Embrace the serenity of nature and embark on an unforgettable equestrian journey at Young Branch Campground, a hidden gem nestled along the tranquil banks of Citico Creek. Situated in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee, this rustic haven offers a unique and immersive experience for horse lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Equestrian Oasis
Young Branch Campground caters to equine enthusiasts, providing an idyllic setting to revel in the beauty of nature. Boasting 25 horse stalls and a corral accommodating up to 10 horses (provided they harmoniously coexist), this campground is a haven for horseback riding aficionados seeking a memorable adventure.
Trails and Adventures
Adjacent to the enchanting Little Citico Horse Trails, this equestrian paradise unveils more than 15 miles of scenic pathways. The trails wind through the rugged terrain, tracing old Forest Service and logging roads, traversing ridgelines, and crossing crystal-clear creeks. Visitors can meander through captivating landscapes, immersing themselves in the forest's grandeur.
Bountiful Creek
Citico Creek, with its pristine waters, offers ample opportunities for fishing and rafting enthusiasts. Cast your line into the creek's waters, teeming with aquatic life, or embark on a thrilling rafting adventure along its gentle currents, embracing the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Rustic Camping Experience
Young Branch Campground offers a primitive camping experience amidst nature's embrace. Seven accessible equestrian campsites, available for reservations, provide a peaceful retreat. Each site features a picnic table, grill, and lantern post. Vault toilets are conveniently provided, though water and electric hookups are not available.
Horse-Friendly Amenities
A dedicated corral and 25 horse stalls equipped with feeding bins ensure the comfort of your equine companions. Horses are to be kept within designated areas—corrals, stalls, or trailers—and are not permitted in campsites, tied to trees, or in open grassy areas. Prior to departure, manure must be deposited in the provided bins.
Cherokee National Forest: A Haven for Adventure
Nestled amidst dense woodlands, Young Branch Campground offers a scenic retreat just a stone's throw away from the bubbling waters of Citico Creek. The Cherokee National Forest, spanning from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border, invites exploration and beckons adventurers to discover its natural wonders.
Young Branch Campground, perched along the shores of Citico Creek, awaits those seeking an immersive equestrian adventure amidst the enchanting Cherokee National Forest. Experience the thrill of horseback riding, explore captivating trails, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Tennessee's wilderness.
Directions:
From Hwy. 411 in Vonore, TN: Follow Hwy. 360 South 7.2 miles to County Road 455. Continue on County Road 455 for 9 miles to Forest Developed Road 35 (single-lane gravel road). Take FDR 35 for 3.5 miles. The YB Campground will be on your right.
From Tellico Plains, TN: Travel East on Hwy 165 for 1 mile. Turn left onto Hwy 360 for 14 miles. Turn right onto County Road 455 and continue 8.9 miles to FDR 35. Continue on FDR 35 for 3.5 miles. The YB Campground will be on your right.
Young Branch Campground offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Picnic tables
- Toilets
- Horse corrals
- Grill
- Fire ring
- Lantern post
Cost Details:
- Campsites are $15 per site. There is a fee tube at the campground to submit your payment.
Policies:
- Maximum of 25 horses.
- Maximum of 5 people per site; 35 people maximum for the entire campground.
- Food storage restrictions apply to all areas of the Tellico Ranger District. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, your locked vehicle, or a hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
Notes:
- Open year-round
- First come, first served.
- No potable water is available.
- Young Branch Campground is the hub for the Little Citico Horse Trails.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
BALD RIVER GORGE WILDERNESS - Upper Bald River Trail to Brookshire Creek Falls
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Abrams Creek and Cooper Road Loop Trail
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Gregory's Little Bald Trail
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Twentymile Loop Trail
Young Branch Campground does not require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Young Branch Campground for more information