News Release

Campgrounds Now Open for 2024 Season

News Release Date: April 4, 2024

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area this year by camping at one of or all five campgrounds.

Each campground provides restrooms, grills, picnic tables, food storage lockers, and gravel tent pads. Other amenities at some of the campgrounds include WIFI, potable water, showers, and dump stations.

1. Alum Ford Campground has six sites available first-come first-served, for $15 per night. The Sheltowee Trace Hiking Trail passes through this campground providing access to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.
2. Blue Heron Campground has free WIFI at the kiosk. Sites 30-35, 39, 41, and 43 are $35 per night with water and 50-amp electric service. All other sites are $30 per night with water and 30-amp electric service.
3. Bear Creek Horse Camp Campground has 23 sites with two horse corrals, along with horse stalls on each site. Sites are $30 per night with water and 30-amp electric service. Campsite number nine has a new high line for horses.
4. Station Camp Campground has 21 sites that are $30 per night with water and 30-amp electric service and three sites that are $35 per night with water and 50-amp electric service. It offers the standard amenities of a bathhouse with hot water showers and free WIFI. Campsite number 12 has a new horse corral set up for use.
5. Bandy Creek Campground has 149 sites spread out among five loops and two group camps. Fees range from $20-$35 per night based on the type of campsite selected such as 50-amp electric, 30-amp electric, or no electric. The group camp starts at $140 per night for up to 25 persons and then an additional $3 per person, per night extra.

Reservations for your campsite can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777, or online at www.recreation.gov, and can be made up to six months in advance. Alum Ford Campground is currently available first-come first-served on the honor system but will join the reservation system on July 1, 2024.

Bandy Creek Loop-D, Station Camp Campground, and Alum Ford Campground are open year-round. All other locations will close December 1, 2024.

If you would like to volunteer as a campground host this season, go to www.volunteer.gov and apply. There is a minimum time commitment of two months, and a background check is required.