Pros & cons
PROS
- Horse stalls at each primitive site
- Direct access to Anthony Creek and equestrian trails
- Quiet, small camp near Cades Cove
CONS
- No potable water on-site; plan to bring your own
- Tight, narrow approach and limited room to turn trailers
Overview
Anthony Creek Horse Camp is a tiny, primitive equestrian camp tucked beside Anthony Creek near Cades Cove. It’s purpose-built for riders: just three sites, each with horse stalls, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Expect seasonal scenery—spring wildflowers and vibrant fall color—and a quiet base that feels off the grid.
Who It’s For
You must have a horse to camp here, and reservations are required. Each site allows up to 6 people and 4 horses, and a negative Coggins is mandatory. Horses use the provided stalls (no tying to trees). Pets are allowed in camp on leash but not on park trails.
Facilities & Rules
This is true primitive camping: vault toilets, no showers, and no electric/water/sewer hookups. There’s no potable water in camp—bring all drinking water. A spigot is about 0.5 miles away, and stock water can be drawn from Anthony Creek. Fires are allowed only in rings, and firewood must be certified heat-treated or dead-and-downed from within the park. Quiet hours run 10 p.m.–6 a.m.; generators 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Follow strict bear food-storage rules. A parking tag is required elsewhere in the park for stays over 15 minutes, but not while you’re parked at your reserved campsite. The operating season is generally late March to early November.
Access and Camp Layout
Access is through the back of the Cades Cove Picnic Area via an unlocked gate. The approach is narrow and turning space is limited—larger rigs may find it challenging and may need to back in. Some visitors note maneuvering anything around 24 feet can be tough. Expect little to no cell service for most carriers.
Trails & Riding
Trails leave right from camp. The Anthony Creek Trail connects to Bote Mountain and Russell Field, with access to the Appalachian Trail. Spence Field is known for spring mountain laurel blooms. Do note some riders describe segments that feel like dry creek beds—rocky and challenging. Foot traffic is common near camp, with hikers passing through during the day.
Wildlife & Safety
This is bear country. Store all food and scented items securely when not in use, and dispose of trash promptly. Black bear and wild turkey sightings are possible. Report unusual bear interactions to park staff.
Nearby & Supplies
Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop, historic churches, cabins, and the gristmill are close. The Cades Cove camp store has basic supplies and bicycle rentals. Townsend is about 9 miles away for groceries and fuel. Fishing is available in nearby streams (trout are common); a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required and park rules apply.
Best Time to Visit
Spring brings wildflowers and mountain laurel blooms up high; fall delivers peak foliage around the cove and ridges. Wednesdays from May–September, the Cades Cove Loop is vehicle-free—great for cyclists but it can affect vehicle and trailer access—plan arrivals and departures accordingly. Weekdays are generally quieter, and mornings see fewer hikers moving past camp.
Reservations & Check-in
Reserve in advance. Check in with campground staff upon arrival; if you arrive after hours, check in 8:30–9:00 a.m. the next morning to avoid reservation issues.
Where it is
35.6018, -83.7664Tips for Anthony Creek Horse Camp
- 01Bring all drinking water; stock water can come from Anthony Creek and a spigot about 0.5 miles away.
- 02Enter via the back of Cades Cove Picnic Area; space to turn is limited.
- 03Keep trailer length conservative and be prepared to back up to maneuver.
- 04Expect no reliable cell service; finalize plans and maps ahead of time.
- 05Wednesdays May–September the Cades Cove Loop is vehicle-free—plan arrivals accordingly.
Amenities
Near Anthony Creek Horse Camp
All places →All trails →
0.4 mi awayCades Cove Picnic AreaShaded, creekside picnic spot at the start of the LoopPicnic Table · Restroom
0.5 mi awayCades Cove CampgroundClassic Smokies camping steps from wildlife, history, and bikeable loopCampground · Restroom
0.6 mi awayCades Cove Trading CompanyCamp store and bike rentals for your Cades Cove loopFood · Store
0.6 mi awayCades Cove Ranger StationSmall HQ for help and seasonal pass sales by the campgroundRanger Station · Restroom
0.8 mi awayRich Mountain Loop TrailCades Cove escape: wildflowers, history, and a quiet ridge loop.Moderate · 8.5 mi · 4.5 hr
1 mi awayCrooked Arm TrailShort, steep grind above Cades Cove with a fickle little waterfall.Challenging · 2.2 mi · 2.5 hr
1.3 mi awayLead Cove TrailSteady climb to Bote Mountain with quiet woods and wildflowersChallenging · 3.6 mi · 2.2 hr
1.3 mi awayFinley Cane TrailShady forest stroll with creek crossings and rhododendron tunnelsEasy · 5.6 mi · 2.5 hr
