Horse Creek Pavilion Day Use
This is a day-use area only with no overnight camping permitted. The pavilion is currently closed indefinitely due to damages. Water is not available at the site after November 3.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Spring Creek Road (NFSR 27) access interruption
An access interruption is now scheduled to begin on Spring Creek Rd (NFSR 27) with Phase 1 construction work beginning September 22, 2026. This will be a two-phase closure. During Phase 1, the Spring Creek Shooting Range will be accessible from Route 315 Tellico-Reliance Rd. During Phase 2, start…
Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) access interruption
An access interrupted is now scheduled on the Little Gassaway Road (NFSR 45) during road construction and culvert replacement beginning Sept 28. Access to Thunder Rock Campground remains open. A temporary gate will be installed just after Thunder Rock Campground.
About
Horse Creek Pavilion is a historic day-use recreation area in Cherokee National Forest, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The pavilion is nestled in a hardwood cove beside its namesake Horse Creek, at the base of the Bald Mountains at an elevation of 1,720 feet. The site features a covered picnic pavilion with three tables, a large grill, water source, additional picnic tables nearby, trash containers, and a pit toilet. Paved parking and accessible walkways are available. Popular activities include hiking, water play, and fishing. The nearby Scarlet Oak Trail (#181) provides a 0.2-mile walk through the surrounding forest, while more primitive hiking experiences are available in the adjacent Sampson Mountain Wilderness. This is strictly a day-use facility with no overnight camping permitted. A separate campground with overnight camping is available at the nearby Horse Creek Recreation Area.
Directions
From Greeneville, take TN 107 north for six miles. Turn right at Horse Creek Road and follow the signs for about two miles to the recreation area.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 638-4109 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Horse Creek Recreation Area |
Availability
Photos
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