Young Branch Horse Camp
The campground was temporarily closed for contractor improvements to Citico Creek through late 2025. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect for Cherokee National Forest. All food must be stored in bear-proof containers.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 2:01PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
About
Young Branch Horse Camp is a primitive equestrian campground situated along Citico Creek in the Cherokee National Forest of eastern Tennessee. The facility is specifically designed for horse camping and serves as the primary hub for accessing the Little Citico Horse Trail system, which offers more than 15 miles of backcountry riding through the rugged Citico Creek Wilderness. The campground provides seven campsites that can accommodate up to five people each, along with dedicated horse facilities including 25 rustic horse stalls and a communal corral that can hold up to 10 horses (provided they are compatible). Each campsite includes a picnic table, grill, and lantern post. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water on-site, so campers must bring their own. Horses have easy access to water from Citico Creek. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility with no trash service. All food must be stored in bear-proof containers, locked vehicles, or hard-sided campers due to black bear activity in the area. Sites feature pull-through driveways with gravel surfaces that accommodate vehicles and trailers up to 35 feet in length.
Directions
From Highway 411 in Vonore, TN: Follow Highway 360 south 7.2 miles to County Road 455. Continue on County Road 455 for 9 miles to Forest Road 35 (single lane gravel road). Take Forest Road 35 for 3.5 miles; the campground will be on your right. From Tellico Plains, TN: Travel east on Highway 165 for 1 mile. Turn left onto Highway 360 for 14 miles. Turn right onto County Road 455 and continue 8.9 miles to Forest Road 35. Continue for 3.5 miles; the campground will be on your right.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 476-9700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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