Campground
Big Creek Campground
Big Creek is the Smokies' pocket-sized, tent-only campground — around 12 sites in the park's far northeast corner on the NC side, right where the trails to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls begin. It's small, walk-in-friendly, and beloved by hikers and swimmers who want a simple streamside base without the RV bustle. Amenities are minimal (flush toilets, cold water, no showers or hookups), and the intimate size gives it a real backcountry feel. Perfect for a tents-only weekend on the quiet side of the park.
Quick facts
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
- Reservation Tips
- Search 'Big Creek Campground' on Recreation.gov and grab summer weekends at the 6-month release.
- Season Dates
- Open roughly April through October (seasonal; verify current status on Recreation.gov)
Reservations & season
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- 6 months out — sites release daily at 10 AM ET
- Reservation Tips
- Search 'Big Creek Campground' on Recreation.gov and grab summer weekends at the 6-month release.
- Season Dates
- Open roughly April through October (seasonal; verify current status on Recreation.gov)
- Fills Up Speed
- Tiny and popular with hikers — summer weekends book up early
- Per Night Cost
- Approximately $25/night (verify current rate on Recreation.gov)
Sites & RV fit
- Sites Total
- About 12 (tent-only)
- Site Types
- Tent only (no RVs)
- Hookups
- None — dry camping only
Facilities
- Bathroom Types
- Flush toilets
- Showers Available
- No showers — none anywhere in the park
- Potable Water
- Cold running water / spigots available
- Nearby Facilities
- Limited — nearest services are in Newport, TN or along I-40; stock up before arriving.
Access
- Accessibility
- Walk-in sites; full accessibility details unknown
Rules & safety
- Bear Country
- Yes
- Food Storage Requirements
- Active bear country. Store all food and scented items in your vehicle or provided storage; never leave food unattended.
- Pets Allowed
- Yes
- Pet Restrictions
- Leashed pets (6 ft max) allowed in the campground and on roads, not on most trails.
- Quiet Hours
- 10 PM – 6 AM (typical)
What it is like
- Onsite Activities
- Big Creek Trail to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls, swimming holes, creek fishing
- Trailheads Nearby
- Big Creek Trail (Midnight Hole, Mouse Creek Falls) and the Baxter Creek Trail start here
- Scenic Views
- Big Creek's clear pools and cascades — Midnight Hole is a famous swimming spot.
- Best Time To Visit
- Summer for swimming holes; spring and fall for quiet hiking.
- Vibe Check
- Small, streamside, and tent-only — an intimate, hiker-friendly base with a backcountry feel.
- Camp Here If Skip If
- ✅ BOOK IF: You want an intimate tent-only base with swimming holes and trails at the door. ❌ SKIP IF: You have an RV or need amenities.
- Tips Advice
- Tent-only — leave the RV behind.
- Hike to Midnight Hole for a cold swim on a hot day.
- Small campground; book summer weekends early.
- No showers in the park.
More details
- Park Area
- Big Creek / far-northeast corner (North Carolina)
- Family Friendly Notes
- Good for active families who like to hike and swim, but note it's tent-only with minimal amenities.
- Review Summary
- Reviewers consistently highlight Big Creek's intimate, tent-only setting and the swimming holes and falls a short hike away, including Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls. The main limits campers mention are its tiny size and lack of RV access.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring an RV?
No. Big Creek is tent-only — there are no RV sites or hookups.
What's Midnight Hole?
A famous swimming hole a short hike up the Big Creek Trail from the campground, with clear pools and a small cascade.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. With only about 12 sites, Big Creek books up early for summer weekends through Recreation.gov.
Are there showers?
No. Flush toilets and cold running water only; there are no showers anywhere in the park.
Is it bear country?
Yes. Store all food in your vehicle or provided storage and keep a clean site.
More at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elkmont Group Campground
Four tent-only group sites for 15-30 campers in the Smokies. Reserve early - there are only four of them.
Elkmont Campground
211 reservation-only sites near Sugarlands. Tent pads, flush toilets, no hookups or showers. Classic Smokies base camp.
Deep Creek Campground
Creekside camping at 1,800 ft: 92 sites, flush toilets, no hookups. Book 6 months out.
Cades Cove Campground
159 year-round sites at the mouth of the Smokies' most famous valley — store, bikes, and bears out front.
Smokemont Campground
142 riverside sites on the quiet NC side — open year-round, with elk grazing nearby.
Elkmont Campground
The park's largest camp — ~220 riverside sites near Gatlinburg, and firefly-show central in June.
Recommended gear for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Sources
- NPS - Great Smoky Mountains Camping
- Recreation.gov
- OpenStreetMap
- The Dyrt - Smokies Camping Guide
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.