• Angel Falls Rapid on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River

    Big South Fork

    National River & Recreation Area KY,TN

  • Whitewater

    Big South Fork of the Cumberland River is free-flowing with no dam controls. Check the river gauge readings before your river trip. Heavy rains can cause flooding and make river use dangerous. Always use a personal flotation device when on the river. More »

  • Steep Road Grade

    There is a 13% grade for an approximate 5 mile stretch on Highway 297 between Bandy Creek Road on the west of the river and Headquarters on the east side. This is called the gorge. Use caution when traveling with recreational campers or horse trailers. More »

  • Firewood Quarantine

    Firewood Ban is in effect for the park. Only firewood from the surrounding counties of Scott, Morgan, Pickett, and Fentress in Tennessee and McCreary in Kentucky can be brought into the park. Firewood is for sale or you may use dead and down wood. More »

  • Black Bears

    Black bears are found within this area. Store all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly when in the campgrounds or when using the backcountry. More »

Camping Fees

BANDY CREEK CAMPGROUND                       Make a Reservation
HOOK UP SITES
 96 SITES
 $22.00/NIGHT* 6 PERSON MAX
NON-HOOK UP SITES
 49 SITES
 $19.00/NIGHT* 6 PERSON MAX
GROUP SITES
 2 SITES
 $75.00/NIGHT UP TO 25 PEOPLE
For groups with more than 25 persons, there is an extra $3.00* per person per night fee that is collected at the campground.

BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND                          Make a Reservation
ALL HOOK-UP SITES
 45 SITES
 $17.00/NIGHT* 6 PERSON MAX

ALUM FORD CAMPGROUND Available First Come-First Serve only
ALL SITES
 6 SITES
 $5.00/NIGHT* 6 PERSON MAX

CAMPGROUND FACILITY USE BY NON-CAMPERS
DUMP STATION
 $5.00/VEHICLE*
SHOWERS $2.00/PERSON*
F LOOP PICNIC SHELTER (DAY USE ONLY)
 $10.00/DAY*

*HOLDERS OF GOLDEN AGE/ACCESS PASSPORTS OR INTERAGENCY SENIOR/ACCESS PASS PAY ONLY HALF THE FEE.

Campground reservations for sites within Big South Fork can also be made through National Recreation Reservation Service by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations may be made up to 240 days in advance with the exception of group camp which can be reserved up to 360 days in advance.
  • Horseback Riding Horseback Riding

    Bring your horse: Be part of Big South Fork's equestrian tradition Read More

  • Recreation.gov Recreation.gov

    Go to this website to make a camping reservation Read More

  • Camping Options Camping Options

    Big South Fork offers developed, primitive, and equestrian sites Read More

  • Backcountry Permit Backcountry Permit

    Permits are required to camp overnight along the trails Read More

Did You Know?

Hikers admire spring wildflowers near Charit Creek.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has over 150 miles of maintained hiking trails available for your enjoyment.  Trails range from short, one mile loops to long multi-day hikes through the rugged backcountry. More...