National Forest
BACKBONE ROCK RECREATION AREA PAVILIONS
Damascus, Tennessee
Federal campground in Tennessee.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Lost Corral Horse Camp
Federal campground in Tennessee.
Nestled in the heart of Tennessee's beautiful national forest landscape, Lost Corral Horse Camp offers a unique retreat for equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an authentic camping experience. This specialty campground caters specifically to visitors traveling with horses, providing dedicated facilities and trail access that make it an ideal base for exploring some of the region's most scenic backcountry terrain.
The setting combines the tranquility of forest surroundings with practical amenities designed for horse owners. The camp's thoughtful layout accommodates both animals and their human companions, allowing visitors to experience the countryside much as travelers have for generations. Whether you're an experienced trail rider or simply looking to enjoy a slower pace of travel with your horses, the environment here encourages exploration and connection with the natural world.
The surrounding national forest lands offer extensive trail systems that range from leisurely rides through shaded valleys to more challenging routes across rolling hills. These trails wind through diverse terrain, showcasing Tennessee's natural beauty across different seasons. Spring brings wildflower displays, summer offers cool forest shade perfect for midday breaks, autumn paints the landscape in warm colors, and winter provides clear views through the bare trees to distant ridges.
For visitors without horses, the location still provides excellent access to hiking, nature observation, and peaceful forest camping away from the hustle of developed tourist areas. The camp serves as a gateway to exploring less-traveled corners of Tennessee's national forest system, where the focus remains on natural recreation and outdoor appreciation rather than commercial attractions.
The 4.7-star rating from guests reflects consistent positive experiences with the facility's maintenance, location, and the quality of the surrounding trails. Visitors particularly appreciate the horse-specific infrastructure and the respectful community of fellow campers who share a passion for outdoor adventure. This is the kind of destination where time seems to slow down, where the sounds of nature replace traffic noise, and where memories are made around campfires under forest canopies.
The setting combines the tranquility of forest surroundings with practical amenities designed for horse owners. The camp's thoughtful layout accommodates both animals and their human companions, allowing visitors to experience the countryside much as travelers have for generations. Whether you're an experienced trail rider or simply looking to enjoy a slower pace of travel with your horses, the environment here encourages exploration and connection with the natural world.
The surrounding national forest lands offer extensive trail systems that range from leisurely rides through shaded valleys to more challenging routes across rolling hills. These trails wind through diverse terrain, showcasing Tennessee's natural beauty across different seasons. Spring brings wildflower displays, summer offers cool forest shade perfect for midday breaks, autumn paints the landscape in warm colors, and winter provides clear views through the bare trees to distant ridges.
For visitors without horses, the location still provides excellent access to hiking, nature observation, and peaceful forest camping away from the hustle of developed tourist areas. The camp serves as a gateway to exploring less-traveled corners of Tennessee's national forest system, where the focus remains on natural recreation and outdoor appreciation rather than commercial attractions.
The 4.7-star rating from guests reflects consistent positive experiences with the facility's maintenance, location, and the quality of the surrounding trails. Visitors particularly appreciate the horse-specific infrastructure and the respectful community of fellow campers who share a passion for outdoor adventure. This is the kind of destination where time seems to slow down, where the sounds of nature replace traffic noise, and where memories are made around campfires under forest canopies.
4.7
Rating
27
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Athens is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Tennessee weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Athens.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Athens. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Lost Corral Horse Camp Reviews
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G
Ron Mitchell
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Ron Mitchell
Nice campground. Easy to get to. Two bars 4G Verizon. Scenic Tennessee Valley train at the entrance with scheduled scenic rides up in the mountains and back. The campground use to be $15 a night but some kid kept stealing the cash box so they made it free recently. There are two clean vault toilets, potable water spigots throughout. Picnic tables, fire rings, lantern rings, half circle driveways,... Nice campground. Easy to get to. Two bars 4G Verizon. Scenic Tennessee Valley train at the entrance with scheduled scenic rides up in the mountains and back. The campground use to be $15 a night but some kid kept stealing the cash box so they made it free recently. There are two clean vault toilets, potable water spigots throughout. Picnic tables, fire rings, lantern rings, half circle driveways, etc. The place was designed for horse trailers so it will accommodate any size rig. All paved roads to the entrance, cross train tracks then nice gravel. Many trails nearby. Some you might have to drive a mile or two to get to. I know two near the campground. The Hiwassee River and all its beauty is a half mile away. Store 2 miles away. Two towns 8 miles away. I camped in July. It was me and one other person. No signs of recent horse use. This is a free gem in the wilderness. Twenty large shady spots available.
G
Ron Mitchell
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Ron Mitchell
Nice campground. Easy to get to. Two bars 4G Verizon. Scenic Tennessee Valley train at the entrance with scheduled scenic rides up in the mountains and back. The campground use to be $15 a night but some kid kept stealing the cash box so they made it free recently. There are two clean vault toilets, potable water spigots throughout. Picnic tables, fire rings, lantern rings, half circle driveways,... Nice campground. Easy to get to. Two bars 4G Verizon. Scenic Tennessee Valley train at the entrance with scheduled scenic rides up in the mountains and back. The campground use to be $15 a night but some kid kept stealing the cash box so they made it free recently. There are two clean vault toilets, potable water spigots throughout. Picnic tables, fire rings, lantern rings, half circle driveways, etc. The place was designed for horse trailers so it will accommodate any size rig. All paved roads to the entrance, cross train tracks then nice gravel. Many trails nearby. Some you might have to drive a mile or two to get to. I know two near the campground. The Hiwassee River and all its beauty is a half mile away. Store 2 miles away. Two towns 8 miles away. I camped in July. It was me and one other person. No signs of recent horse use. This is a free gem in the wilderness. Twenty large shady spots available.
G
TIA RAYMOND
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by TIA RAYMOND
This place is a hidden gem! Campgrounds were very clean. The area is so pretty.
G
TIA RAYMOND
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by TIA RAYMOND
This place is a hidden gem! Campgrounds were very clean. The area is so pretty.
G
Marie Morris
Mar 18, 2026
3.0
Google Review by Marie Morris
We were just driving by to see if there were any where we could have full hotorhome facilities. This campground doesn't offer what we required and $15/might. Mostly suited for horse campers with small rigs.
G
Marie Morris
Mar 18, 2026
3.0
Google Review by Marie Morris
We were just driving by to see if there were any where we could have full hotorhome facilities. This campground doesn't offer what we required and $15/might. Mostly suited for horse campers with small rigs.
G
Carla Jacobson
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Carla Jacobson
It’s great, I just wish the train wouldn’t sit and run idle for hours at a time.
G
Carla Jacobson
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Carla Jacobson
It’s great, I just wish the train wouldn’t sit and run idle for hours at a time.
G
Aaron Millard
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Aaron Millard
We are in lost corral campground. Having a great time. We can take a short drive to spring creek and swim , if we had our 🐟 gear we could fish.
G
Aaron Millard
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Aaron Millard
We are in lost corral campground. Having a great time. We can take a short drive to spring creek and swim , if we had our 🐟 gear we could fish.
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