How much does camping cost at Big Oak Cove Campground?

Camping fees at Big Oak Cove Campground range from $3-$9/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Oak Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Oak Cove Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit Big Oak Cove Campground?

Big Oak Cove Campground is open Peak seasons were not explicitly mentioned.. 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 Big Oak Cove Campground?

Big Oak Cove Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Oak Cove Campground?

Fire policies at Big Oak Cove Campground: Specific fire policies were not articulated.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Oak Cove Campground have?

Big Oak Cove Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Oak Cove Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Big Oak Cove Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Oak Cove Campground?

Big Oak Cove Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Oak Cove Campground?

Popular activities at Big Oak Cove Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Oak Cove Campground

4.33

26 reviews

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Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

2,592 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Seasonal closures we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

2,592 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Seasonal closures we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Big Oak Cove Campground

$3.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites vary based on reservation methods: $8 if made online, $9 through the contact center, $3 for in-person reservations.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 26 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleansites

"User reviews for Big Oak Cove Campground are overwhelmingly positive, frequently mentioning the campground's cleanliness, tranquility, and proximity to the Tellico River. Many reviewers highlight the natural beauty and secluded setting."

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Campground Map

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Big Oak Cove Campground

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Nearby places

Tellico Plains (approximately 22 miles away)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies likely available in Tellico Plains, approximately 22 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Big Oak Cove Campground

Spring brings the best conditions. Daytime temps run 50-70°F, nights drop to the 30s and 40s. Wildflowers bloom and trout fishing picks up as waters cool and insect hatches begin. Crowds stay moderate except holiday weekends. Summer warms enough for swimming in river pools, with minimal rainfall. The campground closes during certain seasons. Check ahead.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for fishing and river access; comfortable temperatures noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak seasons were not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Seasonal closures were implied in user reviews, e.g., “It is gated and closed for the season. Hopefully will reopen in April 2020.”
Current Alerts: No active alerts or advisories were indicated.

About Big Oak Cove Campground

Big Oak Cove Campground sits along the Tellico River in Cherokee National Forest, about 11 miles from Tellico Plains. The campground has 11 sites available first-come, first-served for $3-9 per night. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, quiet, and quality trout fishing.

Big Oak Cove Campground supports a variety of camping preferences, though the options are basic. It is ideal for primitive tent camping and can also accommodate small RVs, as noted in user reviews. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsSpring brings the best conditions. Daytime temps run 50-70°F, nights drop to the 30s and 40s. Wildflowers bloom and trout fishing picks up as waters cool and insect hatches begin. Crowds stay moderate except holiday weekends. Summer warms enough for swimming in river pools, with minimal rainfall. The campground closes during certain seasons. Check ahead.

ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation within the rolling terrain of the Cherokee National Forest, Big Oak Cove provides the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere. The campground's position creates natural air circulation that keeps summer nights refreshingly cool and provides stunning vantage points for watching morning mist rise from the river valley.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders the Tellico River at 2,592 feet elevation, surrounded by dense hardwood and evergreen forest. The river runs clear and cool, forming pools between rocky stretches. Wildflowers appear in spring as the hardwoods leaf out. Deer move through the area, especially at dawn. The forest creates natural screening between sites.

Geological RegionBig Oak Cove rests within the magnificent Cherokee National Forest, a geological wonderland where ancient mountains meet pristine waterways. The campground showcases the region's signature feature—the cool, clear waters of the Tellico River, which has carved its path through these hills for millennia. Dense forest ecosystems thrive in this temperate mountain environment, creating a rich tapestry of biodiversity that surrounds campers with the authentic wilderness experience of the Southern Appalachians.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No check-in times were specified.

Check-out

No check-out time was specified.

Stay Limit

Stay limits were not mentioned in the authoritative information provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits were not specified in the sources.

Groups

There is no information about designated group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 11 sites are level and secluded by trees. No loop structure or spacing details available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including the app or contact center. Scan & Pay is available for first-come, first-served payments.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground is primarily first-come, first-served, with Scan & Pay options for securing a site upon physical arrival.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees vary: $10 for changes or cancellations, forfeiture of first night's fees for cancellations made after the cut-off period. No refunds permitted for Scan & Pay transactions.

AccessibilityNo detailed information about specific accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as level, with no further details on specific sizes.

PrivacySites appear to offer some privacy, as the campground is described as being 'secluded by trees,' offering a natural and peaceful setting.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations include being prepared for primitive camping conditions and fishing as a primary activity.

Need help booking Big Oak Cove Campground?

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

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Oak Cove Campground is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, offering popular activities like fishing and relaxing by the river. Located on the Tellico River, the campground is an excellent base for anglers, with reviews highlighting the quality of trout fishing. Other user reviews emphasize the peace and quiet of the setting, making it a good location for unwinding outdoors.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include limited cellular service, reliance on unpaved roads, and proximity to wildlife. Reviewers mention “camping restrooms” which may imply limited amenities.

Active AlertsNo active alerts or advisories were indicated.

Fire PolicySpecific fire policies were not articulated.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours were not detailed in the authoritative information.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Tellico Plains, though specific details on hospitals and police stations are unavailable.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details are provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located right by the Tellico River, making it ideal for fishing and enjoying river sounds.

Camp HostInformation about campground hosts was not provided.

Weather at Big Oak Cove Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

26 reviews

Recommended

Big Oak Cove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Big Oak Cove Campground are overwhelmingly positive, frequently mentioning the campground's cleanliness, tranquility, and proximity to the Tellico River. Many reviewers highlight the natural beauty and secluded setting.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Cleanliness, peaceful environment, proximity to Tellico River, quality trout fishing, and level campsites are commonly praised.

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are evident, though one review expressed a wish for the campground to remain tent-only.

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite due to the first-come, first-served policy. Download the Recreation.gov mobile app before arriving since cell service may be limited.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is closed during winter, reopening in April. Summer and fall are noted as ideal times for enjoying fishing and the river.

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'My Boyfriend & I absolutely l❤️VE this campground. It's literally our favorite camping spot...very clean.' - Rhonda Rymer 2. 'Primitive camping but small RVs ok. Good trout fishing in Tellico...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are described as level and adjacent to the river, enhancing the camping experience. There is no detailed information about individual site numbers.

Based on 26 reviews