How much does camping cost at Blue Heron Campground?

Camping fees at Blue Heron Campground 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 Blue Heron Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Blue Heron 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Blue Heron Campground before I book?

Yes! Blue Heron Campground has 5 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 Blue Heron Campground?

Blue Heron Campground 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 Blue Heron Campground?

Yes, Blue Heron Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Blue Heron Campground?

Cell phone service at Blue Heron Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Blue Heron Campground have?

Blue Heron Campground has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Blue Heron Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Blue Heron Campground. 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 Blue Heron Campground?

Blue Heron Campground 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.

Blue Heron Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Blue Heron Campground?

Fire policies at Blue Heron Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.40

407 reviews

4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD, ONEIDA, TN 37841, USA

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee Tent Camping Tennessee Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Blue Heron Campground

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(423) 286-7275Tish_Neal@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Blue Heron Campground

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Campground Map

4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD, ONEIDA, TN 37841, USA

Blue Heron Campground

4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD, ONEIDA, TN 37841, USA

Nearby places

Stearns, KY (approximately 9 miles)

Whitley City, KY (approximately 30 minutes)

Oneida, TN (approximately 45 minutes)

Weather at Blue Heron Campground

Current alerts(5)

A Tennessee or Kentucky fishing license is required to fish in the main river of the Big South Fork
Ay 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.
Please be advised that an approved Permit or Authorization by the superintendent is required before providing business services within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Best Time to Camp at Blue Heron Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and dramatic scenery — expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and crisp nights in the 30s–50s, with peak color typically in mid- to late-October. Trails and overlooks along the Cumberland Plateau showcase brilliant maple and oak foliage, making hiking, photography, biking, and stream fishing especially rewarding. Weekends around peak color can be busier, so book reservations early (campground open Apr 1–Nov 30) or aim for weekdays to avoid a Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular with moderate temps, fewer bugs, and good trail conditions per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to 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.

About Blue Heron Campground

Blue Heron Campground sits in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area near Oneida, Tennessee, at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Operated by the National Park Service, this mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station for both tent and RV campers. Visitors come for trail access, fishing, and biking through forested foothill terrain, with helpful hosts and clean facilities earning consistent praise.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and dramatic scenery — expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and crisp nights in the 30s–50s, with peak color typically in mid- to late-October. Trails and overlooks along the Cumberland Plateau showcase brilliant maple and oak foliage, making hiking, photography, biking, and stream fishing especially rewarding. Weekends around peak color can be busier, so book reservations early (campground open Apr 1–Nov 30) or aim for weekdays to avoid a Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation1286 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySandstone cliffs rise from deep gorges carved by the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The plateau's ancient forests mix oak and maple, creating dense canopy cover across most of the campground. Natural arches and rock formations dot the surrounding terrain, accessible via nearby trails. Wildlife sightings are common. Bear storage boxes at each site aren't decorative. The landscape sits at the intersection of rugged geology and Appalachian woodland, with clear streams cutting through layers of sedimentary rock.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay during a visit is 14 nights, with a total annual limit of 30 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of guests per site is determined by individual reservation policies.

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 through Recreation.gov, either online or via the app.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets, showers, parking, and campsites are available. Some sites are more level than others, and the campsite map provides detailed information on site lengths.

Site SizeEach site includes a gravel pad, a concrete trailer pad, and space for tents or shelters. Some sites are spacious, while others may be tight for larger RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites being close together and open, while others, like those in the back loop, offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 30 and 32 are described as more level, whereas Site 25 has a dead tree that may concern campers during storms.

Best CampsitesSites 8, 9, 10, and 11 have pond views. The back loop (sites 20-22) offers more privacy and less noise. If you're in a larger RV, check site length recommendations before booking. Some pads are tight, and the access road can be tricky.

Need help booking Blue Heron 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

Blue Heron Campground offers a mix of rustic and modern conveniences, situated in a heavily forested region of north-central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky. Notable features include spacious campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and bear-proof storage lockers. The campground has flush toilets, hot showers, and electric hookups available for each site. Campers can take advantage of a small playground, a central bathhouse, and facilities like a dump station and recycling bins.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each campsite. Lockers measure approximately 29 inches deep, 38 inches wide, and 43 inches tall.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, with wildlife-proof trash cans to prevent bear issues. Campers should dispose of garbage responsibly to avoid attracting wildlife.

Cell CoverageCell reception varies by provider, with Verizon and T-Mobile reported as functional. Wi-Fi is available near the bathhouse, though the range is limited.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

407 reviews

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a clean, moderately priced base camp for hiking and biking the Cumberland Plateau with helpful hosts nearby.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or easy access roads for large RVs.

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3.7

(77)

Bear Creek Campground - Ky

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

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.