How much does camping cost at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

Camping fees at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) 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 Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) before I book?

Yes! Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) has 37 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 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is open May 15 to September 07. 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 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) have?

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park). 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 Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

Popular activities at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

Fire policies at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park): Fires are allowed in fire rings only! Firewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. For additional information about these firewood regulations, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/f. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.55

302 reviews

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

B+Report Card

Great Hiking

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Tennessee#1 Hiking Camping Tennessee#1 Tent Camping Near Gatlinburg#3 +13 more

Quick Facts

1,700 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,700 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

865-436-1261Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Nearby places

Newport, TN (16 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive), Hartford (approximately 20 minutes drive), Gatlinburg, TN (approximately 45 minutes drive).

Driving directionsThe campground is located off I-40 Exit 451 (Waterville) and is sixteen miles east of Newport, TN. Follow Waterville Road, crossing over the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Generating Station and continue one mile to the 4-way intersection at Mt Sterling Gap. Follow signs to Big Creek. Drive up to the end of Big Creek Entrance Road, passing the Ranger Station, horse camp, group camp, and hiker parking.

Weather at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Current alerts(11)

A reservation is required to stay at Big Creek Campground. Please make your reservation before driving to the campground as cell phone coverage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very limited and there are no provisions to make a reservation once you are at the…
A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Front country campers parked at their designated campsite will not be required to have a parking tag.
Additional Park Information. For additional park information call 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm
Amenities. There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage, and excellent hiking and photography conditions — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F at Big Creek's ~1,700 ft elevation. October (mid–late) is when hardwood ridgelines and creek valleys show their brightest color, trails are dry and pleasant, and biting insects are minimal. Crowds in the Smokies rise region-wide in fall, but Big Creek's remote, 12-site walk-in layout tends to stay, Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best season: comfortable temps, peak foliage, ideal for hiking and photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is from April 18th to October 26th. Reservations can be made for the period between June 21st and October 26th.

About Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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.

Big Creek Campground is a tent-only facility with walk-in campsites designed for those seeking a traditional and peaceful camping experience. RVs and generators are not permitted, preserving the serene environment.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage, and excellent hiking and photography conditions — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F at Big Creek's ~1,700 ft elevation. October (mid–late) is when hardwood ridgelines and creek valleys show their brightest color, trails are dry and pleasant, and biting insects are minimal. Crowds in the Smokies rise region-wide in fall, but Big Creek's remote, 12-site walk-in layout tends to stay, Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,700 feet elevation in a hardwood forest along Big Creek. The creek runs clear and loud enough that several reviewers mention falling asleep to the sound of rushing water. Black bears move through regularly, and some visitors report seeing river otters in the creek. The forest canopy provides shade, and ridgelines frame the valley. Morning mist is common in the creek valley.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. This is a tent-only campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 6 people may occupy a campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov, online or through the app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground has a short walk from the parking area to the campsites, which may not be suitable for all visitors. No specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were mentioned.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious with ample room for tents. Each site includes a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and lantern pole.

PrivacyCampsites are relatively close together, but the sound of the creek helps to maintain a sense of privacy. Reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences regarding privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites close to the creek offer soothing soundscapes; however, sites are generally spacious enough to allow for privacy. Campsites #3 and #12 are particularly praised.

Best CampsitesSite #3 gets recommended for creek proximity and privacy. Site #12 is noted as peaceful. Spacing between sites is tight, but the creek noise provides acoustic separation.

Need help booking Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Creek Campground is a tent-only facility located in a remote area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campground offers flush toilets and potable water, but there are no showers or electrical, water, or sewer hookups. An emergency phone is located at the nearby ranger station, and food storage lockers are available for public use. Firewood can be purchased on-site using an honor system. The sites are walk-in, requiring campers to park in a designated lot and carry their gear to their campsite. Several user reviews mention clean bathroom facilities and well-maintained sites, though a few note occasional issues with cleanliness and maintenance.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Things to do at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Big Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The campground is directly adjacent to some of the most challenging and scenic trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and features a peaceful creek for relaxation and exploration. Visitors frequently mention the beauty of the surrounding area and the variety of activities available.

Hiking4.5/5Top 5% in Tennessee

Direct access to challenging trails (Baxter Creek Trail to Mt Sterling); hikers use it as a base.

Big Creek Campground provides access to several trails, including the challenging Baxter Creek Trail, which climbs 4,200 feet to Mt. Sterling, and the more moderate Big Creek Trail, which features a waterfall and several scenic spots. Many reviews highlight the quality and variety of the trails, with one user stating, 'The Big Creek trail was INCREDIBLE, with lots of little pit stops, steady incline, swimming hole, waterfall, all the good stuff.'

Fishing4.0/5

Big Creek praised for excellent trout fishing and spring aquatic insect hatches.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent black bear activity and reported river otters; ample wildlife viewing opportunities.

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Excellent fall foliage, creek, and scenic trails make it photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available for all campers to use, ensuring safety from wildlife like bears.

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.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in fire rings only! Firewood Restriction: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. This rule is strictly enforced. Campers may also collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. For additional information about these firewood regulations, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/f

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are provided for garbage disposal, and campers are required to use them. Some reviews mention bear activity, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management.

Cell CoverageMultiple reviews indicate that cell phone service is virtually non-existent at the campground, with one reviewer stating, 'There is zero cell reception.' However, certain nearby areas may have limited access depending on the provider.

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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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

302 reviews

Top-Rated

Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Big Creek Campground is highly praised for its serene and picturesque setting, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. However, some reviewers have noted issues with maintenance, noise from large groups, and occasional wildlife encounters.

Review Summaries

Based on 302 reviews

What Campers Love

Many campers praise the peaceful environment, the sound of the nearby creek, clean bathrooms, and access to excellent hiking trails. One reviewer stated, 'The campground is great. The rushing water...

Based on 302 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include noise from large groups, limited ranger or camp host presence, occasional maintenance issues (e.g., potholes on the access road, lack of soap in restrooms), and challenges...

Based on 302 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews frequently mention that all 12 campsites are well-maintained and offer proximity to the creek. Campsite #3 is often highlighted as a favorite by visitors. Several reviewers noted that...

Based on 302 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wagon to transport gear from the parking lot to the campsites. Prepare for potential bear activity by using the provided bear-proof storage. Waterproof your tent if rain is in the forecast....

Based on 302 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Big Creek Campground is busiest during the summer and fall months when conditions are generally favorable for outdoor activities. Spring visitors often highlight the excellent trout fishing. Fall...

Based on 302 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This has been my favorite spot for the past 22 years. What I love is that everything is the same.' - Dr. Xenan 2. 'The sound of the rushing water was the best part. I would 100% be booking again...

Based on 302 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were noted, though the short walk from the parking area to campsites may pose challenges for some visitors.

Based on 302 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times. Some reviewers noted enjoying the area with their dogs, though pets are not allowed on the trails.

Based on 302 reviews

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Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

865-436-1261Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov

Go if

You want a quieter corner of the Smokies with creek sounds, trail access, and don't mind a rough access road.

Skip if

You need consistent ranger presence, smooth roads, or want to avoid occasional bathroom maintenance issues.

Nearby Campgrounds

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

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 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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Quick Facts

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Weather at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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About Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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