
BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
12
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (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. Recreation 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. Facilities 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. Natural Features 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. 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. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (423) 487-2683.
- 12 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (12).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Campsite Inventory
12 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
CAMPING SUPPLIES
Camping Supplies
CREEK ACCESS
Creek Access
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
DAY USE AREA
Day Use Area
DRINKING WATER
Drinking Water
Driveway entry
Back-In, N/A
Driveway Grade
N/A, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
18
Driveway surface
Gravel
EMERGENCY PHONE
Emergency Phone
FLUSH TOILETS
Flush Toilets
FLUSH TOILETS (SEASONAL)
Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
865-436-1261
Dawn_Pekarchick@nps.gov
Getting There
Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County) The campground is located off I-40 Exit 451 (Waterville). It sixteen miles east of Newport, TN. Follow Waterville road, crossing over the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Generating Station and continue one mile to the 4-way intersection at Mt Sterling Gap. Follow the signs to Big Creek. GPS coordinates are 35°45'00.3"N 83°06'38.6"W The 4 way intersection is composed of Big Creek Campground Road and Waterville Rd (from I-40) + Mt. Sterling Road (from Cataloochee) + Hwy 32 (from Cosby) Drive up to the end of Big Creek Entrance Road. You will pass the Ranger Station, horse camp, group camp, and hiker parking.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK).
How do reservations work for BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)?
Reservation availability for BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)?
BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) currently lists Unknown (12).
Where is BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) located?
BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) is in Tennessee near Gatlinburg. Coordinates: 35.7597, -83.1042.
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