Big Creek Horse Camp in NC -- Campground & RV Camping

Big Creek Horse Camp sits at 1,700 feet elevation along Big Creek on the northeastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Camping is strictly for horse owners. The facility features large shaded sites, horse stalls, hitching rails, drinking water, and flush toilets, though no hookups or showers exist. A day-use horse area is also on site. The 2.1-mile Chestnut Branch Trail connects to the Appalachian Trail, and the Big Creek Trail leads to the 35-foot Mouse Creek Falls. Newport, Tennessee is 16 miles away.

Getting there: The campground is located off I-40 Exit 451 (Waterville). It sixteen miles east of Newport, TN. Follow Waterville road, crossing over the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Generating Station and continue one mile to the 4-way intersection at Mt Sterling Gap. Follow the signs to Big Creek. Drive up Big Creek Park Road. Shortly after passing the Ranger Station, take the first left turn into the horse camp. Coordinates: 35°45'15.7"N 83°06'25.8"W 35.754361, -83.107167 Mailing Address: (Do not use GPS directions by name) 236 Big Creek Park Road Newport, Tennessee, 37821

• Limited separation from through roads or other sites here, a 5-site campground with the nearest through road 0.1 miles off.
• Mount Sterling stands 4,131 ft above the map pin, 3.7 miles south.
• Big Creek runs 0.1 mi off.
• Most of them shaded.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 2, true dark-sky territory.

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