Campground Details - BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP, NC - ReserveAmerica

Overview

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.

Natural Features:

At a 1,700 foot elevation, Big Creek provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The camp is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams.

Nearby Mouse Creek Falls, a 35 foot waterfall forming at the confluence of Mouse Creek and Big Creek, is reachable by horseback or on foot via the Big Creek trailhead located on-site.

The beautiful falls splits over moss covered rocks and falls about 20 ft. before pooling and falling another 15 ft. into Big Creek. The falls can be reached via the Big Creek Trail, which is covered in wildflowers during spring months.

Recreation:

The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are accessible from Big Creek and for riders looking for a little hiking, the Appalachian Trail can be easily reached via the 2.1 mile Chestnut Branch Trail, located within walking distance from the camp.

Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams that snake through the mountains, with Rainbow and Brook trout available in abundance, particularly during spring months.

Facilities:

Big Creek Horse Camp is fairly primitive, providing only the basic amenities, but an unforgettable outdoors experience. The sites are large and the facility does offer flush toilets, drinking water and plenty of shade.

Since horses are not permitted in the camping area, horse stalls and hitching rails are provided to guests.

There are no hookups or showers at the campground, but water is available from the campground spigot.

Nearby Attractions:

The Big Creek Group Campground is located nearby, with plenty of space for larger groups.

Full service grocery stores and medical facilities are located 16 miles away in Newport, Tennessee.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Accessible Flush Toilets Accessible Sites Drinking Water Fire Rings Fishing Hiking	Hitching Racks Horse Stalls Horseback Riding Host Picnic Area Wildlife Viewing
Less Than 1 Mile
Historic Sites Horseback Riding Trails Ranger Station	River Access Trails

Know Before You Go

Bear Habitat!!

All food and items used to store or prepare food, including coolers, MUST be stored in the trunk or cab of your vehicle/s at all times when not in use.
Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters.
This rule is strictly enforced!

Firewood Quarantines are in effect!

The possession of any firewood originating from any location for which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect is prohibited. The movement of firewood into the park from counties adjacent to the park for which a federal or state quarantine is in place is prohibited even if the quarantine allows for movement within the county.
Firewood which bears a USDA certificate or which is purchased from a park concessionaire is allowed.
The National Park Service STRONGLY discourages the movement of firewood from location to another.
More details are available on the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/firewood-alert.htm
This rule is strictly enforced!

There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park.

Quiet hours are in effect from 10 PM to 6 AM. Generator use is restricted to 8 AM to 8 PM.

Fires are allowed in fire rings only.

A reservation is required for all horse camps and you must have a horse to camp here. A maximum of 6 people and 4 horses may occupy a campsite. All horses must be accompanied by a negative Coggins test. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Stalls are provided but may not be visible from your campsite. Check the site page for details. Horses may not be tied to trees.

With the exception of Big Creek, horse camps do not have potable water.

A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.

Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails.

For additional park information call 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
35.75972, -83.10417
35°45'35"N, 83°6'15"W

The campground is sixteen miles east of Newport, TN on I-40. Exit I-40 at exit 451. Follow the road past the Walters Power Generating Station to the 4-way intersection. Follow the signs to Big Creek.

Mailing Address: (Do not use in GPS)
236 Big Creek Park Road
Newport, Tennessee, 37821