How much does camping cost at Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Anthony Creek Horse Camp range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Anthony Creek Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Anthony Creek Horse Camp 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 Anthony Creek Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Anthony Creek Horse Camp has 24 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 Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

Anthony Creek Horse Camp is open March 27 to September 07. 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 Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

Anthony Creek Horse Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Anthony Creek Horse Camp have?

Anthony Creek Horse Camp has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Anthony Creek Horse Camp. 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 Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

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

What activities can I do at Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

Popular activities at Anthony Creek Horse Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Anthony Creek Horse Camp: Firewood Restriction:Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.69

19 reviews

c/o Cades Cove Ranger Station, 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

Featured in:Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from March 28 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from March 28 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Anthony Creek Horse Camp

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

865-448-4103Helen_McNutt@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Anthony Creek Horse Camp

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Campground Map

c/o Cades Cove Ranger Station, 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

Anthony Creek Horse Camp

c/o Cades Cove Ranger Station, 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

Nearby places

Maryville, TN - 22 miles, Townsend, TN - 9 miles, Pigeon Forge, TN - null miles

Driving directionsFrom Maryville, TN: Take U.S. 321 North (you'll actually be driving south!) from Maryville to Townsend, TN (about 22 miles). At the traffic light in Townsend, continue straight on TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove. From Pigeon Forge, TN take US 321 South (you'll be driving westerly) to Townsend, TN. Turn left (south) at Townsend onto TN 73. Follow signs to Cades Cove. The horse camp is accessed through the back of the Cades Cove picnic area, through an unlocked gate.

Weather at Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Current alerts(13)

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
A reservation is required for all horse camps and you MUST have a horse to camp here. A maximum of 6 people and 4 horses may occupy a campsite. All horses must be accompanied by a negative Coggins test. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.
Cancellation Policy for Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation).

Best Time to Camp at Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, stable weather and peak leaf color at Anthony Creek, making trail rides through the Smokies especially scenic (daytime highs around 55–70°F, nights dipping into the 30s–40s in October). Trails are drier and bugs are reduced compared with spring and summer, so horseback trips, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak. Expect moderate weekend crowds on popular trails but generally quieter conditions at this primitive horse camp compared with lower-elevation front‑range Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall gives most reliable conditions and vivid foliage; trails dry out and bugs diminish.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 28 to November 8 during peak season. Closed from November 8 to May 26.

About Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Anthony Creek Horse Camp sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend, Tennessee. Operated by the National Park Service, this small equestrian-focused campground offers direct trail access into the Smokies for riders, hikers, and wildlife watchers. The camp accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive setups with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, though maneuvering larger rigs through the adjacent picnic area can be tight.

Anthony Creek Horse Camp is specifically designed for equestrian campers, with three primitive campsites that include horse stalls. It is not suitable for non-equestrian groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, stable weather and peak leaf color at Anthony Creek, making trail rides through the Smokies especially scenic (daytime highs around 55–70°F, nights dipping into the 30s–40s in October). Trails are drier and bugs are reduced compared with spring and summer, so horseback trips, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak. Expect moderate weekend crowds on popular trails but generally quieter conditions at this primitive horse camp compared with lower-elevation front‑range Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation1800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAnthony Creek flows past the campground, providing water for horses when carried up from the stream. Black bears, wild turkeys, and other wildlife appear regularly enough that campers must secure all food and scented items. The surrounding forest canopy shifts through spring wildflowers and fall color, with ridgelines visible through the trees. At this elevation, you're in the transition zone where Appalachian hardwoods dominate. Trails accessible from camp include rocky stretches that one reviewer compared to walking through a dry creek bed.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no traditional lodging accommodations within Anthony Creek Horse Camp. Only primitive camping is allowed.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park preserves over 90 historic structures, including log buildings, barns, and churches. Several of these are accessible from the Cades Cove Loop Road near the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 6 people and 4 horses may occupy a campsite.

Groups

Group camping is not available at Anthony Creek Horse Camp.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the source material.

Site SizeSites are designed to accommodate horse trailers, with a limit of 24-foot trailers due to challenging access conditions. Larger trailers may find it difficult to maneuver.

PrivacyThe campground has only three campsites, which are located close to one another. Privacy is limited, and the area experiences frequent foot traffic from hikers.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 003 is noted for being spacious and pleasant. Campers are advised to ensure water tanks are full and to secure food due to bear activity.

Best CampsitesSite 003 appears most often in positive reviews. All three sites sit close together with limited privacy. Smaller trailers maneuver more easily. The picnic area leading to camp can be crowded, complicating access for larger rigs.

Need help booking Anthony Creek Horse Camp?

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

With the exception of Big Creek, horse camps do not have potable water.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Anthony Creek Horse Camp is an excellent destination for equestrian activities, with direct access to trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can explore Anthony Creek Trail, Bote Mountain Trail, and Russell Field Trail. Other available activities include backcountry fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical structures within the park.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets are provided.

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 PolicyFirewood Restriction:Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 6 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash must be promptly disposed of in dumpsters provided to prevent bear encounters. No recycling facilities are mentioned.

Cell CoverageNo specific details about cell phone service are provided. Campers should plan accordingly.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Anthony Creek Horse Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Anthony Creek Horse Camp are mixed. Positive comments highlight the serene environment, wildlife sightings, and access to trails. Negative feedback includes concerns about the difficulty of accessing the campground with large trailers and the rocky condition of the trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, frequent wildlife sightings, and the variety of trails accessible directly from the campground. One reviewer described it as a 'wonderful spot to relax and...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the challenging approach for trailers larger than 24 feet, the lack of nearby water for horses during dry seasons, and frequent foot traffic from hikers passing through the...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 003 is highlighted in multiple reviews, with mentions of its proximity to trails and the presence of bear activity. The campground only includes three total sites, all of which are...

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend filling water tanks before arrival, as water for horses must be carried from nearby streams. Due to frequent bear activity, all food and scented items must be secured. Smaller...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring reviews often mention the beauty of Mountain Laurel blooms. Fall brings vivid foliage, but the creek may dry up, requiring water to be carried for horses. Summer is described as hot and humid,...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'You must check in at the visitor center upon arrival.' 2. 'The camp has vault toilets, and 4 metal stalls at each camp.' 3. 'The stream that goes right by the camp was dried up this fall, but...

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed, but the difficult approach for large trailers and lack of paved paths may present challenges for some visitors.

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. They are not permitted on trails.

Based on 19 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're bringing horses or want a quiet base for hiking and wildlife viewing in the Smokies.

Skip if

You need easy rig access or prefer campgrounds without rocky, high-traffic horse trails.

Nearby Campgrounds

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Cades Cove Group sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend, operated by the National Park Service. This group-only campground provides direct access to the famous Cades Cove Loop Road, where visitors hike, watch for black bears and white-tailed deer, and photograph historic structures. Sites are close together with limited privacy, but the location delivers unmatched fall foliage and wildlife viewing in one of the park's most scenic valleys.