How much does camping cost at Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

Camping fees at Bear Creek Campground - Ky range from $30-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear Creek Campground - Ky first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Creek Campground - Ky 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 Bear Creek Campground - Ky before I book?

Yes! Bear Creek Campground - Ky has 4 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 Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

Bear Creek Campground - Ky is open April 01 to November 30. 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 Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

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

How many campsites does Bear Creek Campground - Ky have?

Bear Creek Campground - Ky has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Creek Campground - Ky. 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 Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

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

What activities can I do at Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

Popular activities at Bear Creek Campground - Ky include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Creek Campground - Ky

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

Fire policies at Bear Creek Campground - Ky: Firewood Quarantine: The possession of any firewood originating from any location for which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect is prohibited. The movement of firewood into the park from counties adjacent to the park for which a federal or state quarantine is in place is permitted. Firewood which bears a USDA or a state certificate is allowed. The National Park Service STRONGLY discourages the movement of firewood from one location to another. Help protect the park and chose to b. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.74

77 reviews

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,306 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

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

1,306 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Creek Campground - Ky

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

50 amp service: $35.00; EQUESTRIAN ELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(423) 286-7275

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bear Creek Campground - Ky

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Campground Map

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

Bear Creek Campground - Ky

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

Nearby places

Oneida, TN - Approximately 8 miles

Weather at Bear Creek Campground - Ky

Current alerts(5)

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.
Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced!
Horses or other members of the Equidae family being transported into or through the park from out of state shall be accompanied by a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) (Coggins) conducted not more than twelve (12) months prior to entering the state as well as proof…

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Campground - Ky

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic sandstone-cliff foliage, and stable trail conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low 70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F. Leaf color peaks in October, making hiking, mountain biking, and horseback rides especially scenic, while mosquitoes and humidity drop noticeably. Expect moderate crowds on prime weekends for leaf-peeping; midweek visits deliver quieter trails and easy parking at the horse camp. Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

October peak leaf color, mild temps, and fewer mosquitoes; reviewers favor fall.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from April 1 to November 30 during peak season.

About Bear Creek Campground - Ky

Bear Creek Campground sits in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area near Oneida, Tennessee, operated by the National Park Service in scenic foothill terrain. This small campground offers electric and water hookups alongside tent sites, with heated bathhouses and a dump station serving as base camp for exploring dramatic sandstone cliffs and backcountry trails. Reviewers praise spacious, private sites and accessible facilities, though trail maintenance and quiet hours enforcement can be inconsistent.

Bear Creek Horse Camp accommodates both RV and tent campers. Sites are equipped with modern facilities and tie stalls for horses.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic sandstone-cliff foliage, and stable trail conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low 70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F. Leaf color peaks in October, making hiking, mountain biking, and horseback rides especially scenic, while mosquitoes and humidity drop noticeably. Expect moderate crowds on prime weekends for leaf-peeping; midweek visits deliver quieter trails and easy parking at the horse camp. Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation1306 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cumberland Plateau's sandstone cliffs and deep gorges form the backdrop here at 1,306 feet elevation. Ancient rivers carved through layers of stone, creating natural arches and hidden valleys across the forested terrain. Mature shade trees cover the camp itself. The surrounding area offers dramatic drops, rocky outcroppings, and creek crossings. October brings peak fall color to the hardwood canopy. Maples and hickories turning scarlet and gold against the sandstone walls.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights, and 30 nights total at the campground within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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

AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair friendly, with accessible bathrooms, showers, and campsite features like ramps.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with room for trailers and vehicles. They are flat and well-graveled.

PrivacySites offer a sense of privacy due to their spacing and the presence of mature shade trees.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 011 offers a large and flat area with clean facilities and corrals. Site 013 is recommended for its well-maintained amenities and shaded location.

Best CampsitesSites 011 and 013 get mentioned for size, cleanliness, and proximity to the bathhouse. All sites include tie-stalls, though some reviews note stall maintenance varies.

Need help booking Bear Creek Campground - Ky?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Bear Creek Horse Camp offers a combination of traditional woods camping and modern conveniences. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, electric and water hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Tie stalls for horses are available at each site, and drinking water is accessible throughout the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a range of recreational opportunities, including horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions enhance the experience, such as the Blue Heron Mine outdoor museum.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredLockers measure approximately 29" deep x 38" wide x 43" tall and are designed to store items with food odors to deter wildlife.

Fire PolicyFirewood Quarantine: The possession of any firewood originating from any location for which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect is prohibited. The movement of firewood into the park from counties adjacent to the park for which a federal or state quarantine is in place is permitted. Firewood which bears a USDA or a state certificate is allowed. The National Park Service STRONGLY discourages the movement of firewood from one location to another. Help protect the park and chose to b

Trash & RecyclingUsers mention the availability of bear-proof dumpsters for proper trash disposal. Proper garbage disposal rules are strictly enforced to prevent bear activity.

Cell CoverageUser reviews do not provide specific feedback on cell phone service availability.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

3.7

77 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bear Creek Campground - Ky has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, highlighting excellent facilities and cleanliness but expressing concerns about maintenance of horse stalls and trails. The location is praised for its peace, spacious sites, and access to trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 77 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 77 reviews.

Site 011Loved
Site 011: Mixed reviews; praised for cleanliness and spaciousness but criticized for poorly maintained trails.
Site 002Loved
Site 002: Described as quiet and well-maintained.
Site 013Issues noted
Site 013: Complaints about loud neighbors and lack of quiet hours.

What Campers Love

Clean and heated bathrooms with good accessibility, spacious and private sites, great trails for hiking and horseback riding, picnic tables and fire rings at each site, and friendly rangers.

Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues with horse stalls, poorly maintained trails with mud and rocks, inconsistent enforcement of rules by rangers, and lack of quiet hours enforcement.

Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own buckets for water and feed, use horse shoes or boots for rocky trails, ensure proper food storage to prevent bear encounters, and prepare for self-sufficiency as the area is remote.

Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal times for camping due to mild weather and stunning fall foliage. Summer reviews mention increased mosquito and tick activity.

Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were spotless and heated, hot water was very hot, water pressure was great." - Leandra Collier. "Trails were a lot of fun, but I’d recommend shoes on your horses for rocks and gravel." -...

Based on 77 reviews