Horse Camps
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers five drive-in horse camps which provide ready access to back-country trails for equestrians in the national park.
Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, and Towstring horse camps open March 30, 2022. Reservations are only available through NPRS. Horse site fees are $23 at all horse camps except for Big Creek where it is $29.
Five drive-in horse camps provide ready access to back-country trails for equestrians in the national park. They are located at Cades Cove in Tennessee and at Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom and Towstring in North Carolina. Auto access horse camps are open. For reservations, call (865) 436-1231.
Horse Rentals are available at five horse concession operations in the Park. Rates are $23-$29 per horse per hour at the following stables: Sugarlands Riding Stables, Smoky Mountain Riding Stables, Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Deep Creek.
Reservations can be made 5 months in advance by calling:
1-800-365-2267
or by Internet at reservations.nps.gov
Horse Camps at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Towstring, and Round Bottom open March 30. Cataloochee opens March 23. Horse site fees are $23 (subject to change) at all horsecamps except big Creek which is $29.
Horse Rentals are available at five horse concession operations in the Park:
Sugarlands Riding Stables and Smoky Mountain Riding Stables, Cades Cove Riding Stables, Deep Creek Horse Camp, and Smokemont.
Bringing Your Horse to the Park
About 550 miles of the park's hiking trails are open to horses. Horses are restricted to trails specifically designated for horse use. If you wish to ride your own horse in the park, please obtain a copy of the park's trail map. This map indicates the trails on which you may ride horses and explains the park's rules and regulations concerning horse riding in the backcountry. It also provides information about backcountry camping, and permit requirements. To obtain an official trail map, stop at any park visitor center or call (865) 436-0120. The cost of the map is $1. You may also download a trail map here.
Caution is advised in the backcountry. The park's backcountry is managed as a natural area where the forces of nature determine trail conditions. Please be prepared for swollen streams, bridge washouts, downed trees, and trail erosion—riding is not recommended from early December until May due to the seasonal nature of the trail maintenance program.