Tennessee / Greene County / Cherokee National Forest

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Closed — The campground is currently closed for the winter season and is expected to reopen in early May 2026, typically operating through late October. The historic picnic pavilion remains closed indefinitely due to damage. Day-use access to trails, picnic areas, and the creek remains available year-round.

About

Horse Creek Recreation Area is a primarily walk-in tent camping destination nestled into a hardwood cove at the base of Cold Spring Mountain in the Cherokee National Forest's Unaka Ranger District. Located eight miles from Greeneville in the Chuckey area, this recreation area provides a peaceful base camp for exploring the surrounding Bald Mountains region. The campground features 14 walk-in sites accessed via a short walk over a pedestrian bridge from the parking area near the bathhouse. The recreation area showcases the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 1455 from Camp Cordell Hull, who constructed rustic picnic pavilions and swimming areas during the 1930s. Two distinct picnic areas are located upstream and downstream of the campground, providing additional day-use opportunities. Horse Creek itself flows through the recreation area, offering swimming holes and supporting native trout populations that attract anglers seeking a quality fishing experience in a forested mountain setting. Hiking opportunities abound from Horse Creek, with multiple trails providing access to the nearby Sampson Mountain Wilderness. The 4-mile round-trip trail to 25-foot Squibb Creek Falls traverses almost entirely within this congressionally designated wilderness, requiring careful navigation through unblazen trails and stream crossings. Pete's Branch Falls, a 45-foot waterfall, can be reached via a short trail with five creek crossings—best visited during wet spring and fall months for optimal viewing. Additional trails including the 0.2-mile Scarlet Oak Trail provide easy forest exploration. The campground has recently undergone rehabilitation and site-wide improvements after more than two decades of deferred maintenance. Visitors can expect modernized facilities while maintaining the area's rustic character. The bathhouse provides hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks for camper use. A single water spigot is located near the host site. Sites accommodate up to 5 people and 2 vehicles, with a maximum of 2 tents and 1 canopy per site. Food storage requirements are strictly enforced throughout Cherokee National Forest to protect both visitors and wildlife, requiring all food and beverages to be stored in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles when not in use.

Directions

From Greeneville, take TN 107 north for six miles. Turn right at Horse Creek Road and follow the signs for approximately two miles to the recreation area. Access to the campground is walk-in only—park in the first loop to your left near the campground bathhouse and take a short walk over the pedestrian bridge to reach the campsites.

Nearby Campgrounds