Anthony Creek Horse Camp
Great Smoky Mountains National Park — riverside, fishing, hiking
Location: Townsend, TN, TN
Price: From $30 per night
Rating: 4 out of 5 (7 reviews)
Season: May through October
Anthony Creek Horse Camp is located near the gently rolling waters of Anthony Creek. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Anthony Creek never disappoints. You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Anthony Creek Horse Camp!
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Drinking Water, Showers, Electric Hookups, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/anthony-creek-horse-camp to be notified when sites open up.
Anthony Creek Horse Camp offers direct access to several of the Smokies' popular horseback riding trails, including the Anthony Creek Trail that ascends Bote Mountain. The campground is situated near gently rolling creek waters with scenic wildflowers in spring and vivid fall colors.
Wildlife alert: American Black Bear, Coyote, and White-tailed Deer observed in the area. Barred Owls and Red-shouldered Hawks also present.
Insider tips for Anthony Creek Horse Camp: Book early — this is a federal campground with only 3 total sites and seasonal operations (May-October only) You MUST have a horse to camp here; this is exclusively a horse camp, not a general campground No hookups available, so bring a self-contained RV or plan to tent camp
Skip Anthony Creek Horse Camp if: You don't have a horse — the campground requires equestrian access. You need RV hookups — no electric or water hookups at sites. You're traveling outside May-October — the campground is seasonal.
Best time to visit Anthony Creek Horse Camp: May — Campground opens in May and wildflowers are described as bright and abundant during spring. September-October — Campground operates through October with vivid fall colors documented as a highlight of the scenery.
Nearby campgrounds: Cades Cove Group (Gatlinburg, TN), Cades Cove Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN), Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion (GATLINBURG, TN), Abram’S Creek Campground (Gatlinburg, TN).
Cell Phone Coverage at Anthony Creek Horse Camp
Cell signal at Anthony Creek Horse Camp (Townsend, TN): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Anthony Creek Horse Camp is located near the gently rolling waters of Anthony Creek. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Anthony Creek never disappoints. You MUST have a HORSE to camp in Anthony Creek Horse Camp!
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with only 3 total sites and seasonal operations (May-October only)
You MUST have a horse to camp here; this is exclusively a horse camp, not a general campground
No hookups available, so bring a self-contained RV or plan to tent camp
Campground opens in May and wildflowers are described as bright and abundant during spring
Campground operates through October with vivid fall colors documented as a highlight of the scenery
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
From Maryville, TN: Take U.S. 321 North (you'll actually be driving south!) from Maryville to Townsend, TN (about 22 miles). At the traffic light in Townsend, continue straight on TN 73 and follow signs to Cades Cove. From Pigeon Forge, TN take US 321 South (you'll be driving westerly) to Townsend, TN. Turn left (south) at Townsend onto TN 73. Follow signs to Cades Cove. The horse camp is accessed through the back of the Cades Cove picnic area, through an unlocked gate.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Great Smoky Mountains National Park fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Great Smoky Mountains National Park before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Anthony Creek Horse Camp cost per night?+
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Official resources
●Data sources on this page
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