BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview The only horse camp in the Great Smoky Mountains with potable water and flushing toilets! Pack up your horses for a getaway at Big Creek Horse Camp, located on far northeastern side of Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee. This campsite sits along the gently rolling waters of Big Creek and offers miles of horse trails with breathtaking scenic backdrops. You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Big Creek Horse Camp! Recreation The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
35.75427, -83.10734
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:16 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Cosby, TN.
Today
84°F
Mostly Sunny
3% rain · wind 5 mph
Tonight
68°F
Partly Cloudy
3% rain · wind 3 mph
Friday
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
51% rain · wind 2 mph
Friday Night
68°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
46% rain · wind 2 mph
Saturday
81°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
91% rain · wind 2 mph
Saturday Night
67°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
81% rain · wind 1 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
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