The main bridge into the campground, located next to the fee area.

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Open

Open for camping. Some sites are first-come-first-served; others are reservable via Recreation.gov. The pavilion remains closed indefinitely due to damages. Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM. Maximum 5 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents per site.

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…

Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway

Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.

motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes

Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.

Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221

The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County.  This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…

Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions

Fire Restrictions Continue Along the Appalachian Trail

Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned

The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.

Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock

Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)

Wilderness Closure Orders

This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.

Donley Cabin Camping Limitations

Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…

Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek

Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.

About

Horse Creek Recreation Area sits in a scenic hardwood cove along Horse Creek in the Chuckey area of the Cherokee National Forest. This walk-in tent campground features 14 primitive sites accessible via a pedestrian bridge from the parking area. A bathhouse provides hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks, while a public water spigot is available near the host site. Fire rings are provided at designated sites. The recreation area offers multiple day-use activities including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Several native trout streams flow through and near the area, requiring a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency permit. Nearby trails include the 4-mile round-trip Squibb Creek Falls trail in the Sampson Mountain Wilderness and the Pete's Branch Falls trail leading to a 45-foot waterfall. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed a rustic picnic pavilion and swimming area here. The area is planned for rehabilitation and site-wide improvements. Bear-proof food storage is required, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited throughout the recreation area.

Directions

From Greeneville, take TN 107 north for 6 miles. Turn right at Horse Creek Road and follow the signs for about 2 miles to the recreation area.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $10

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (423) 638-4109

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

The main bridge into the campground, located next to the fee area.
Horse Creek after heavy rain
Bathhouse for campers with hot showers, flushable toilets, and sinks.
One of the bridges on the trail that goes around the campground.
One of the bridges on the trail that goes around the campground.

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