
BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP
5
Total Campsites
Campground
5
Reservable Sites
Check by phone
1
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP
Overview The only horse camp in the Great Smoky Mountains with potable water and flushing toilets! Pack up your horses for a getaway at Big Creek Horse Camp, located on far northeastern side of Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee. This campsite sits along the gently rolling waters of Big Creek and offers miles of horse trails with breathtaking scenic backdrops. You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Big Creek Horse Camp! Recreation The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are accessible from Big Creek and for riders looking for a little hiking, the Appalachian Trail can be easily reached via the 2.1 mile Chestnut Branch Trail, located within walking distance from the camp. Day Use horse area- so invite your horse riding friends and family for a fun day even if they don't want to camp with you. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams that snake through the mountains, with Rainbow and Brook trout available in abundance, particularly during spring months. Facilities The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are accessible from Big Creek and for riders looking for a little hiking, the Appalachian Trail can be easily reached via the 2.1 mile Chestnut Branch Trail, located within walking distance from the camp. Day Use horse area- so invite your horse riding friends and family for a fun day even if they don't want to camp with you. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams that snake through the mountains, with Rainbow and Brook trout available in abundance, particularly during spring months. Natural Features At a 1,700 foot elevation, Big Creek provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The camp is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams. Nearby Mouse Creek Falls, a 35 foot waterfall forming at the confluence of Mouse Creek and Big Creek, is reachable by horseback or on foot via the Big Creek trailhead located on-site. The beautiful falls splits over moss covered rocks and falls about 20 ft. before pooling and falling another 15 ft. into Big Creek. The falls can be reached via the Big Creek Trail, which is covered in wildflowers during spring months. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (865) 487-2683. Nearby Attractions The Big Creek Group Campground is located nearby, with plenty of space for larger groups. Full service grocery stores and medical facilities are located 16 miles away in Newport, Tennessee.
- 5 total campsites listed.
- 1 accessible campsite listed.
- Most common site type: equestrian nonelectric (5).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Campsite Inventory
5 sites to choose from
EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC
5
Reservable
1
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
BBQ
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
38, 44, 54, 60
Driveway surface
Gravel
Fire Pit
Yes
GRILLS
Yes
Horse Stall/Corral
Yes
Location Rating
Good
Max Num of Horses
4
Max guests
6
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
865-436-1261
Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov
Getting There
The campground is located off I-40 Exit 451 (Waterville). It sixteen miles east of Newport, TN. Follow Waterville road, crossing over the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Generating Station and continue one mile to the 4-way intersection at Mt Sterling Gap. Follow the signs to Big Creek. Drive up Big Creek Park Road. Shortly after passing the Ranger Station, take the first left turn into the horse camp. Coordinates: 35°45'15.7"N 83°06'25.8"W 35.754361, -83.107167 Mailing Address: (Do not use GPS directions by name) 236 Big Creek Park Road Newport, Tennessee, 37821
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP.
How do reservations work for BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP?
Reservation availability for BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP?
BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP currently lists EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC (5).
Where is BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP located?
See this page for location details and directions.
Keep Exploring