Bandy Creek

4.62

1.2K reviews

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

Great Hiking

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

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$20 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$20 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bandy Creek

$20.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Individual sites range from $20-$35 depending on hookup type. Group sites cost $140, with additional charges of $3/person for groups over 26 people.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$140.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(423) 286-7275Tish_Neal@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

Bandy Creek

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

Driving directionsFor detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm.

Access from Highway 297 includes a challenging 13% downhill grade and winding curves descending into the gorge and crossing the Big South Fork River, which may be difficult for large vehicles, RVs, or those towing trailers. An alternate route via Highway 154 to Bandy Creek Road is recommended.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel can be obtained in Oneida (~15 minutes away). Firewood is available on-site through the honor system at the camp store.

Best Time to Camp at Bandy Creek

Experience the full drama of Appalachian seasons at Bandy Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, cold air perfect for invigorating hikes, while summer transforms the campground into a lush green sanctuary ideal for water adventures. Spring and fall offer the sweet spots for camping, with mild temperatures and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn foliage. Come prepared for the region's generous rainfall, which keeps the waterfalls flowing and the forests emerald green year-round.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Pool, full activity schedule and warm-weather hiking; busier and noisier in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Noted for scenic foliage and prime hiking season; highly recommended in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers good hiking, mild weather and blooming forests noted in seasonal notes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 4% in TN

Open year-round with heated bathrooms and quiet campsites; fewer activities available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 for peak pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Partial closure of Twin Arches Loop Trail for rehabilitation (as of May 2025).

About Bandy Creek

Nestled in the heart of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Bandy Creek Campground beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of modern comfort and untamed wilderness. Here, spacious campsites equipped with contemporary amenities serve as your basecamp for exploring one of the Southeast's most spectacular outdoor playgrounds. Whether you're a family seeking your first taste of the great outdoors or seasoned adventurers hunting for your next challenge, Bandy Creek delivers endless possibilities for discovery.

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

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Blue Heron Mine, where the echoes of Appalachian coal mining history come alive through haunting audio presentations voiced by the very people who once called this remote company town home. This meticulously recreated mining community stands as a testament to the grit and determination of the families who carved out a living from these rugged mountains, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into a vanished way of life that shaped the Cumberland Plateau.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Appalachian seasons at Bandy Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, cold air perfect for invigorating hikes, while summer transforms the campground into a lush green sanctuary ideal for water adventures. Spring and fall offer the sweet spots for camping, with mild temperatures and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn foliage. Come prepared for the region's generous rainfall, which keeps the waterfalls flowing and the forests emerald green year-round.

ElevationPerched on the ancient Cumberland Plateau, Bandy Creek's varied elevations create a dynamic landscape of ridges and valleys that will challenge your legs and reward your eyes. The campground's rolling terrain mirrors the dramatic topography of the surrounding wilderness, where elevation changes reveal new vistas at every turn and create diverse microclimates that support an incredible variety of plant and animal life.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a geological wonderland where time has sculpted the Cumberland Plateau into a masterpiece of stone and water. Towering sandstone cliffs frame your camping experience, while hidden arches and dramatic rock chimneys invite exploration. Crystal-clear streams cascade through dense forests of oak, hickory, and pine, creating a pristine habitat where black bears lumber through the underbrush and white-tailed deer graze in meadow clearings at dawn. This is nature's architecture at its finest, unchanged for millennia.

Geological RegionWelcome to the wild heart of the Cumberland Plateau, where the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River has carved one of the most spectacular gorges in the eastern United States. This rugged landscape tells a 300-million-year story written in layers of sandstone, where ancient seas and rivers created today's dramatic cliffs, natural arches, and rock shelters. Rocky gorges plunge into forested valleys, pristine streams dance over bedrock, and the untamed Big South Fork continues its eternal work of sculpting this magnificent wilderness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in starts at Noon.

Check-out

Official check-out ends at Noon.

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

Site layoutOrganized into loops (A, B, C, D, Group Sites). Provides separation between tent-only and RV-accessible sites.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability is limited, especially during peak seasons. Visitors may encounter problems reserving sites without online access.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, but a $10 fee applies. Late cancellations (within 1 calendar day for individual sites or 14 calendar days for group sites) incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingHiking trails start directly from the campground, leading to popular destinations like Twin Arches and Angel Falls. Trails vary in difficulty, and several are family-friendly.

FishingFishing is available along the Cumberland River, a short drive from the campground. A Tennessee or Kentucky fishing license is required.

SwimmingA swimming pool is available within the campground but operates seasonally on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

BikingThe park includes mountain biking trails accessible from the campground. Trails are well-maintained and suitable for varying skill levels.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, with opportunities for canoeing and kayaking along the Cumberland River.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife sightings include black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Visitors are advised to follow bear safety protocols.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area, and proper food storage is critical. Steep terrain and winding roads make access challenging for large vehicles.

Active AlertsPartial closure of Twin Arches Loop Trail for rehabilitation (as of May 2025).

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

Fire PolicyCampfires must be contained within designated fire rings. Burning trash is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Specific hours are enforced, generally after 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Oneida, TN, including hospitals and police stations.

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

Water FeaturesClose to streams and the Big South Fork River for fishing and non-motorized boating.

Camp HostHosts are available but reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding their helpfulness.

Weather at Bandy Creek

Reviews

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

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