Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Highlights

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is one of the premier equestrian destinations in the eastern…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 180-212 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For riders, Big South Fork is a standout. With more than 150 Miles of designated horse trails and multiple developed equestrian campgrounds, it offers a well-established and welcoming infrastructure for trailering in and staying awhile. Trails range from gently rolling forest paths to more technical sections with rock shelves and elevation changes.

Rideable terrain

180-212 miles

Trailer parking

Bandy Creek Equestrian Area (Tennessee side) • Large gravel parking lots designed for horse trailers • Hitch rails and mounting blocks • Direct access to extensive horse trail networks • Developed horse campground nearby • Close to ranger station and basic services Blue Heron / Yamacraw Area • Access to scenic river corridor riding • Parking suitable for trailers (check lot size) • Less developed than Bandy Creek • Good for riders wanting gorge views Popular Horse Camp Access Points Station Camp Horse Camp • Designed specifically for equestrians • Trailer parking and camping • Direct trail access Bear Creek Horse Camp • Well-known among riders • Trailer-friendly • Immediate access to trail network

Horse regulations

Where Horses Are Allowed • Horses are permitted on designated equestrian trails only. • Stock use is not allowed on hiking-only trails or in restricted backcountry areas. • Stay on marked horse trails at all times. Permits • No permit is required for day riding. • Overnight camping in designated horse camps does not typically require a backcountry permit, but campground fees apply. • Always check for current conditions or temporary closures before arrival. Feed & Grazing • Certified weed-free feed is required. • Grazing is prohibited. • Feed must not be scattered on the ground. • Pack out unused feed and manure where required. Stock Camping • Horses must stay within designated horse camps. • Use hitch rails, highlines, or designated containment areas. • Do not tie directly to small trees or damage vegetation. • Keep camps compact and follow Leave No Trace principles. Group Size • Group size limits apply for organized rides and events. • Check with park staff if riding in large groups. Trail Etiquette • Yield appropriately to hikers and cyclists. • Ride single file on narrow trails. • Avoid riding during extremely wet conditions to prevent trail damage. Wildlife & Terrain • Creek crossings are common. • Rocky shelves and bluff edges require attentive riding. • Maintain safe distances from wildlife. Additional Notes 1. Tie horses only to hitching racks and stalls. Do not tie horses to trees. 2. Do not leave stock unattended. 3. Be considerate of others when using the corrals. Horses are not to be left in the corrals overnight. 4. Never leave feed where wildlife can get to it. 5. All equine brought to or kept at the horse camp or ridden on any park trail shall be accompanied by either the original or copy of an official negative coggins test for equine infectious anemia. 6. Horse trailers must not be cleaned out at the campsite. 7. Drinking alcohol while on horseback is illegal

Getting here

Use 4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, Tennessee as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Bandy Creek Equestrian Area (Tennessee side) • Large gravel parking lots designed for horse trailers • Hitch rails and mounting blocks • Direct access to extensive horse trail networks • Developed horse campground nearby • Close to ranger station and basic services Blue Heron / Yamacraw Area • Access to scenic river corridor riding • Parking suitable for trailers (check lot size) • Less developed than Bandy Creek • Good for riders wanting gorge views Popular Horse Camp Access Points Station Camp Horse Camp • Designed specifically for equestrians • Trailer parking and camping • Direct trail access Bear Creek Horse Camp • Well-known among riders • Trailer-friendly • Immediate access to trail network

Planning your visit

1. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm (ET) to 6:00 am (ET). 2. Only one camping unit is permitted to be connected to the power and water supplies at each campsite. 3. Tents must be set up on the gravel pad only. 4. Sites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. 5. Driving nails, spikes or screws into trees is prohibited. 6. Firewood, regardless of the species, may only be brought into the park if the tree from which it is derived originally stood in Scott County, Fentress County, Pickett County or Morgan County, Tennessee or in McCreary County, Kentucky. Do not cut any trees, shrubs or limbs around the site that are standing and/or alive. Dead wood on the ground may be collected anywhere in the park for use as fuel for campfires. 7. The use of chainsaws anywhere is the park is prohibited. 8. Build fires only in designated grates or fire rings. Only use wood that can fit in the fire ring, otherwise it creates a fire hazard. Do not dump ashes or charcoal in the woods and never leave the fire unattended.

Where to stay

Resource Management, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Horse camping is allowed, so this destination can work as more than a quick in-and-out ride if you want to build a longer federal-land stay around it. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Oneida before heading deeper into federal-land access points.