Bear Creek Horse Camp
3.9736 reviews4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Bear Creek Horse Camp
$30.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates range from $30 to $35 per night during the peak season from April 1 to November 30. Reservation fees are non-refundable and can vary depending on the booking method.
About this campground
Nestled within the Kentucky wilderness of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Bear Creek Horse Camp beckons equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This hidden gem seamlessly blends the romance of traditional woods camping with the comfort of modern amenities. Picture yourself unwinding after a day on the trails, enjoying a hot shower before settling by your campfire, knowing your horse rests comfortably in its own tie-stall just steps away. With sites thoughtfully designed to accommodate both RVs and tents, plus convenient electric hookups and flush toilets, Bear Creek proves that adventure doesn't mean sacrificing comfort.
Bear Creek Horse Camp accommodates both RV and tent campers. Sites are equipped with modern facilities and tie stalls for horses.
Historical SignificanceJust a short ride from camp, the haunting beauty of Blue Heron Mine (Mine 18) awaits discovery. Once a thriving coal mining community, this meticulously recreated outdoor museum now stands as a testament to the grit and determination of Appalachian miners. As you wander through the ghostly structures, voices from the past literally speak to you through audio presentations, sharing intimate stories of families who called this remote outpost home during the 1950s. It's a powerful reminder that long before recreation seekers discovered these hills, generations of hardworking Americans carved their lives from this unforgiving landscape.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, Bear Creek Horse Camp transforms into an outdoor paradise where perfect camping weather reigns supreme. Spring arrives with wildflowers dotting the trails and temperatures that invite all-day exploration. Summer brings warm days ideal for creek crossings and shaded forest rides, while autumn paints the Cumberland Plateau in breathtaking golds and crimsons. Though winter's chill keeps most campers away, the hearty few who brave the cold are rewarded with crystalline air and landscapes transformed by frost into something magical.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe Cumberland Plateau reveals its ancient secrets at every turn around Bear Creek Horse Camp. Towering sandstone cliffs frame deep gorges where morning mist dances above hidden waterfalls, while miles of forested ridgelines stretch toward the horizon. In autumn, the canopy explodes into a symphony of color that rivals any masterpiece, with scarlet maples and golden hickories creating tunnels of light along the trails. Rocky outcroppings provide natural viewpoints where riders can pause to drink in panoramic vistas that have remained unchanged for millennia, save for the occasional eagle soaring overhead.
Geological RegionBear Creek Horse Camp sits at the heart of one of America's most dramatic landscapes - the 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Here, the Cumberland Plateau has spent millions of years crafting a masterwork of stone and water. Ancient rivers carved deep gorges through layers of sandstone and shale, creating a labyrinth of cliffs, natural arches, and hidden valleys that captivate geologists and casual visitors alike. This rugged terrain, where forested plateaus suddenly give way to dramatic drops and secret swimming holes, offers an endless playground for those seeking to connect with the raw power of the natural world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair friendly, with accessible bathrooms, showers, and campsite features like ramps.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with room for trailers and vehicles. They are flat and well-graveled.
Sites PrivacySites offer a sense of privacy due to their spacing and the presence of mature shade trees.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 011 offers a large and flat area with clean facilities and corrals. Site 013 is recommended for its well-maintained amenities and shaded location.
Best CampsitesSites 011 and 013 are highlighted for spaciousness, cleanliness, and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights, and 30 nights total at the campground within each year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No specific details about group camping are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spacious and include electricity, water hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables. Tie-stalls for horses are available at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from April 1 to November 30 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or through the contact center.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are permitted any time before the scheduled arrival date, minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees. Late cancellations will also subtract the first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides a range of recreational opportunities, including horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions enhance the experience, such as the Blue Heron Mine outdoor museum.
Hiking
Numerous trails are accessible from the campground. Trails vary in difficulty, with some being muddy and rocky. Visitors recommend horse shoes or boots for rocky terrain. Trails include loops like the Bear Creek Loop, which is easier, and more challenging routes with steep sections.Biking
Trails are available for mountain biking, though no specific details about the terrain or difficulty are provided.Wildlife viewing
Campers have reported wildlife sightings and emphasize following strict food storage rules to avoid attracting bears.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports or other water-based activities are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted. Proper disposal of trash and food scraps in wildlife-proof containers is mandatory.
- Quiet hours are inconsistently enforced per user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are common in the area, and proper food storage is strictly enforced. Trails may feature steep places, mud, and rocky terrain, which could pose challenges for horses and riders.
Active alertsTemporary partial closure of Twin Arches Loop Trail for stair and ladder rehabilitation as of May 13, 2025.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 - November 30
Trash and recyclingUsers mention the availability of bear-proof dumpsters for proper trash disposal. Proper garbage disposal rules are strictly enforced to prevent bear activity.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground features small creek areas and overlooks with views of nearby rivers.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews mention poor maintenance of trails, broken down horse stalls, knee-high grass, and lack of quiet hours enforcement. Mud on trails has also been described as hazardous.
Hostnull
Campground Map
4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Driving directionsFor detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm
The road has a gravel stretch that is mostly one lane for 8 miles, which can be annoying for large rigs but is manageable. The road is well-maintained with no potholes, although there is one creek area with a small amount of water and a dip that may cause minor bumps on the dirt road.Nearby places
Oneida, TN - Approximately 8 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.0
36 reviews
Bear Creek Horse Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, highlighting excellent facilities and cleanliness but expressing concerns about maintenance of horse stalls and trails. The location is praised for its peace, spacious sites, and access to trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and heated bathrooms with good accessibility, spacious and private sites, great trails for hiking and horseback riding, picnic tables and fire rings at each site, and friendly rangers.
Based on 36 reviewsCommon Concerns
Maintenance issues with horse stalls, poorly maintained trails with mud and rocks, inconsistent enforcement of rules by rangers, and lack of quiet hours enforcement.
Based on 36 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own buckets for water and feed, use horse shoes or boots for rocky trails, ensure proper food storage to prevent bear encounters, and prepare for self-sufficiency as the area is remote.
Based on 36 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal times for camping due to mild weather and stunning fall foliage. Summer reviews mention increased mosquito and tick activity.
Based on 36 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were spotless and heated, hot water was very hot, water pressure was great." - Leandra Collier. "Trails were a lot of fun, but I’d recommend shoes on your horses for rocks and gravel." -...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 011: Mixed reviews; praised for cleanliness and spaciousness but criticized for poorly maintained trails. Site 013: Complaints about loud neighbors and lack of quiet hours. Site 002: Described...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Positive feedback highlights wheelchair accessibility of bathrooms, showers, and campsites.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 36 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025