Lost Corral Horse Camp

lost corral horse camp

For Tennessee locals, the allure of a free, well-maintained campground nestled amidst stunning natural beauty is undeniable. Lost Corral Horse Camp in Delano, TN, stands out as precisely such a treasure. While originally designed with equestrians in mind, its spacious sites and essential amenities make it a fantastic destination for any RVer, tent camper, or outdoor enthusiast seeking a peaceful retreat in the Cherokee National Forest. It's truly a "free gem in the wilderness," offering an accessible and comfortable base for exploring the rich recreational opportunities of Southeast Tennessee.

Lost Corral Horse Camp is a testament to the generosity and community spirit of the outdoor recreation system. It's a U.S. Forest Service campground that, at one point, transitioned to a free-use model, making it an even more appealing option for budget-conscious travelers. Despite being free, it maintains a high standard of cleanliness and utility, with reviewers frequently noting that the "campgrounds were very clean" and the area "so pretty." This commitment to upkeep, even without a direct fee collection, speaks volumes about the value placed on this unique resource.

The campground's design thoughtfully accommodates its primary users – those with horse trailers – but its spacious layout benefits all types of rigs. This means even the largest RVs will find it easy to navigate and park, a significant advantage over many smaller, less accessible campgrounds. Beyond the practicalities, the atmosphere is consistently described as quiet and uncrowded, even during peak seasons like July, indicating it's a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature. With essential amenities like clean vault toilets, potable water, and individual site features, Lost Corral Horse Camp offers a surprisingly comfortable and serene camping experience that is truly hard to beat for the price (or lack thereof) in Tennessee.

Lost Corral Horse Camp is located in Delano, TN 37325, USA, within the expansive Cherokee National Forest. This puts it squarely in the heart of Southeast Tennessee's outdoor adventure hub, known for its pristine rivers, towering mountains, and vast trail systems. The exact address, while listed as Delano, is effectively a location within the national forest, emphasizing its secluded, natural setting.

Accessibility to Lost Corral is remarkably easy, a significant highlight for locals. Reviews confirm "All paved roads to the entrance, cross train tracks then nice gravel" to the actual campsites. This means even large rigs can reach the campground without difficulty, avoiding treacherous dirt roads often associated with remote camping. A particularly charming feature is the presence of the "Scenic Tennessee Valley train at the entrance with scheduled scenic rides up in the mountains and back," offering a unique landmark and potential activity right upon arrival.

Its location provides excellent proximity to key natural and recreational attractions. The majestic "Hiwassee River and all its beauty is a half mile away," offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the riverside. For equestrians, the campground is specifically designed as an entrance point to the Starr Mountain and Chestnut Mountain Horse Trails, with "Many trails nearby," some just a mile or two drive away, and at least "two near the campground" for easy access. Essential supplies are also within reach, with a "Store 2 miles away" and "Two towns 8 miles away" (likely Benton and Etowah) for more extensive provisions. Despite its wilderness feel, Lost Corral Horse Camp maintains a comfortable level of accessibility for Tennessee residents looking to explore this stunning region.

Lost Corral Horse Camp, despite its current free status, provides a robust set of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and self-sufficient camping experience. The campground features 20 spacious campsites, each thoughtfully equipped for both campers and their potential equine companions. These sites are generously sized, accommodating "any size rig," from large RVs with horse trailers to smaller vans and tents. Each individual site comes with a "picnic table" for outdoor dining, a "fire ring" for campfires (where allowed), and "lantern rings" for evening illumination. For equestrians, a "horse hitching area (high line)" is provided, emphasizing the camp's original design purpose.

Crucially, the campground offers fundamental hygiene and water access. Reviews highlight "two clean vault toilets," ensuring basic restroom facilities are available. Additionally, "potable water spigots throughout" the campground provide convenient access to drinking water, a vital amenity for any extended stay in the wilderness. While the campground now operates on a free basis, it's worth noting that it previously had a $15 per night fee, which speaks to the value of the amenities provided. The overall infrastructure, including "half circle driveways" and well-maintained gravel within the camp, contributes to an easy and functional camping experience. While it doesn't offer hookups (electric, water, sewer to individual sites), the available services are perfectly suited for self-contained camping, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the natural environment.

Services Offered:

• Spacious Campsites: 20 large, shady spots accommodating all sizes of rigs, including horse trailers.
• Individual Site Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern rings at each site.
• Horse Hitching Areas: High lines available at campsites for equine companions.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Two well-maintained, accessible restroom facilities.
• Potable Water: Spigots providing drinking water located throughout the campground.
• Easy Access Roads: All paved roads to the entrance, followed by nice gravel within the camp.
• Cell Service: Two bars of 4G Verizon signal, allowing for some connectivity.

Lost Corral Horse Camp is replete with features and highlights that make it a truly "hidden gem" for campers in Tennessee. One of its most compelling aspects is its current "free" status, which, as one reviewer noted, makes it an incredible value in the wilderness. This accessibility, combined with the presence of "Twenty large shady spots available," ensures a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, even during warmer months. The campground's design, initially for horse trailers, results in "half circle driveways" and ample space, making it exceptionally "easy to get to" and accommodate "any size rig," from large RVs to tent campers seeking roomy sites.

Beyond the practicalities, the natural surroundings are a major draw. The campground is ideally positioned as the entrance to the "Starr Mountain and Chestnut Mountain Horse Trails," offering immediate access to extensive trail systems for horseback riding and hiking. The proximity of the "Hiwassee River and all its beauty is a half mile away" provides opportunities for water activities and scenic views. A unique highlight is the "Scenic Tennessee Valley train at the entrance with scheduled scenic rides up in the mountains and back," adding a touch of nostalgic charm and an additional recreational option right at the doorstep.

The consistent praise for the "clean vault toilets" and "potable water spigots throughout" highlights the park's commitment to basic but essential comforts, which are highly valued in more rustic settings. Even with limited amenities, the tranquil environment, often described as peaceful and uncrowded, allows visitors to truly disconnect and enjoy nature. The reliable "Two bars 4G Verizon" signal is an unexpected bonus for those who need a touch of connectivity in the wilderness, balancing seclusion with practical needs. All these elements combine to create an inviting, functional, and deeply satisfying outdoor experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Currently Free: A fantastic value for a well-maintained campground.
• Spacious Sites: 20 large, shady sites accommodating all rig sizes.
• Equestrian-Friendly Design: Built for horse trailers with hitching areas, making it spacious for all.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Well-maintained and accessible.
• Potable Water Spigots: Convenient access to drinking water.
• Easy Access: Paved roads to the entrance, gentle gravel within the camp.
• Proximity to Trails: Direct access to Starr Mountain and Chestnut Mountain Horse Trails for hiking and riding.
• Nearby Hiwassee River: Scenic river just half a mile away.
• Tennessee Valley Scenic Railroad: Unique train rides available at the entrance.
• Reliable Cell Service: Two bars of 4G Verizon.
• Peaceful and Uncrowded: Offers a tranquil wilderness experience.

For your convenience, here is the contact information for Lost Corral Horse Camp:

Address: Delano, TN 37325, USA

Phone: (423) 476-9700

Mobile Phone: +1 423-476-9700

Note: As a U.S. Forest Service campground, additional information and current status may be found on the Cherokee National Forest website or Recreation.gov.

For Tennessee locals, Lost Corral Horse Camp in Delano is an outstanding choice for a true outdoor escape, particularly given its incredible value as a free campground. Its suitability stems from its balanced offering: a secluded wilderness experience combined with essential, well-maintained amenities and surprising accessibility for all types of rigs. Whether you’re an avid equestrian ready to hit the extensive Starr Mountain trails, a hiker eager to explore the beauty of the Cherokee National Forest, or simply an RVer seeking a quiet, spacious site by the Hiwassee River, Lost Corral delivers. The unique charm of the nearby Tennessee Valley scenic train adds an extra layer of local appeal. It provides a rare opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature without compromising on basic comforts or facing hefty fees. For any Tennessee resident looking to embrace the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of their home state, Lost Corral Horse Camp stands as a genuine, easily accessible, and highly recommended "gem in the wilderness."

Lost Corral Horse Camp

Delano, TN 37325, USA