North Carolina / Haywood County

Big Creek Horse Camp

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from early April through the end of October. Reservations required and available through Recreation.gov.

About

Big Creek Horse Camp is the only horse campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park equipped with potable water and flush toilets, making it a unique destination for equestrian campers. Located approximately 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee, on the far northeastern side of the park, the campground sits at 1,700 feet elevation along the gently rolling waters of Big Creek. The facility features five primitive campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs or horse trailers up to 35 feet. Since horses are not permitted in the camping area itself, horse stalls and hitching rails are provided nearby. Each campsite can accommodate a maximum of 6 people and 4 horses, and all horses must be accompanied by a negative Coggins test. The campground provides the basics: flush toilets, drinking water from spigots, fire rings, and plenty of shade, but no hookups or showers. The rolling terrain surrounding Big Creek offers some of the finest horseback riding in the park, with numerous trails accessible directly from camp. Riders can reach the Appalachian Trail via the 2.1-mile Chestnut Branch Trail, and the scenic Mouse Creek Falls, a 35-foot waterfall, is accessible by horseback or on foot via the onsite Big Creek trailhead. The area is covered in wildflowers during spring months. A day use horse area allows visitors to invite friends and family for riding even if they're not camping. Anglers can fish for Rainbow and Brook trout in the pristine mountain streams, particularly productive during spring months.

Directions

From I-40 take Exit 451 (Waterville), 16 miles east of Newport, Tennessee. Follow Waterville Road, crossing over the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Generating Station and continue one mile to the 4-way intersection at Mt Sterling Gap. Follow signs to Big Creek. Drive up Big Creek Park Road. Shortly after passing the Ranger Station, take the first left turn into the horse camp.

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