Big Creek Campground
35.7501, -83.1114 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Big Creek Campground is located beside the beautiful Big Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,700 feet (518 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Tent-only camping, flush toilets, and drinking water available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
- Every day
- All Day
Big Creek Campground closes seasonally. See exceptions for exact dates of operation.
- Closed · Oct 25, 2026 – May 15, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Camping Fee is per site, per night.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Campsite reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance.
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Campground is not ADA accessible.
Campground is not ADA accessible. Sites are tent-only, requiring a short walk from the parking area. Restrooms are accessible.
Fires are permitted only in established fire rings provided at each campsite.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
This campground is in the mountains and weather can rapidly change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. Be prepared with layers and rain gear in all seasons.
All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be sealed in a vehicle or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or as otherwise directed, at all times when not in use. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings. You may collect dead and downed wood in the park for campfires. Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park. Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am. Generator use is prohibited 8 pm-8 am. Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. You may have up to six people per campsite. No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces. All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.
Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Located at an elevation of 1,700' Big Creek Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and a pristine mountain stream. Black Bear sightings are not uncommon and some lucky visitors may spot River Otter playing in Big Creek. Big Creek Campground offers 12 tent-only campsites for a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. All campsites are drive-up and allow a maximum of two vehicles. Each campsite allows a maximum of six people and tents must be on tent pads; plan accordingly. Check out time is 12:00 p.m. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. There is an emergency phone available at the Big Creek Ranger Station located 1 mile from the campground. No generator use or recreational vehicles are allowed in Big Creek Campground. There is a food storage locker available for public use. Hammocks are allowed in the campground with the following guidelines: Must be over the footprint of the campsite, limited to trees 10 inches in diameter with adequate padding around the tree and only 2 hammocks are allowed to be suspended from the same tree. Reservations for campsites at Big Creek Campground can be made 6 months prior to your arrival date online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Reservations are required to camp in this campground. Owners of an Interagency Senior/Golden Age or Interagency Access/Access Pass receive a 50% discount on individual campsites. There is no discount on group sites. There is no discount on camping fees for an Interagency Annual Pass.
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Drive to Big Creek Campground
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