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.
Flood Watch issued July 21 at 1:45PM EDT until July 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of east Tennessee, including the following areas, Anderson, Blount Smoky Mountains, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, North Sevier, Northwest Blount, Northwest Carter, Northwest Cocke, Northwest Greene, Roane, Scott TN, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union and Washington TN and southwest Virginia, including the following areas, Lee, Russell, Scott VA, Washington VA and Wise. * WHEN...From midnight EDT tonight through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight into Wednesday. Locations that receive multiple rounds or extended periods of locally heavy rainfall could experience flash flooding. Locations that have recently seen flooding need less rainfall to have additional flooding, and should take additional rounds of heavy rain and storms seriously. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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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