s also laundry and propane. The staff was very nice and helpful. We were impressed with this CG with the only caveat that there’s quite a bit of highway noise from the interstate. However, the noise did not overweigh our satisfaction and we will definitely mark this CG for another overnighter or longer stay in the future.
Beth LeVar L.
Guide
Chickasaw State Park Campground
Nice Place to Relax
The campsite was nice. It was divided, the fire pit and the table was up a small hill behind the camper.
The bathrooms were clean and showers were great. The toilets at least in the women’s bathroom the hinges are on the wrong side so the doors do not open wide.
The area is nice. We weren’t able to check out the trails due to an injury I received the week before but the area is so nice.
There were three animals on display ate the animal rehab and owl, Henry (red-tail hawk) and Scarlet (unsure what she was)
A nice place to relax and recharge.
- TTeresa D.
Traveler
Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Beautiful, well kept campground…
We loved Bandycreek campground for it{s scenic beauty….we were there in late October. They leaves were brilliant! The campground was pristine as well as the shower house and bathrooms. So many trails to walk…just make sure you know how long they really are and if they truly are a loop before you head out and take water! The campground was quiet, there was a bustle of activity every morning of park staff cleaning the shower house, emptying the bear boxes and doing general maintenance cleaning up downed branches etc. All staff were met were very friendly. The visitors center was close with staff who were very helpful in answering questions about the area. Our only concern about the place was that it is difficult to navigate if you have a large rv. Ours is a 43 foot fifth wheel. We had a lot of difficulty backing into our site with all the little obstacles but with the assistance of a fellow camper we finally got in. Also the drive into the campsite is treacherous if you are coming from Oneida. It is harrowing to say the least and I would not recommend it if you have a large rv. Hairpin turns and switchbacks, low hanging rocks, and narrow road. We came in the back way which consisted of driving on a well maintained gravel road with barely enough room for two vehicles to pass. So be warned and do your research before you drive in…plan your route! I feel like we barely survived! Ha. But it was worth it and we did survive!
Lakisha D.Traveler
Tennessee Wall Camp
Awesome escape
Great sites with fire pits.
- Pam B.Guide
True West Campground & Stables
Super Friendly Staff
We stayed here on a KAT section 2 trip. Super friendly and helpful staff. They had campsites, covered wagons, and cabins. The had a small camp store and sold firewood
- Pam B.Guide
True West Campground & Stables
Super Friendly Staff
We stayed there while running the KAT section 2. Great staff. Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space.
- CClicksudr
Scout
Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
amazing
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Timothy F.Guide
Bristol-Kingsport KOA
This is a very nice campground
We arrive very late, after all day travels from Florida. My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal.
Joel R.LegendRvino - The Broken Banjo
Nicer than before
We have stopped here several times in the past when it was a KOA. The new owners have fixed it up. The roads are still gravel but in better shape, the pads are nicer, and there is more room between sites. 30/50 amp electric, water & sewer. Lots of trees, there is a big dog park. The pool was closed when we were there. Bathrooms and showers were nice, but dated. Tent sites, cabins. Lots of road noise!
tinus B.Scout
Heritage Campground and RV Park
Real cute
Very friendly staff, nice surroundings of Amish settlement, campground itself looks old but, heritage, it’s great.
James R.Ranger
Thousand Trails Natchez Trace
Older campgrounds
It’s a large campground with a lot of full time campers on site. Nice lake at 102 sq acres in size. Did have an issue that most sites are only 50 or 30amp hookups only, so I had to borrow a 30 to 120 adapter. The hiking trails were closed which sucked since I was looking forward to a hike with the dog. They are building a new pool. Good luck getting a lakeside site since I was told only 8 are available and are full most of the time.
Stella S.Scout
Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Review of Big Creek Campground
Big Creek Campground, located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a peaceful tent-only camping experience alongside the beautiful Big Creek. With amenities like flushing toilets and potable water, it combines backcountry charm with essential comforts. The area is a hiker's paradise, featuring over 800 miles of trails, including the challenging Baxter Creek Trail and the scenic Big Creek Trail with its stunning waterfalls. Anglers can enjoy excellent trout fishing, especially in spring, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot black bears and river otters. At an elevation of 1,700 feet, the campground is surrounded by picturesque mountains and pristine streams, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration. Nearby attractions include Cataloochee Valley and the Appalachian Trail, enhancing the outdoor adventure experience. Overall, Big Creek Campground is a fantastic destination for nature lovers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Regards
Stella Smith
Founder of Bombitup
Cindy S.Ranger
Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground
Beautiful campground and beautiful scenic drive
We arrived and we got to pick out our own campsite. Thanks to the friendly and helpful staff. Bathrooms were clean and the showers were warm water beautiful tall trees provided shade. Scenic Drive was stunning.
- wwilliam B.Scout
Toqua Beach Campground
Tennessee trip
Visiting in 2 weeks
Tara C.TravelerElkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Beautiful
We had an amazing time, the campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome. Hoping to come back soon.
- GGregory G.Traveler
Cades Cove Campground
Awesome time
If you're looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to be. Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground. Note... Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just erritates the bears.
- Terri W.Scout
Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
Clean and efficent
There are 2 main campgrounds here for rvs and tents. Is it a nice safe place for families. Pets welcome. 30 and up a night with a good security faculty.
- Beth LeVar L.Guide
Pin Oak Campground — Natchez Trace State Park
Clean Shower House and Personable Hosts
This campground has become our favorite. The campground is amazing, the bathrooms are cleaned everyday on weekends and every other day during the week. Completely cleaned!
The site has 77 sites full hook-up with sewage. Every site has grill, fire pit, table and lantern hook. We were #38 it was easy to back into and pretty level. The campground also have small cabins with bunk beds to rent. There is no indoor water just beds, electric and air for a great price. There is a small swimming area too at Pin Oak.
There are a few lakes in the area. Pin Oak is the only motor lake. Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals. The rentals are only weekends. Browns Creek Lake also has honest system rentals of Jon boat but for fishing purposes only and you have to pay for a lake permit.
The park is great! Lexington is close for quick runs for anything you need. We loved this park so much we may be changing our family BBQ to this park next year.
Pam R.Guide
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Pretty park with Excellent staff
For a State Park, Montgomery Bell is pretty great. We had a decent sized level site with large trees and a view to the creek. We walked a couple of the trails through the woods which were perfect after a long drive. The bathroom/showers were clean and the water was hot. A strong storm came up suddenly and the staff came by to check on every camper to make sure we were all inside and safe. After the storm passed, they came by again checking on every camper. The power went out for two hours, and the staff came by once more to keep us informed. The park is beautiful, but it's the super competent staff earned the excellent rating I gave this park.
- JJoe K.Scout
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Nice location with lots of things to do
Great spot. Full hook ups at many spots. Sites are in cul de sacs. Lake is beautiful and really close. Staff is super nice and helpful. Nice playgrounds and pools. WiFi is not currently working. AT&T and Verizon service is good. Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails.
- JJustin H.Scout
Montgomery Bell State Park Campground
Great
Campground is well marked and super friendly people. Fire pits at every spot.
Megan C.Guide
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Great Campground, Large Paved Pads, Close to Nashville, BUT CONSTRUCTION!
We camped here for 2 full weeks. The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness.
However, we were here when there was construction going on. It was LOUD from 8am to 4, 5, and even 6pm somedays with working trucks and digging up the Tennessee Rock.
The weekends were peaceful without the construction, and the trails are all easy and flat. The showers worked well and were the typical campground showers.
The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent, so don't count on that for anything important. But Verizon had good service, while AT&T was fair.
Only Campground 3 was open during our stay and you can see the work they are doing here is going to make a huge difference to be big rig friendly. Enjoy!
- JJamesHickoxScout
Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fantastic experience!
It looks so good so far. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a very good day!
Rachel S.RangerCades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Lovely park campground
Really enjoyed our one night stay at Cades Cove. Make sure to check the campsite descriptions if you need a level site. Some are a bit close together. Heated bathrooms!
Lucy P.Ranger
Henry Horton State Park Campground
Highly recommend primitive camping
Stayed with our van in the primitive sites here and had a great time! Very affordable and not many other campers (but if the group camp sites are booked I’d go elsewhere, they’re very close). The bathroom is super far away, but there was a portable potty for a few days until they inexplicably took it away. If you have a camping bathroom setup and are comfy going to get water if needed, it’s a great value and gives you want more privacy.
Also the showers here are the best I’ve ever experienced at a campground. They have signs saying you can shower for $5 even if you don’t camp here.
Guide to Tennessee
Horse camping in Tennessee offers a unique opportunity to explore the state's beautiful landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine companions. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you'll find the perfect spot to saddle up and hit the trails.
Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities for horses
- Montgomery Bell State Park Campground features horse camping options along with electric hookups and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground offers well-maintained sites with easy access to trails, making it a great choice for equestrian campers.
- Chickasaw State Park Campground provides a variety of accommodations, including horse camping, with facilities that cater to both riders and their horses.
Tips for equestrian camping in Tennessee
- When visiting Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, be sure to reserve your site well in advance, as this popular destination can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- At Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take advantage of the nearby trails that are suitable for horseback riding, offering stunning views of the Smokies.
- Always check the specific rules regarding horses at Cades Cove Campground, as some areas may have restrictions or require permits for equestrian activities.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- Panther Creek State Park Campground is known for its spacious sites and access to trails, making it a favorite among horse campers looking for adventure.
- The Pin Oak Campground — Natchez Trace State Park offers a serene environment with facilities that cater to horse camping, including nearby lakes for cooling off after a ride.
- Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park provides a family-friendly atmosphere with amenities that support equestrian activities, ensuring a fun experience for all.