Horse Creek Recreation Area

Star4.45
161 reviews
2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Quick Facts

1,811 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Unaka Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Horse Creek Recreation Area
$0.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $10 per night for standard nonelectric tent sites. Discounts apply for America the Beautiful cardholders, reducing the fee to...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(423) 638-4109
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 161 reviews

130 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingsites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews of Horse Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with some users praising its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and helpful camp hosts. However, others reported issues with noise disturbances and cleanliness in the bathhouse."

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Campground Map

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Horse Creek Recreation Area

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Driving directionsHorse Creek Recreation Area is located eight miles from Greeneville, off TN 107 north. The campground can be accessed by following Horse Creek Park Road, which is twisty and narrow. The road is single-lane and may not be suitable for larger RVs or trailers.
The campground is accessible via a twisty single-lane road, which discourages large camper-trailers. Smaller trailers and Class B motorhomes can navigate the road without much trouble. Seasonal road conditions and creek crossings may pose challenges.
Nearby places
Greeneville (8 miles, 15-20 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies like groceries, camping equipment, and fuel can be obtained in Greeneville, which is around 8 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Horse Creek Recreation Area

Spring awakens the campground with wildflower blooms and rushing waterfalls fed by mountain snowmelt, while summer brings warm days perfect for creek exploration and cool evenings around the campfire. Fall transforms the hardwood canopy into a spectacular display of crimson and gold, creating ideal conditions for hiking and photography. Winter months bring crisp, dry air and peaceful solitude, though dedicated cold-weather campers will find the stark beauty of bare trees and frost-kissed mornings equally rewarding.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm days good for creek exploration, but summer can bring increased noise from local visitors.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Popular in fall for waterfalls and creek flow; scenic autumn foliage implied by hardwoods.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring features wildflower blooms and rushing waterfalls; reviews say spring is popular.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed to reservations outside May 7–Oct 24 season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 7, 2025 - October 24, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 7, 2025, and reservations can be made starting June 25, 2025. The campground closes to reservations on October 24, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts or closures are reported.

About Horse Creek Recreation Area

Tucked away in a pristine hardwood forest, Horse Creek Recreation Area offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with 14 tent-only campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The gentle murmur of Horse Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while modern comforts await in the well-maintained bathhouse featuring hot showers and flush toilets. This hidden gem attracts those seeking a peaceful retreat where the forest canopy filters golden sunlight and the air carries the fresh scent of mountain streams.
Horse Creek Recreation Area is a primarily primitive campground with options for walk-in tent camping. The campground does not offer RV hookups, lodges, or glamping options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 13 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Horse Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and relaxing by the creek. Several hiking trails start within the campground or nearby, and the area is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is adjacent to a brisk mountain stream and is surrounded by dense woods, providing a scenic environment for campers.
HikingNumerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including trails to Pete's Branch Falls and Squibb Creek Falls. Pete's Branch Falls is a short, easy trail with creek crossings that leads to a 45-foot waterfall. Squibb Creek Falls is a more challenging 4-mile round-trip trail to a 25-foot waterfall.
FishingSeveral native trout streams are located within and nearby Horse Creek Recreation Area. Permits from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are required.
SwimmingThe creek running through the campground provides informal swimming opportunities. No designated swimming areas were mentioned.
BikingCampers often bring bikes to explore the area and move within the campground. One user mentioned, 'We bring our bikes and use them to ride around.'
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located adjacent to a black bear preserve, and there are occasional bear sightings. The dense forest also supports diverse wildlife.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include occasional black bear sightings. Creek crossings can be challenging in certain seasons, and the narrow access road may pose risks for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsNo current alerts or closures are reported.

Weather at Horse Creek Recreation Area

Reviews

4.5
161 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Horse Creek Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Horse Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with some users praising its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and helpful camp hosts. However, others reported issues with noise disturbances and cleanliness in the bathhouse.
Review Summaries
Based on 161 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the creekside campsites, scenic hiking trails, and the camp hosts' helpfulness. The fire pits with 'swinging platforms and upper bars with hooks for Dutch ovens' were especially...
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Based on 161 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included noise disturbances from local vehicles, cleanliness issues in the bathhouse, and occasional rowdy campers. One user said, 'Loud vehicles cruise up the dead-end road... and blast...
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Based on 161 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to bring their own firewood, as the camp hosts sometimes provide it but not always. They should also prepare for noise disturbances and bring their own lanterns since there...
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Based on 161 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in spring and fall when the waterfalls and creek flow most abundantly. Summer months may see increased noise due to local visitors.
Based on 161 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The best fire pits in the state. Great place to get away for a day trip or a weekend.' 2. 'Loud vehicles cruise up the dead-end road... and blast their music.' 3. 'The bridges over the river are...
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Based on 161 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the creek are highly recommended for their scenic views and the soothing sound of water. Nearly all sites are described as compact and creek-adjacent.
Based on 161 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 161 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user appreciated the pet-friendly policy while traveling with six dogs. Leashes are required, and owners are expected to clean up after their pets.
Based on 161 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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