Camping at Big Creek

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Big Creek Campground Map
Campground Rules and Regulations

Quick Facts

• Price per night $17.50

• Tent only campground

• Check out is 12:00pm

• Heat-treated firewood only

• Reservation Required

• Quiet Hours 10:00pm-6:00am

• Park Weather Information

Overview

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.

Tent Camping

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.

Facilities

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.

Hammock 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

Campsites are $17.50 per night for individual campsites.
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 ($80 pass).

Pets

Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Hiking in the park with pets are allowed only on the roads, Oconaluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg Trail.

Groceries, Camping Supplies, Food, and Firewood

A limited selection of groceries, camping supplies, visitor convenience items, and food and beverage service are available in the park. Please see listing for additional information.

Bundles of certified heat-treated firewood are available for sale in the communities surrounding the national park. Firewood may not be brought into the park unless it bears the USDA-APHIS-PPQ or state certification that it has been heat-treated. See Firewood FAQs page for additional information.

Late Arrival Procedures

Park campgrounds are not gated. You may check in after hours.However, please be considerate of your neighbors while setting up camp by keeping noise and light to a minimum. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM-6:00 AM. If you have forgotten your assigned site, check the Arrival List posted on the bulletin board for your name and site number.

For additional information about camping at Big Creek Campground call 423-487-2683.

Return to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campground page.