How much does camping cost at Horse Creek Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Horse Creek Recreation Area range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Horse Creek Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Horse Creek Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Horse Creek Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Horse Creek Recreation Area has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Horse Creek Recreation Area?

Horse Creek Recreation Area is open May 05 to October 24. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Horse Creek Recreation Area?

Yes, Horse Creek Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Horse Creek Recreation Area have?

Horse Creek Recreation Area has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Horse Creek Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Horse Creek Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Horse Creek Recreation Area?

Horse Creek Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Horse Creek Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Horse Creek Recreation Area: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.41

161 reviews

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee Hiking Camping Tennessee Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,811 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Unaka Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,811 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Unaka Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Horse Creek Recreation Area

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $10.00; Site 1: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/AN/A

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Horse Creek Recreation Area

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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

Nearby places

Greeneville (8 miles, 15-20 minutes by car)

Weather at Horse Creek Recreation Area

Current alerts(11)

All animals must be crated or on a leash not longer than 6 feet.
All sites are primitive, walk-in camping only. Water and electricity are NOT available at the sites. Walking is required to access the sites.
All users' equipment must be contained within the site. Sites must be kept neat and orderly.
Be Bear Wise: Food storage compliance is strictly enforced. Store all food and trash in hard-sided containers and vehicles while not in use. Never have attractants in your tent. Violations of the food storage order are ticketable offenses and subject to fines.

Best Time to Camp at Horse Creek Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and comfortable weather — expect crisp, clear days with daytime highs around 50–65°F and nighttime lows near 30–45°F at 1,800 ft. Hardwood canopy color peaks in early to mid-October, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography exceptional, while cooler water temperatures bring brook trout closer to stream edges for better fishing. Humidity and bugs are way down, and crowds are moderate (weekends busy; weekdays quiet), giving a peaceful back-to-nature 경험 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is best: peak foliage, pleasant temps, trails and waterfalls at their best per season notes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 05 to October 24. 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.

About Horse Creek Recreation Area

Horse Creek Recreation Area sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills near Greeneville, Tennessee, operated by the Unaka Ranger District. This small, budget-friendly campground offers creekside tent and primitive sites with fire rings designed for Dutch oven cooking. Campers hike nearby trails, fish for brook trout in fall, and enjoy hardwood canopy color in October.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and comfortable weather — expect crisp, clear days with daytime highs around 50–65°F and nighttime lows near 30–45°F at 1,800 ft. Hardwood canopy color peaks in early to mid-October, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography exceptional, while cooler water temperatures bring brook trout closer to stream edges for better fishing. Humidity and bugs are way down, and crowds are moderate (weekends busy; weekdays quiet), giving a peaceful back-to-nature 경험 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1811 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient hardwoods form a dense canopy over the campground, where Horse Creek runs cold enough to support native brook trout. The surrounding Sampson Mountain Wilderness features exposed rock faces and deep coves carved over millions of years. A 4-mile trail through the wilderness reaches Squibb Creek Falls, requiring stream fords along the way. Pete's Branch Falls drops 45 feet into a grotto a short hike from camp. Most campsites sit directly along the creek, giving you the sound of moving water at night.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings available on-site, but tent camping is the primary accommodation option.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 13 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max of 5 people per site, including infants and children.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app or website.

Site SizeSites are generally compact, with some having gravel foundations. Most sites are creekside.

PrivacyThe campground offers more privacy after recent renovations, as noted: 'Way more private and peaceful now after the renovations!

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the bathhouse for easier access to flushing toilets and showers. Bring a splitting maul and firewood to utilize the fire pits effectively.

Best CampsitesCreekside sites are the ones to grab. They sit right on the water with the best views and sound. Recent renovations improved privacy between sites.

Need help booking Horse Creek Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Horse Creek Recreation Area provides essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. There is a bathhouse on-site that includes hot showers, flushable toilets, and sinks. However, the distance to the bathhouse may be considerable depending on your campsite. Additionally, vault toilets are available in three different locations across the campground. Fire rings are provided at many sites, and there is one public water spigot next to the host site. Potable water is available on-site, but electricity and sewer hookups are not provided. Trash bins and bear-proof trash receptacles are available. Several picnic areas are situated upstream and downstream of the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are available. Camp hosts ensure these are cleaned and maintained.

Cell CoverageSpotty or non-existent cell phone reception, as noted by a user: 'Cell signal may be spotty or non-existent, which will be a big plus or a big minus!'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

161 reviews

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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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