Best Equestrian Camping in Tennessee

Campers venturing across Tennessee have access to hiking, boating, fishing, biking, rock climbing and picnicking across 56 state parks, enough variety to satisfy any adventurer’s soul. With terrifically high Appalachian peaks and plunging caverns, Tennessee travelers can get a sense of the sublime landscape that inspired music legends from Nashville to Memphis by camping in Tennessee.

East Tennessee is home to a part of the oldest mountain range in the world, the Great Smoky Mountains. As the name suggests, the peaks are often shrouded in fog, but that doesn’t make the view from Clingmans Dome any less spectacular. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome towers as the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest point east of the Mississippi River. Make sure to say hi to the hardcore hikers, many people hiking the entire Appalachian Trail will stop at this unforgettable lookout.

A clear day at the dome observatory provides views as far as 100 miles. But explorers camping in Tennessee should plan on hiking their way up to the point, the roadway that leads to the observatory closes during inclement weather and from Dec. 1 to March 31 every year.

If you’re camping with the kids and they’re looking for more occupation than your campsite offers, many of the natural attractions in Tennessee are also family friendly. Lookout Mountain is only minutes from Chattanooga and offers several world-famous sites like Rock City and the See Seven States point.

All the mountain peak trails may leave the heights-averse camper less than enthused. But Tennessee has something for everyone. Also at Lookout Mountain, but plummeting beneath ground level, is where you’ll find Ruby Falls, the largest and deepest underground waterfall in the nation.

Scenic views and dramatic natural landscapes are part and parcel for any Tennessee camping adventure, as long as you know where to look. Camping in Tennessee can be done right with The Dyrt to guide you along your trails!

Best Equestrian Sites in Tennessee (50)

    1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    145 Reviews
    Spencer, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 881-5298

    $8 - $32 / night

    "Hiking trails, great water falls, horse back riding, fishing, golf and wildlife. There are cabins available as well. Shower houses are clean and well situated."

    "Fall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base."

    2. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    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!"

    3. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Burns, TN
    Website
    +1 (615) 797-9052

    "Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"

    "It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."

    4. Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Lebanon, TN
    Website
    +1 (615) 443-2769

    $25 - $30 / night

    "I had seen great reviews for this place, like many in Tennessee, but the amenities never seemed to stop when I actually arrived.  "

    "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."

    5. Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    42 Reviews
    Rugby, TN
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop."

    "D19 is in a dead end loop so little to no vehicles drive through . The bathhouse is a bit of a walk, the buildings are newer and well maintained."

    6. Chickasaw State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Silerton, TN
    Website
    +1 (731) 989-5141

    $27 - $35 / night

    "My wife grew up going to Chickasaw State Park as a child and when she wanted to go back with our family we couldn’t get inside because the state of Tennessee was totally redoing the campground."

    "They also have tent camping, cabins, and camping with your horse. Small lake within walking distance to the RV campground. Camp store, gym, small amphitheater."

    7. Henry Horton State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Chapel Hill, TN
    Website
    +1 (931) 364-2222

    $10 - $150 / night

    "Chapel Hill, just to the north, offers all you might need with a hardware store, Dollar General, walk in clinic and restaurants."

    "(Yes, I received several dirty looks for driving on the road toward the tent area.) I parked in the restroom area as the road was completely blocked with children, inner tubes and adults."

    8. Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    28 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    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."

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

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    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."

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

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    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. "

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Equestrian Camping Reviews in Tennessee

750 Reviews of 50 Tennessee Campgrounds


  • Susan E.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    What luck!

    I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2019

    East Fork Stables

    Horses galore

    East Fork Stables is a HUGE equestrian campground that , guess what....you don’t have to have a horse to stay at! They have a whole loop complete with a pavilion cookhouse and annoying triangle bell that’s perfect for campers, tents and hammocks.

    The showerhouse is nice and clean. The sites plenty big and mostly shaded. 

    Of course you can use any of the loops but the rest will have some really big animals hanging out. 

    There are miles and miles of trails. Waterfalls , overlooks and scenery. A nice gift shop/camp office and cabins.

    I stayed here for the Cumberland Plateau Stage Race. The race director actually reserved the whole campground for his event.

  • Jeremy H.
    Jul. 20, 2019

    Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel

    Great Place To See The Stars

    Most campgrounds in Tennessee are buried in the woods, but not this yurt campsite at Ray of Hope.  The yurt sets on the side of a beautiful Tennessee Hill offering almost a complete view of the nighttime sky.  We watched the moon rise over a hill directly in front of the campsite, and we even saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky for what seems like an eternity.  The Ray of Hope campground is a private campground that went above and beyond our expectations.  The yurt was clean, included battery powered lights and a LED lantern, and a full sized bed that made the night pass with ease.  The campsite also offers free firewood and a large fire ring.  There are two deck chairs at the campsite which are perfect for stargazing.  The entrance of the yurt faces sunrise and the farm animals serenade you in the morning when the mist begins to burn off the valley.  There is a well stocked outside shower surrounded by sweet smelling herbs.  Water and a toilet are near the shower stall.   The campsite is near the small town of Petersburg, TN where you can find two gas stations and a Dollar Store.  If it's hot outside, you might want to bring a battery operated fan.  This place is a perfect glamping experience for an extended date or weekend in beautiful Tennessee.

  • 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!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2016

    Bear Creek Horse Camp — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Very horse oriented :)

    Stayed here in April, very quiet! Off to itself. Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained. Make sure you have the horse power for the hills going out. I had to back down the gravel hill and get a second run to make it up!

  • Ryan S.
    May. 14, 2020

    Chickasaw State Park Campground

    Totally renovated gem in West TN

    My wife grew up going to Chickasaw State Park as a child and when she wanted to go back with our family we couldn’t get inside because the state of Tennessee was totally redoing the campground. They closed it for one year. When it was reopened, we booked a trip with some friends to see what all had been done. This park was already an outstanding campground, but the addition of sewer in many of the sites and updated hiking trails, ADA access, and the newly updated bridge across the lake were breathtaking.

    We stayed in the primary campground area and had access to sewer 30/50 amp and water. There is a horse camp with newly added 30A electric and newly paved pads. There are tent camp sites on the other side of the lake that are beautiful if that’s your thing. There are several hiking trails and a nature center with owls and a falcon. In warmer months, there is a marina with boat, canoe, kayak rentals and a swimming area that were all being updated. There is also a restaurant in the park, but i was closed for a complete renovation as well. The playground is new for parents interested. The dump station is easily accessible.

    If you are looking for a beautiful spot in West TN with full hookups and plenty of activities for the family, Chickasaw State Park is outstanding. We will definitely be back!

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground

    One of the nicest campgrounds we camped.

    Offers everything you can possibly want. Hiking trails, great water falls, horse back riding, fishing, golf and wildlife. There are cabins available as well. Shower houses are clean and well situated.

  • C
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Chickasaw State Park Campground

    Very Nice Campground

    A nice campground with blacktop sites. Campground is hilly but most sites are fairly flat. Very nice hot showers. They also have tent camping, cabins, and camping with your horse. Small lake within walking distance to the RV campground. Camp store, gym, small amphitheater. Wifi was a free signup for 3 days but was too slow to be useful.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2022

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Going up

    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. I ended up sharing a site with a friend who lives even closer, lol This is a small State Park but it offers a lot to do recreation wise. The weekend we stayed there was a youth mountain bike event and cross country running going on. There’s also horseback trails. My only complaint about the trails is they are not marked well. A Boy Scout troop needs to do some merit badge work and improve them . The campground is small, a little tight in the sides and limited on full service sites. It’s a gradual uphill drive through the camp , you curve to the left and then back down the hill. The sites in the upper curve are bigger then the ones on the hill. There are several that offer tent pads and small vehicle pads. Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards. The two showerhouses are next to pavilions. All well maintained. The upper pavilion has a very cool fire pit area. And can accommodate a small gathering. There is a trailhead in the campground and several other trailheads in easy walking, pedaling distance , plus an awesome overlook and more strenuous hike up the road. The boat ramp is in an adjacent area and the lake is beautiful.


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

Tips for equestrian camping in Tennessee

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses