How much does camping cost at Bandy Creek?

Camping fees at Bandy Creek range from $20-$140/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bandy Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Bandy Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bandy Creek before I book?

Yes! Bandy Creek has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bandy Creek?

Bandy Creek is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bandy Creek?

Yes, Bandy Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Bandy Creek?

Cell phone service at Bandy Creek is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bandy Creek have?

Bandy Creek has 232 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bandy Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bandy Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bandy Creek?

Bandy Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bandy Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bandy Creek?

Fire policies at Bandy Creek: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.62

1.2K reviews

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

Top 20% in TNFall

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Tennessee#3 Summer Camping Tennessee Best Campgrounds Tennessee +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$20 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$20 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Bandy Creek

$20.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $140.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-206349: $35.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$140.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(423) 286-7275Tish_Neal@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bandy Creek

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Campground Map

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

Bandy Creek

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

Nearby places

Oneida (8 miles, ~15 minutes), Jamestown (~25 miles, ~40 minutes)

Weather at Bandy Creek

Current alerts(8)

A Tennessee or Kentucky fishing license is required to fish in the main river of the Big South Fork.
Any group larger than 25 persons wishing to participate in any activity in the park in which members of the group will depart from an established road and/or parking area must first obtain a permit for such activity.
Black bears and other wildlife frequent this campground. Please keep in mind that “food” to a bear includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging.
Important Travel Advisory for Visitors to Bandy Creek Campground If you are traveling from Oneida, TN to Bandy Creek Campground via Highway 297, please be aware that this route includes a 13% downhill grade and winding curves as it descends into the gorge and crosses the Big…

Best Time to Camp at Bandy Creek

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular scenery — daytime highs are typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (≈13–24°C) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F (≈0–10°C). October (peak foliage) paints the sandstone cliffs and forested valleys in bright golds, reds, and oranges, making hikes, overlooks, and photography especially rewarding; fishing and paddling are excellent with lower summer watercraft traffic. Trails and campsites are generally less buggy and slightly (但 Peak months: October, September, November, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in TN

October peak foliage against sandstone cliffs; reviewers call fall the best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Bandy Creek

Bandy Creek is a National Park Service campground in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area near Oneida, Tennessee. Situated in the Cumberland Plateau foothills, it serves as a base camp for exploring sandstone gorges, river trails, and forested valleys. The campground offers electric and water hookups, hot showers, and a camp store alongside tent sites, primitive walk-ins, and group options.

Bandy Creek offers a range of camping options including primitive sites, full-hookup RV sites, and group camping areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular scenery — daytime highs are typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (≈13–24°C) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F (≈0–10°C). October (peak foliage) paints the sandstone cliffs and forested valleys in bright golds, reds, and oranges, making hikes, overlooks, and photography especially rewarding; fishing and paddling are excellent with lower summer watercraft traffic. Trails and campsites are generally less buggy and slightly (但 Peak months: October, September, November, May

Elevation1581 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cumberland Plateau's sandstone geology dominates the landscape here at 1,581 feet elevation. Forested valleys of oak, hickory, and pine surround the campground, and the Big South Fork has carved dramatic cliffs and rock shelters into the plateau over 300 million years. Crystal-clear streams run over exposed bedrock. Black bears and white-tailed deer move through the woods. Many campsites back up to trees or face wooded areas, though you're still in a developed campground rather than deep wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not have traditional lodges, but there are designated group campsites and stables for equestrian campers.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground hosts occasional ranger-led programs and special events like the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights stay during each visit
maximum 30 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number varies by site type.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and include a pavilion and fire circle.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, flush toilets, and showers. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and ramps.

Site SizeSites are spacious and level. Specific mentions note that some sites can accommodate large RVs, but the campground as a whole can be tight for very large rigs in certain loops.

PrivacyCampsites are generally well-spaced, providing good privacy. Many sites are surrounded by trees or face wooded areas.

Total Campsites232 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers prefer Loop A for peace and quiet. Families often choose Loop D for access to playgrounds and bathhouses.

Best CampsitesLoop A holds the tent-only sites, favored by reviewers for privacy and a quieter feel. Loop D offers spacious sites near the modern bathhouses and other amenities. Some sites handle large RVs, but certain loops get tight for very large rigs. If you're driving something oversized, approach from the west via Jamestown to avoid steep grades on the eastern route.

Need help booking Bandy Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bandy Creek Campground at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is designed to offer a blend of traditional camping experiences alongside modern amenities. Clean and spacious facilities are a hallmark of the campground, with multiple user reviews emphasizing the cleanliness of bathhouses and the overall maintenance of the campground. Common amenities include flush toilets, showers, electricity hookups, and picnic tables. Specific campsite features such as tent pads and bear-proof food storage lockers are also noted.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Bandy Creek Campground is an activity-rich destination offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include historic sites like Mine 18 and scenic river trails.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredLockers are bear-proof, approximately 29" deep x 38" wide x 43" tall.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling and trash facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground. Bear-proof bins are available.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies by provider, with some users experiencing limited connectivity. Wi-Fi is available at the camp store and visitor center.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bandy Creek

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From Booking Sources

4.6

1.2K reviews

Top-Rated

Bandy Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Bandy Creek is highly rated for its cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and access to outdoor activities. Some issues were noted with overcrowding during peak times and occasional maintenance lapses.

Review Summaries

Based on 1180 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1180 reviews.

Loop DLoved
Loop D is frequently praised for privacy and large sites.
Loop ALoved
Loop A is noted for its quiet, tent-only section.

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights the clean facilities, spacious campsites, and variety of activities. Many reviewers mentioned excellent hiking trails and the well-maintained bathhouses.

Based on 1180 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited staff presence, occasional noise disturbances, and issues with the reservation system. Some users noted problems with water spigots not staying open and power outages.

Based on 1180 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a water shutoff tool for spigots, and consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds. Approach from the west (Jamestown) if driving a large RV due to steep grades on the eastern access route.

Based on 1180 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere and heated bathrooms. Summer reviews frequently mention the pool and increased activity levels. Fall is noted for its scenic foliage.

Based on 1180 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The bathrooms were the cleanest and best-maintained I've seen at any campground' — User, Loop D. 'Hiking to Twin Arches was an unforgettable experience' — User, Loop A.

Based on 1180 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users with mobility issues appreciated the wheelchair-accessible restrooms and the flat, accessible trails.

Based on 1180 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and users noted the inclusion of bear-proof food storage for added safety.

Based on 1180 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want maintained facilities and hot showers while exploring sandstone cliffs, river trails, and fall foliage in a national recreation area.

Skip if

You're seeking solitude during peak season or prefer primitive camping without hookup neighbors.

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Campgrounds

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Bandy Creek

About Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding Bandy Creek, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

Directions

Please use the following link to learn more about how to get here from various locations.