Horse Creek Recreation Area
4.6230 reviews2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsHorse 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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(423) 638-4109
What Campers Say
4.62
Top-Rated
Based on 30 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."
Fees & Passes at Horse Creek Recreation Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Visitors may stay up to 13 nights within rolling 30 days.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed prior to the arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Unaka Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceHorse Creek Recreation Area serves as a gateway to the region's rich outdoor heritage, where generations of anglers have cast lines in pristine native trout streams and hikers have explored ancient mountain paths. The campground's location near historic Greeneville connects visitors to both wilderness adventure and small-town Appalachian culture, offering a perfect blend of backcountry exploration and accessibility to local traditions, crafts, and mountain hospitality.
Weather and SeasonsSpring 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.
ElevationPerched in the foothills where mountain streams tumble through shaded hollows, the campground sits at an elevation that creates the perfect microclimate for lush forest growth and year-round flowing water. The brisk, oxygen-rich mountain air invigorates hikers heading out on morning adventures, while the elevation provides natural cooling that makes summer camping particularly pleasant beneath the dense hardwood canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting in a secluded hardwood cove creates an intimate connection with nature, where towering oaks and maples arch overhead like a living cathedral. Adventure beckons with the 4-mile trek through Sampson Mountain Wilderness to discover Squibb Creek Falls, where hikers ford crystal-clear streams to reach cascading waters. For those seeking a gentler introduction to the area's waterfalls, Pete's Branch Falls rewards a short hike with a dramatic 45-foot cascade that thunders into a moss-covered grotto, creating misty rainbows in the afternoon sun.
Geological RegionSituated in the rolling foothills near Chuckey in Greeneville, Tennessee, Horse Creek Recreation Area occupies a special ecological niche where ancient hardwood forests meet pristine mountain streams. The Sampson Mountain Wilderness surrounding the campground showcases the timeless geology of the Southern Appalachians, where millions of years of erosion have carved deep coves and exposed rock faces that tell the story of these ancient mountains. Native brook trout still swim in the cold, clear waters that have shaped this landscape, making the area a living museum of Appalachian natural history.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are generally compact, with some having gravel foundations. Most sites are creekside.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers more privacy after recent renovations, as noted: 'Way more private and peaceful now after the renovations!'
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose 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 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.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 14 primitive, walk-in sites located near the creek. Sites are compact with gravel foundations, cast-iron fire pits, and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 7, 2025, and reservations can be made starting June 25, 2025. The campground closes to reservations on October 24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app or website.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are primarily first-come, first-served. Day-use areas are free and available without reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed prior to the arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (one day before arrival) incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
Numerous 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.Fishing
Several native trout streams are located within and nearby Horse Creek Recreation Area. Permits from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are required.Swimming
The creek running through the campground provides informal swimming opportunities. No designated swimming areas were mentioned.Biking
Campers 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 viewing
The campground is located adjacent to a black bear preserve, and there are occasional bear sightings. The dense forest also supports diverse wildlife.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were detailed in the source materials.Water Sports
Informal tubing opportunities in the creek were mentioned by one reviewer: 'Also went tubing recently, that is a fun!'Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Burning non-wood materials is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are officially not mentioned, but user reviews highlight the need for enforcement during nighttime.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 0.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include the Unaka Ranger District headquarters located at 4900 Asheville Hwy, Greeneville, TN 37743. Additionally, medical facilities and police stations are available in Greeneville, approximately 8 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 7, 2025 - October 24, 2025.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are available. Camp hosts ensure these are cleaned and maintained.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Horse Creek, and most sites are creekside. Nearby waterfalls include Squibb Creek Falls and Pete's Branch Falls.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention noise issues from vehicles and loud campers during the night. Vault toilets are described as poorly maintained, with cleanliness concerns.
HostForest Service Volunteer Campground Hosts manage the area. Hosts are described as helpful and attentive in reviews, providing firewood and assistance with setup.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
30 reviews
Horse Creek Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 30 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 30 reviewsShow more
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 30 reviewsShow more
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 30 reviewsShow more
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 30 reviewsCamper 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 30 reviewsShow more
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 30 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 30 reviewsPet-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 30 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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