Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Photo · NPSThe place
Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Big Creek is an oasis for hiking, swimming, wildlife, fishing, and relaxation. Keep reading
Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Big Creek area offers some of the most challenging hikes within the Park. Baxter Creek trail begins near the campground and with an elevation gain of 4200' from trail head to the summit of Mt Sterling provides a strenuous work out for the strongest of hikers. The nearby Big Creek trail offers a pleasant hike along the waters of Big Creek with a beautiful waterfall along the way. Local anglers agree that Big Creek offers some of the best trout fishing in the area. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 black bear living in the park, it is not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. Facilities Big Creek Campground offers 12 TENT ONLY campsites for a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. There is an emergency phone available at the Big Creek Ranger Station located 1 mile from the campground. No generator use or recreational vehicles are allowed in Big Creek Campground. There is a food storage locker available for public use. Natural Features Located at an elevation of 1,700' Big Creek Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and a pristine mountain stream. Black Bear sightings are not uncommon and some lucky visitors may spot River Otter playing in Big Creek. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (423) 487-2683. Nearby Attractions Nearby attractions include the Cataloochee Valley, Newport, TN, Cosby Campground, Hartford Whitewater Rafting, the Appalachian Trail and the Max Patch/Pisgah National Forest.
The sites · 12
| Loop | Site | Type | Max rig | Electric | ADA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 001 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 002 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 003 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 004 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 005 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 006 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 007 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 008 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 009 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 010 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 011 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — | |
| BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) | 012 | tent only nonelectric | 18 ft | — |
Booking
Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.
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This campground sits in NC-11. This member’s public-lands record →