Tennessee / Blount County / Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late March or April through November, weather dependent. Reservations required and available up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.

About

Anthony Creek Horse Camp sits along the gently rolling waters of Anthony Creek near Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This primitive equestrian campground features three campsites, each accommodating up to 6 people and 4 horses. Stalls are provided at each site, and horses may water from the nearby stream. The campground serves as a trailhead for several popular horse trails, including the Anthony Creek Trail, which intersects the camp and climbs Bote Mountain with a 3,000-foot elevation gain. Riders can access the Appalachian Trail via the Bote Mountain Trail or Russell Field Trail. Spring visitors can enjoy Mountain Laurel blooms on Spence Field. The campground offers primitive camping with no hookups or showers. Campers must bring their own drinking water, though a spigot is located about half a mile away at Cades Cove. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The nearby Cades Cove area features an 11-mile loop road with historic churches, log buildings, and a camp store. Townsend, nine miles away, offers full services. All horses must be accompanied by a negative Coggins test, and reservations are required through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance.

Directions

From Townsend, TN, take TN 73 south following signs to Cades Cove. The horse camp is accessed through the back of the Cades Cove Picnic Area through an unlocked gate. From Maryville, take US 321 north to Townsend (22 miles), then continue straight on TN 73. From Pigeon Forge, take US 321 south to Townsend, turn left on TN 73.

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