Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

4.7·106 reviews
·Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Overview

Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Big Creek is an oasis for hiking, swimming, wildlife, fishing, and relaxation.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Drinking Water

    (All campsites have Drinking Water)

  • Driveway Entry

    (11 of 12 campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Firepit

    (5 of 12 campsites have Firepit)

  • Food Storage Locker

    (2 of 12 campsites have Food Storage Locker)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 100')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 6)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

  • Water Hookup

    (1 of 12 campsites have Water Hookup)

Natural Features

BIG CREEK rd. - Credits: NPS OC
Registration Board - Credits: TheDyrt
BearBox - Credits: TheDyrt
Campground Map - Credits: NPS OC
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.

Recreation

Bridge - Credits: Wandering Viewfinder
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Big Creek area offers some of the most challenging hikes within the Park. Baxter Creek trail begins near the campground and with an elevation gain of 4200' from trail head to the summit of Mt Sterling provides a strenuous work out for the strongest of hikers. The nearby Big Creek trail offers a pleasant hike along the waters of Big Creek with a beautiful waterfall along the way.Local anglers agree that Big Creek offers some of the best trout fishing in the area. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 black bear living in the park, it is not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-N/A

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Cataloochee Valley, Newport, TN, Cosby Campground, Hartford Whitewater Rafting, the Appalachian Trail and the Max Patch/Pisgah National Forest.

Additional Information