Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Star4.08
19 reviews
c/o Cades Cove Ranger Station, 10042 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

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

Opens Great Smoky Mountains National Park site

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Anthony Creek Horse Camp
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $30.00 per night for equestrian nonelectric sites during peak seasons. Rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
865-448-4103Helen_McNutt@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 19 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocation

Some mention

crowded

"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."

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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

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.
The road to the campground is in good shape but is one lane for about 1/4 mile to camp. Trailers longer than a 3-horse slant may have difficulty maneuvering within the camp. Parking and drive access may be challenging due to big rocks or cars lining the area.
Nearby places
Maryville, TN - 22 miles, Townsend, TN - 9 miles, Pigeon Forge, TN - null miles
Nearby supplies
Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full-service grocery stores and fuel. Cades Cove camp store nearby provides basic supplies and bike rentals.

Best Time to Camp at Anthony Creek Horse Camp

From late March through early November, the campground welcomes riders to experience the full spectrum of mountain weather. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and occasional showers that transform trails into muddy adventures, while summer brings the characteristic Southern humidity that hangs heavy in the mountain hollows. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to perfect riding weather, and winter's approach signals the end of the season with cooler temperatures that whisper of the mountains' changing moods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer but described as hot and humid; trails available though heat can be a downside.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall brings vivid foliage and excellent trail views—highlight season for scenery.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring understory 'explodes' with trilliums, bloodroot and mountain laurel—excellent seasonal appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 8–May 26; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 28 - November 8, May 26 - September 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from March 28 to November 8 during peak season. Closed from November 8 to May 26.
  • Current Alerts: Beginning March 1, parking tags are required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in the park. Bear activity advisories are in place.

About Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Nestled alongside the gentle murmur of Anthony Creek, this secluded equestrian paradise offers riders and their horses an authentic backcountry experience. Anthony Creek Horse Camp serves as your gateway to miles of scenic trails winding through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This primitive campground provides a rare opportunity to explore untouched wilderness from horseback, far from the crowds that frequent more accessible areas. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning mountain vistas, the camp attracts those seeking a genuine connection with nature—and their equine companions.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM for late arrivals.
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe Anthony Creek Trail passes directly through the campground and connects to Bote Mountain and Russell Field Trails. These trails intersect with the Appalachian Trail and feature an altitude gain of 3,000 feet. They are described as strenuous but rewarding, offering extraordinary views and the chance to see Mountain Laurel blooms in spring.
FishingThe area offers high-quality backcountry fishing opportunities in cool streams filled with an abundance of trout. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required.
BikingBiking is popular in the nearby Cades Cove Loop Road area, an 11-mile loop that campers frequently use for cycling.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are frequent within the campground and surrounding areas. Bears are known to visit, and precautions must be taken to store food securely.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe 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.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is common; campers must follow strict guidelines for food storage. Trail conditions can be challenging for horses, resembling dry creek beds. Trailers may face maneuverability issues due to rocks and narrow roads.
Active AlertsBeginning March 1, parking tags are required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in the park. Bear activity advisories are in place.

Weather at Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Reviews

4.1
19 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Anthony Creek Horse Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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