Big Creek Campground

Twelve tent-only sites on a remote creek at 1,700 feet. Fire ring and tent pad at each site. Flush toilets and water spigots available seasonally (May–October). No hookups, no showers, no distractions—just the Big Three: water, fire, sleep.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Up to 6 months in advance
Reservation Tips: Set calendar alert for exactly 6 months before your dates. Weekend sites fill within hours of opening. Book immediately or plan weekday/shoulder-season visits.
Season Dates: May 16 – October 24 (closed November through May)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Up to 6 months in advance
Reservation Tips: Set calendar alert for exactly 6 months before your dates. Weekend sites fill within hours of opening. Book immediately or plan weekday/shoulder-season visits.
Season Dates: May 16 – October 24 (closed November through May)
Fills Up Speed: Books quickly during peak season (May–August)
Per Night Cost: $30 per site per night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Included in camping fee
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful annual pass ($80)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 12
Site Types: Tent-only
Site Type Breakdown: 12 tent-only sites
RV Max Length: Not permitted
Group Sites Available: 0
Hookups: No hookups (dry camping only)
Site Features: Fire ring, tent pad
Ground Type: Tent pads (composition not specified in NPS data)
Site Privacy: Moderate (natural spacing and vegetation between sites)

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets (seasonal, May–October)
Showers Available: No showers
Potable Water: Seasonal spigots (May–October)
Dump Station: No on-site dump station
Trash Service: Seasonal trash and recycling collection (May–October)
Camp Store: No camp store on-site
Firewood Availability: Dead and downed wood available on-site. Only USDA heat-treated, bundled, certified firewood allowed from outside. Firewood sales: No.
Cell Service: No cell signal (download offline maps)
Nearby Facilities: Newport, TN (supplies, limited services). Gatlinburg, TN (larger town, ~30 min away).

Access

Road Type: Unpaved
Road Conditions: Unpaved forest roads passable in all-weather conditions for standard vehicles
Vehicle Restrictions: No RVs or trailers. Maximum 2 motor vehicles per site.
Clearance Needed: Standard (unpaved but well-maintained)
Gate Hours: Seasonally open (May 16 – October 24)
Nearest Gas Services: Newport, TN (nearest town, distance unknown)
Elevation: 1,700 feet (518 m)
Accessibility: Campground is not ADA accessible. Tent-only sites require walking from parking area. Restroom building is wheelchair accessible.
ADA Accessible Sites: Zero accessible sites. Campground is not ADA accessible (tent-only, walk-in access). Restroom building is wheelchair accessible.

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: All food and equipment used for food prep/storage must be sealed in vehicles or solid, non-pliable containers at all times when not in use. Strict bear country rules.
Fire Restrictions: Campfires permitted only in provided fire rings
Generator Hours: 8 am – 8 pm (prohibited 8 pm – 8 am)
Quiet Hours: 10 pm – 6 am
Max Stay Limit: 14 consecutive days
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Fishing (trout), hiking, creek wading
Trailheads Nearby: Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls, Porters Creek Trail, and numerous other trails accessible from nearby areas
Fishing Details: Trout fishing in Big Creek. Tennessee fishing license required.
Wildlife Viewing: Black bears (maintain 100-yard distance), wild turkeys, deer
Stargazing Quality: Good (remote location, minimal light pollution)
Shade Coverage: Full canopy (mixed hardwood and evergreen forest)
Scenic Views: Mountain forest, creek views
Noise Level: Quiet (creek sounds, minimal traffic)
Best Time To Visit: May–June and September–October (mild temperatures, fewer insects, excellent foliage)
Vibe Check: This is backcountry camping, not a resort campground. No hookups, no showers, no vehicle traffic on camp paths. Perfect for self-reliant tent campers seeking creek-side solitude. Wrong for RV owners or comfort seekers.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: Tent campers who value solitude, don't need showers, and can navigate unpaved roads. Self-sufficient families, experienced backpackers. ❌ SKIP IF: RV owners, trailer users, anyone expecting hookups, showers, or modern amenities. Not wheelchair-accessible.
Tips Advice: Arrive early May or September for mild weather and fewer bugs
Bring USDA heat-treated firewood—on-site gathering often insufficient
Cook and eat fast, store everything in your vehicle (strict bear rules)
Check weather forecast; mountain storms develop quickly
Creek water is cold—a bracing morning swim beats no shower house
Tent pads are level—simple setup
Stake your tent well (high winds possible in exposed spots)

More details

Park Area: Remote creek valley, eastern park entrance
Sites Tent Only: 12
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families comfortable with basic amenities. Walk-in camp sites prevent vehicle traffic. Creek access appeals to kids. Limited facilities require self-reliance and advance planning.
Boat Launch: No boat launch (hand-carry creek access for wading only)
Nearby Attractions: Deep Creek Waterfalls, Cataloochee Valley, Oconaluftee River Trail
Terrain Type: Mountainous creek-side, forested
Temperature Ranges: Summer highs 75–80°F, lows 55–60°F. Winter highs 40–45°F, lows 25–30°F.
Snow Season: Light snow possible December–February (rare)
Monsoon Season: Summer thunderstorms common July–August
Wind Exposure: Protected (creek valley location reduces wind exposure)
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak July–August (bring insect repellent)
Setup Strategy: Drive unpaved forest road to assigned site (all-weather OK for standard vehicles). Park vehicle. Carry gear to tent pad. Every site has a fire ring. Pitch tent on the pad—they're level, no blocks needed.
Bath Laundry Recon: No showers or laundry facilities on-site. Seasonal flush toilets only. Cold creek bathing is an option but bring baby wipes or towels for quick cleanup.
Review Summary: Remote creek-side location appeals to tent campers seeking solitude. Small 12-site capacity means quick summer fill-ups, but shoulder-season visits offer quiet camping and uninterrupted creek sounds.
Sources: National Park Service — Big Creek Campground (official page): https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/camping-at-big-creek.htm: 2026-07-09
National Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park fees, hours & conditions: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm: 2026-07-05

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears here?

Yes. Black bears are common. Store all food and gear in your vehicle. Maintain 100-yard distance if you encounter one.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, reservations are required. Book via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Walk-ups not available.

Can my RV or trailer fit?

No. Big Creek is tent-only. RVs and trailers are prohibited. Twelve tent sites only.

Are there showers?

No showers on-site. Seasonal flush toilets only. Cold creek bathing available.

When should I book for peak season?

Set your calendar for 6 months before your desired dates. Sites fill within hours. Book immediately or plan shoulder-season (May or October) for more availability.

What's the weather like?

Expect rapid changes. Mountain weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear for all seasons. Summer is hot and humid; spring/fall are mild.