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.
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…
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
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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