Is Big Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Creek Campground has 20 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 Big Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground is open Open from May 19 to October 27. Closed from October 28 to May 18.. 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 Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Big Creek Campground have?

Big Creek Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Big Creek 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 Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Creek Campground

4.45

53 reviews

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Camping Near Asheville

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,700 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open from May 19 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

1,700 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open from May 19 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-486-5910GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Big Creek Campground

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Campground Map

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

Big Creek Campground

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

Nearby places

Gatlinburg: approximately 36 miles away, about 50 minutes of driving time.

Weather at Big Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm weather and full access to Big Creek's swimming holes, trout fishing, and long hikes—expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24–29°C) and cool nights in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C). The forest is at its greenest and the creek is comfortably swimmable after early-morning or late-afternoon thunderstorms; water-based activities and long day hikes are at their peak. Expect moderate to high crowds on holiday weekends and summer Saturdays, so reserve a Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; creek warms by June for swimming, mild daytime temps but afternoon storms possible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from May 19 to October 27. Closed from October 28 to May 18.

About Big Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering tent-only sites along a trout stream near Gatlinburg. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground attracts visitors seeking swimming holes, creek access, and trailhead proximity without RV traffic. The setting emphasizes quiet and seclusion, with flush toilets, potable water, and standard fire rings at each site.

Big Creek Campground is exclusively a tent-only facility, offering a serene and remote camping experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It caters to individuals and families seeking a rustic escape without the amenities commonly associated with RV or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm weather and full access to Big Creek's swimming holes, trout fishing, and long hikes—expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24–29°C) and cool nights in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C). The forest is at its greenest and the creek is comfortably swimmable after early-morning or late-afternoon thunderstorms; water-based activities and long day hikes are at their peak. Expect moderate to high crowds on holiday weekends and summer Saturdays, so reserve a Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBig Creek cuts through the campground at 1,700 feet elevation, its clear water pooling into swimming holes between stretches of whitewater. Hardwoods and evergreens shade the sites, with rhododendron and mountain laurel crowding the understory. The campground sits in a narrow valley with ridges rising on both sides. Trails lead to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls within a few miles. The forest here is typical Smokies dense canopy, with constant creek noise and good wildlife viewing opportunities.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available; the campground is designed exclusively for tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned as being available at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations required and can be made up to six months in advance on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground is not ADA accessible. All sites require a short walk from the parking area, and while the restrooms are accessible, the terrain and setup may be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and include designated tent pads.

PrivacyThe campsites are generally well-spaced, providing a degree of privacy, with some reviewers noting a secluded and peaceful atmosphere.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are tent-only and located close to Big Creek. Visitors recommend choosing any site for creekside ambiance.

Best CampsitesAll 12 sites sit close to Big Creek, so you'll hear the water from any of them. Reviews don't call out specific site numbers, but campers note the spacing provides decent privacy and most sites have designated tent pads.

Amenities available

Big Creek Campground offers basic amenities suitable for tent camping in a remote and scenic setting along Big Creek. The campground features flush toilets and potable water (both seasonal), and each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. There are no showers, electricity, or cell phone reception at the campground, and firewood or ice are not available for purchase on-site. Trash and recycling collection is available seasonally.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming in nearby natural water features. Visitors praise the availability of trails starting directly from the campground and the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 Big Creek Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.5

53 reviews

Recommended

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

The majority of user reviews praise Big Creek Campground for its scenic beauty, peaceful environment, and proximity to excellent hiking trails. However, some users expressed concerns about maintenance issues such as trash and unauthorized fires, as well as construction disturbances during certain periods.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the serene and secluded atmosphere, spacious campsites, clean bathrooms, and the opportunities for hiking, swimming, and relaxing by the creek. Many appreciate the lack of RVs and the...

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Recent construction and maintenance activities disrupted some stays, with complaints about noise and early morning disturbances. Some users also noted a lack of ranger presence, leading to litter and...

Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no specific site numbers mentioned in user reviews. However, all 12 sites are described as spacious and well-maintained with easy access to Big Creek.

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring swim gear for the natural swimming spots, pack all necessary supplies as there is no camp store, and be prepared for a short walk to the campsites from the parking area. Plan to arrive during...

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews emphasize the lush natural beauty and hiking opportunities during spring and summer. Complaints during the fall include construction disturbances and maintenance issues, while winter...

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the best campgrounds. All campsites are by the Big Creek and are all well maintained." - Weekend Adventures. "What I love is that everything is the same. Picnic tables, fire rings, other...

Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is not ADA accessible, as all sites require a short walk from the parking area and the terrain may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are mentioned in one review, suggesting pets may be allowed, but no official confirmation is provided in the source materials.

Based on 53 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet, tent-only experience with creek swimming and trailhead access in the Smokies.

Skip if

You need RV hookups, on-site hosts, or guaranteed freedom from occasional construction noise.

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Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Big Creek Campground sits in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accessed via a remote road that filters out casual visitors. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground offers tent and primitive sites along Big Creek, with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store. Hikers use it as a base for trails into the park's backcountry, and anglers fish the creek for trout.