Anthony Creek Horse Camp
Open for the 2026 season from March 27 through November 8. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights. You must have at least one horse to camp here.
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 8:19PM EDT until October 11 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Southeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * WHERE...In Tennessee, Blount Smoky Mountains, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Johnson, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, and Unicoi Counties. In Virginia, Russell and Washington VA Counties. * WHEN...Until 4 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Remaining wind gusts are likely to be primarily near or in high terrain, with lower gusts in the lower elevations.
About
Anthony Creek Horse Camp sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation near the western edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accessed through the Cades Cove picnic area. The three campsites accommodate up to 6 people and 4 horses each, with designated gravel parking, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and four-horse hitch racks at each site. Stalls are provided but may not be visible from your campsite. The campground serves as a basecamp for some of the Smokies' best equestrian trails. Anthony Creek Trail intersects the camp and climbs 3,000 feet up Bote Mountain, connecting to the Appalachian Trail via either Bote Mountain Trail or Russell Field Trail. Spring visitors can catch mountain laurel blooms on Spence Field. Backcountry fishing for trout is available in the surrounding streams. All campers must arrive with at least one horse and provide documentation of a negative Coggins test. No potable water is available for humans; horse water is accessible from a nearby stream. Vault toilets and bear-proof dumpsters serve the campground. The Cades Cove camp store, about a short walk away, offers basic supplies. Townsend is nine miles out for groceries and fuel.
Directions
From Maryville, TN: Take U.S. 321 North from Maryville to Townsend (about 22 miles). At the traffic light in Townsend, continue straight on TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove. From Pigeon Forge, TN: Take US 321 South to Townsend, turn left at Townsend onto TN 73, and follow signs to Cades Cove. The horse camp is accessed through the back of the Cades Cove picnic area through an unlocked gate.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Helen_McNutt@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (865) 448-4103 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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