Blue Heron Campground

Star4.42
407 reviews
4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD, ONEIDA, TN 37841, USA

Quick Facts

1,286 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Blue Heron Campground
$30.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground has peak season nightly rates ranging from $30 to $35 for standard electric sites. Fees do not include taxes, discounts, or...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(423) 286-7275Tish_Neal@nps.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 407 reviews

156 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleansites

"Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Many campers appreciated the spacious sites and convenient amenities, though some noted issues with site privacy and outdated shower facilities. The wildlife presence and natural beauty were widely praised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD, ONEIDA, TN 37841, USA

Blue Heron Campground

4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD, ONEIDA, TN 37841, USA

Driving directionsFor detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm
The road leading to the campground is described as windy and curvy. Some rigs may have difficulty navigating the access road due to its narrowness and the steep grades.
Nearby places
Stearns, KY (approximately 9 miles)
Whitley City, KY (approximately 30 minutes)
Oneida, TN (approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies are available at Kroger, located approximately 10 miles north. Whitley City also offers additional options for fuel, firewood, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Blue Heron Campground

Experience the dynamic beauty of four distinct seasons at Blue Heron. Winter arrives with crisp, dry air and crystalline skies perfect for stargazing, while spring awakens the forest with moderate temperatures and vibrant wildflowers. Summer brings warm days ideal for river adventures, though occasional heavy rainfall can transform the landscape into a lush, misty wonderland. The ever-changing humidity throughout the year creates dramatic morning fogs and stunning atmospheric conditions that photographers and nature lovers cherish.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and active in summer with wildlife and activities, but busier weekends and more bugs noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is popular for moderate temps and scenic foliage; reviewers recommend spring/fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring popular for mild temps and awakening forest; reviewers cite spring as a top season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Dec–Mar; limited staffing in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 01 - November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from April 1 to November 30. Reservations are required, and booking windows operate on a rolling basis.
  • Current Alerts: Six campsites are closed due to bear activity during spring.

About Blue Heron Campground

Nestled within the breathtaking Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Blue Heron Campground offers the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and modern comfort. This expansive retreat invites you to immerse yourself in nature's splendor while enjoying the convenience of flush toilets, hot showers, and electric hookups. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape among towering trees or a basecamp for outdoor exploration, Blue Heron delivers an authentic camping experience without sacrificing essential amenities.
Accommodations at Blue Heron Campground are suited for both RV and tent camping. The sites are designed to cater to traditional camping experiences with a few modern amenities.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly provided.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay during a visit is 14 nights, with a total annual limit of 30 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Blue Heron Campground serves as a gateway to numerous recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and exploring nearby historical sites. The area is also home to diverse wildlife and scenic natural features.
HikingNumerous trails are accessible nearby, ranging in difficulty. Highlights include hikes to Princess Falls, Yahoo Falls, and Split Bow Arch. Some trails can be accessed from the campground itself.
FishingFishing is allowed in the Big South Fork River, a short drive away. A Tennessee or Kentucky fishing license is required.
BikingBiking opportunities are available on trails and roads surrounding the campground. Moderate traffic makes biking a pleasant experience.
Wildlife viewingWildlife frequently observed includes black bears, which are a notable concern, as well as smaller animals such as frogs and crickets near the pond.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNearby attractions include the Blue Heron Mining Camp, where visitors can listen to recordings from 1950s inhabitants, and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot in Stearns, KY.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area, especially during spring. Visitors should secure all scented items in bear-proof lockers or vehicles. Copperhead snakes and falling tree limbs are additional hazards.
Active AlertsSix campsites are closed due to bear activity during spring.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each campsite. Lockers measure approximately 29 inches deep, 38 inches wide, and 43 inches tall.

Weather at Blue Heron Campground

Reviews

4.4
407 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Blue Heron Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Many campers appreciated the spacious sites and convenient amenities, though some noted issues with site privacy and outdated shower facilities. The wildlife presence and natural beauty were widely praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 407 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently mentioned the clean facilities, quiet environment, and scenic surroundings. The campground hosts received commendations for their helpfulness. Highlights like the proximity to...
Show more
Based on 407 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included closely spaced sites, unlevel terrain for some RVs, lack of firewood sales, and occasional issues with Wi-Fi. The absence of a camp host during the late season and concerns about...
Show more
Based on 407 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood and supplies due to the remote location and using the bear storage boxes provided. Sites in the back loop are quieter and more private. Checking the site length...
Show more
Based on 407 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer sees more wildlife activity and occasional crowding on weekends. Winter offers peace and quiet but limited...
Show more
Based on 407 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Hands down one of the best campgrounds we've stayed at.” - Brian McManus “Bathrooms were always clean and showers were hot.” - Jamie Wilhelm “Campground host went above and beyond to make our stay...
Show more
Based on 407 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 29 received praise for being near the bathhouse. Sites 20-22 in the back loop are noted for their privacy. Sites near the pond, such as 8-12, offer scenic views but may attract insects.
Based on 407 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities are appreciated, though some campers found certain sites challenging for larger rigs. The detailed site map was helpful for planning.
Based on 407 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but campers are reminded to manage barking dogs as noise can disturb others. The campground's spacious layout is beneficial for pet owners.
Based on 407 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Blue Heron Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Tennessee

Campgrounds
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Blue Heron Campground