Horse Creek Recreation Area
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…
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 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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Horse Creek Recreation Area |
Availability
Photos
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