Big Creek Horse Camp Overview

Big Creek Horse Camp has 5 spacious campsites for equestrian campers and is located beside beautiful (Big) Creek in a remote and secluded area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s is also the only horse camp in the Great Smoky Mountains with drinking water and flush toilets.

Campsites are for horse campers only (you must have a horse) and can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs (up to 35 feet). Each site has a gravel parking spur (up to 54 feet), table, tent pad (16×16), fire ring, grill, hitching rails and horse stall/corral.  The campground is generally open mid April to late October. Amenities include drinking water (spigot), flush toilets and trash collection. Cell service is not available in the area.

All horses must have a current Coggins test. Campers are responsible for cleaning their stalls before departure and placing waste in a manure trailer. Pets are allowed (on leash) in the horse camp but not on trails.

Big Creek Campground also has 12 tent-only campsites and Big Creek Group Camp has 1 group site (up to 25 people). Other nearby campgrounds include Cosby, Cosby Group Camp and Harmon Den (in North Carolina).

Big Creek Horse Camp – Area Recreation and Activities

The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are accessible from Big Creek and for riders looking for a little hiking. The Appalachian Trail can also reached via the 2.1 mile Chestnut Branch Trail, located within walking distance from the camp. Nearby Mouse Creek Falls, a 35 foot waterfall forming at the confluence of Mouse Creek and Big Creek, is also reachable by horseback or on foot via the Big Creek trailhead located on-site.

Campers can also enjoy fishing (with fly fishing best in spring), swimming, hiking and picnicking. Wildlife viewing is also good with opportunities to see Black Bear and other forest creatures.

Make a Reservation for Big Creek Horse Camp

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Drinking Water
• Equestrian Facilities
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Trash Collection

Activities

• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing