Big South Fork Proposes to Add Bear Creek Horse Camp to Fee Program

Date: November 25, 2014
Contact: Letitia Neal, 423-569-9778
Contact: Matt Hudson, 423-346-6294

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is proposing to manage the Bear Creek Horse Camp under the park's fee program. The campground is currently operated under aconcessions contract which is due to expire at the end of this year. The park intends to use the change as an opportunity to promote public awareness and use of the facility and to highlight the wealth of recreational opportunities which are available in the Kentucky section of the park.

The Bear Creek Horse Camp is located approximately seven and a half miles from Stearns, Kentucky, and contains 23 campsites with electric and water hookups as well as tie-out stalls for horses. There are a bathhouse with hot water showers and flush toilets, an outdoor amphitheater, and a dump station on site. A horse trail encircles the campground and provides access to some of the most beautiful backcountry areas of the park.

The proposed fee rate is $28.00 per night with no additional charges for horses. The proposed rate is based on fee comparability studies conducted earlier this fall involving similar operations as well as the current concessions rates.

Through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, revenue generated from this campground will be reinvested in the maintenance and upkeep of the area. The campground will also benefit from being added to the Reserve America nationwide reservation system allowing visitors to be able to make reservations on line. The park hopes to recruit a campground host to increase the level of staffing for the facility. Together, these improvements will make the campground and surrounding area more visible, accessible and attractive to the visiting public.

If you have any comments or questions about the proposed action to add Bear Creek Horse Camp to the fee program, contact the park's superintendent by writing Big South Fork Superintendent, 4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, by calling [phone], or by emailing the park at [e-mail].