Great Smoky Mountains: Big Creek Horse Camp

By Christy Thiaucourt | March 20, 2026

Big Creek Horse Campground – Horse Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tucked into the northeastern corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big Creek Horse Campground is a favorite among equestrian campers. It’s the only horse camp in the park with drinking water and a modern restroom facility, making it a convenient base for multi-day riding adventures.

What to Expect

Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, and fire pit/grill
No electricity or water hookups
No showers onsite, but private fee-based shower facilities are available just outside the park—ask the campground host for directions
A general store is located nearby at the intersection of Mt. Sterling and Big Creek Entrance Roads
Emergency phone located 1 mile away at the Big Creek Ranger Station
No cell service at the campground

Horse Accommodations

Horses must be kept in the designated stalls, not at campsites
Two stall groups, each with 12 stalls and a manure wagon
Campsites 3, 4, and 5 are closest to the stalls; sites 1 and 2 are farther away

Most trails in the area are horse-friendly (with the exception of the Appalachian Trail), making this a prime location for exploring the Smokies on horseback.

Reservations

Reservations are required and must be made in advance
Book online at Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777
No payment or registration is available onsite, and there is no cell signal—if you arrive without a reservation, you'll need to leave the area to make one
Always remember your site number before you arrive—there is a daily bulletin board with reservations posted, but it’s not always reliable

Pro tip: Save your reservation confirmation and site number offline before you arrive—cell service is non-existent, and it could save you a long detour.

Explore more at the National Park Service – Horse Riding & Camping in the Smokies.