Big Creek Horse Camp: A Cozy Spot for Horse Camping

Quick Facts

Location: Way out on the northeastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 16 miles east of Newport, Tennessee, right along Big Creek.
Elevation: 1,700 feet, mild weather, but pack for humidity in summer.
Number of Sites: 5 sites available (one’s accessible), each good for up to 6 people and 4 horses.
Season: Usually open from mid-spring to late fall; check Recreation.gov for the exact dates each year since they can vary.
Fee: Swing by Recreation.gov to see the latest rates and snag a reservation.
Reservations: You will need to book ahead through Recreation.gov. You must have horses to stay here. There is a 14-day max stay.
Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water (the only horse camp in the park with these perks), horse stalls with hitching rails, but no showers, hookups, or electricity.
Requirements: All horses require a current negative Coggins test; no tying to trees, use the stalls only.
Accessibility: One handicap-accessible site with features like a taller grill and closer restroom access.
Pet Policy: Pets are fine on a leash but can’t be left alone, and they’re banned from trails. Paws in the Park Pet Policy
Equestrian Tips: This is prime black bear territory, so store food in your vehicle; only bring certified heat-treated firewood or gather dead stuff on-site; quiet hours kick in from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and no generators outside 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

About Big Creek Horse Camp

Big Creek Horse Camp is a real treat if you’re into equestrian camping. It is tucked away in a shady spot by the rolling waters of Big Creek, making it feel like a peaceful hideout in the Great Smoky Mountains. As the only horse camp in the park boasting flush toilets and drinking water, it’s a step up from totally primitive while still keeping that back country charm.

At 1,700 feet, you’ve got mild temps, and the area’s got a cool history with old logging towns now reclaimed by forest. Perfect for riders wanting easy trail access, but remember: no horses, no camping, it’s strictly for equestrians.

Getting to Big Creek Horse Camp

Heading to Big Creek? It’s a bit of a trek but straightforward.

From I-40: Jump off I-40 at Exit 451 (Waterville), then follow Waterville Road east across the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Plant. Keep going about a mile to the four-way at Mt. Sterling Gap, and follow signs to Big Creek. You’ll climb up the rough Big Creek Park Road, watch for potholes, it’s dirt and can be bumpy, but no 4WD needed if you’re careful. After the Ranger Station, take the first left into the horse camp. Coordinates are handy: 35.754361, -83.107167. If hauling a trailer (up to 35 feet), take it slow on those curves, daylight driving helps spot the rough patches. No cell service out here, so download maps ahead.

MAP NOTE: Google Maps does not have Big Creek Horse Camp on their map. The closest I could get is the Big Creek Horse Trailhead.

For privacy reasons Google Maps needs your permission to be loaded.

Parking & Parking Tags

Parking is generous with huge areas at each site, fitting up to four vehicles or trailers, great for horse rigs up to 35 feet long. No need for a parking tag if you’re just at your campsite as a front-country camper. But for extra cars or parking elsewhere in the park over 15 minutes, grab one. Sites 3-5 share a big lot, while 1 and 2 have smaller separate ones. There’s even day-use parking for non-campers joining for rides.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Parking Tags in GSMNP

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Roll in after 1 p.m. for check-in, no on-site registration, so have your reservation confirmation printed or saved offline since cell service is zilch.
Check the bulletin board for your site assignment if needed.
Unload, set up your tent (or RV if it fits the primitive vibe), and head to the stalls for your horses, they’re in two groups of 12 with manure wagons nearby.
Water’s from the spigot, toilets are flush (nice bonus), but no showers, ask the host for directions to nearby private ones.
Rangers might come by to check Coggins papers.
Store food right away for bears, and settle in to the creek sounds, it’s shady and relaxing, but gear up for basics only.

Campground Description

Big Creek Horse Camp keeps things simple and equestrian-focused with five sites spread out in a wooded area by Big Creek. Each has a tent pad, picnic table, and grill/fire ring, plus those big parking spots for trailers. Horses stay in separate outdoor stalls, not right at your site, so sites 3-5 are closer if that’s a priority.

Amenities are basic but better than most horse camps here:

Flush toilets and drinking water on-site.
No hookups or showers, embrace the rustic life.
Manure wagons for easy cleanup.
Firewood: Gather dead wood or bring certified stuff. It’s next to the regular Big Creek Campground and picnic area, with an emergency phone a mile away at the Ranger Station.
For horse folks, bring weed-free hay to avoid spreading invasives, and pack buckets for watering from the creek if needed.

Big Creek Horse Camp

Things to Do

Equestrians, this is your playground, most trails around here are horse-friendly, except the Appalachian Trail. Start right from camp on the Big Creek Trail for a 5-mile jaunt along an old railroad grade to Walnut Bottom, passing Mouse Creek Falls (a 35-foot beauty you can reach on horseback). Or hike/ride the 2.1-mile Chestnut Branch Trail to hook up with the AT for views. The terrain’s rolling and scenic, ideal for day rides.

Beyond riding:

Swim or fish in Big Creek (need a TN or NC license). Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains Park: A Semi-Comprehensive Guide
Hike nearby paths for waterfalls and wildlife spotting.
Invite friends for day-use horse rides, there’s parking for that.
Check conditions first, pack out waste, and shoe horses for any rocky bits.
Ranger programs might pop up on park history too.

Nearby Points of Interest

Big Creek area’s an oasis for outdoorsy stuff, the picnic area and regular campground are right next door for extra spots to chill or swim. Hit the Big Creek Trail for waterfalls like Mouse Creek or Midnight Hole. The Appalachian Trail’s a short hike away via Chestnut Branch.

For supplies, there’s a general store at the Mt. Sterling and Big Creek Entrance roads junction.

Venture further to spots like Cataloochee Valley for elk watching or deeper into the park for more trails.

The Ranger Station’s close for info or emergencies. It’s all about that dense forest vibe, with chances to spot deer, bears, or turkeys while preserving the old logging history.

Quick Facts

Location: Way out on the northeastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 16 miles east of Newport, Tennessee, right along Big Creek.
Elevation: 1,700 feet, mild weather, but pack for humidity in summer.
Number of Sites: 5 sites available (one’s accessible), each good for up to 6 people and 4 horses.
Season: Usually open from mid-spring to late fall; check Recreation.gov for the exact dates each year since they can vary.
Fee: Swing by Recreation.gov to see the latest rates and snag a reservation.
Reservations: You will need to book ahead through Recreation.gov. You must have horses to stay here. There is a 14-day max stay.
Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water (the only horse camp in the park with these perks), horse stalls with hitching rails, but no showers, hookups, or electricity.
Requirements: All horses require a current negative Coggins test; no tying to trees, use the stalls only.
Accessibility: One handicap-accessible site with features like a taller grill and closer restroom access.
Pet Policy: Pets are fine on a leash but can’t be left alone, and they’re banned from trails. Paws in the Park Pet Policy
Equestrian Tips: This is prime bear territory, so store food in your vehicle; only bring certified heat-treated firewood or gather dead stuff on-site; quiet hours kick in from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and no generators outside 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

About Big Creek Horse Camp

Big Creek Horse Camp is a real treat if you’re into equestrian camping.

It is tucked away in a shady spot by the rolling waters of Big Creek, making it feel like a peaceful hideout in the Great Smoky Mountains.

As the only horse camp in the park boasting flush toilets and drinking water, it’s a step up from totally primitive while still keeping that back country charm.

At 1,700 feet, you’ve got mild temps, and the area’s got a cool history with old logging towns now reclaimed by forest.

Perfect for riders wanting easy trail access, but remember: no horses, no camping, it’s strictly for equestrians.

Getting to Big Creek Horse Camp

Heading to Big Creek? It’s a bit of a trek but straightforward.

From I-40: Jump off I-40 at Exit 451 (Waterville), then follow Waterville Road east across the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Plant. Keep going about a mile to the four-way at Mt. Sterling Gap, and follow signs to Big Creek. You’ll climb up the rough Big Creek Park Road, watch for potholes, it’s dirt and can be bumpy, but no 4WD needed if you’re careful. After the Ranger Station, take the first left into the horse camp. Coordinates are handy: 35.754361, -83.107167. If hauling a trailer (up to 35 feet), take it slow on those curves, daylight driving helps spot the rough patches. No cell service out here, so download maps ahead.

MAP NOTE: Google Maps does not have Big Creek Horse Camp on their map. The closest I could get is the Big Creek Horse Trailhead.

For privacy reasons Google Maps needs your permission to be loaded.

Parking & Parking Tags

Parking is generous with huge areas at each site, fitting up to four vehicles or trailers, great for horse rigs up to 35 feet long.

No need for a parking tag if you’re just at your campsite as a front-country camper.

But for extra cars or parking elsewhere in the park over 15 minutes, grab one.

Sites 3-5 share a big lot, while 1 and 2 have smaller separate ones.

There’s even day-use parking for non-campers joining for rides.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Parking Tags in GSMNP

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Roll in after 1 p.m. for check-in, no on-site registration, so have your reservation confirmation printed or saved offline since cell service is zilch.
Check the bulletin board for your site assignment if needed.
Unload, set up your tent (or RV if it fits the primitive vibe), and head to the stalls for your horses, they’re in two groups of 12 with manure wagons nearby.
Water’s from the spigot, toilets are flush (nice bonus), but no showers, ask the host for directions to nearby private ones.
Rangers might come by to check Coggins papers.
Store food right away for bears, and settle in to the creek sounds, it’s shady and relaxing, but gear up for basics only.

Campground Description

Big Creek Horse Camp keeps things simple and equestrian-focused with five sites spread out in a wooded area by Big Creek.

Each has a tent pad, picnic table, and grill/fire ring, plus those big parking spots for trailers.

Horses stay in separate outdoor stalls, not right at your site, so sites 3-5 are closer if that’s a priority.

Amenities are basic but better than most horse camps here:

Flush toilets and drinking water on-site.
No hookups or showers, embrace the rustic life.
Manure wagons for easy cleanup.
Firewood: Gather dead wood or bring certified stuff. It’s next to the regular Big Creek Campground and picnic area, with an emergency phone a mile away at the Ranger Station.
For horse folks, bring weed-free hay to avoid spreading invasives, and pack buckets for watering from the creek if needed.

Big Creek Horse Camp

Things to Do

Equestrians, this is your playground, most trails around here are horse-friendly, except the Appalachian Trail.

Start right from camp on the Big Creek Trail for a 5-mile jaunt along an old railroad grade to Walnut Bottom, passing Mouse Creek Falls (a 35-foot beauty you can reach on horseback).

Or hike/ride the 2.1-mile Chestnut Branch Trail to hook up with the AT for views. The terrain’s rolling and scenic, ideal for day rides.

Beyond riding:

Swim or fish in Big Creek (need a TN or NC license). Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains Park: A Semi-Comprehensive Guide
Hike nearby paths for waterfalls and wildlife spotting.
Invite friends for day-use horse rides, there’s parking for that.
Check conditions first, pack out waste, and shoe horses for any rocky bits.
Ranger programs might pop up on park history too.

Nearby Points of Interest

Big Creek area’s an oasis for outdoorsy stuff, the picnic area and regular campground are right next door for extra spots to chill or swim.

Hit the Big Creek Trail for waterfalls like Mouse Creek or Midnight Hole.

The Appalachian Trail’s a short hike away via Chestnut Branch.

For supplies, there’s a general store at the Mt. Sterling and Big Creek Entrance roads junction.

Venture further to spots like Cataloochee Valley for elk watching or deeper into the park for more trails.

The Ranger Station’s close for info or emergencies.

It’s all about that dense forest vibe, with chances to spot deer, bears, or turkeys while preserving the old logging history.

Disclaimer

My Smoky Mountain Guide aims to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, using reputable sources. However, details about events, attractions, trails, or businesses may change without notice due to factors like weather or park policies. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of our content. Visitors should verify details with official sources, such as the National Park Service or local businesses, before planning. My Smoky Mountain Guide is not liable for inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences from using this information. You are responsible for your own decisions based on our content. For feedback or corrections, please contact us.