45
Total Campsites
Campground
44
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
1
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND
Overview Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities. Recreation Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities. Facilities Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities. Natural Features The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres of both rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, this ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys that are found throughout the park. Nearby Attractions Just a few miles from the campground is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
- 45 total campsites listed.
- 44 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 1 accessible campsite listed.
- Most common site type: standard electric (44).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND special
Deep in the gorge country of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Blue Heron Campground sits on the Kentucky side of one of the most scenic and underappreciated landscapes in the eastern United States. Named for the historic Blue Heron coal mining community nearby, this campground places you at the doorstep of dramatic sandstone bluffs, natural arches, and a river gorge carved over millennia by the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The campground offers a modest number of well-spaced sites tucked beneath a canopy of mixed hardwoods, providing a shaded and serene atmosphere. Facilities are basic but comfortable, with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. The surrounding forest feels genuinely remote, and the quiet here is the deep, restorative kind that only comes from being miles away from the nearest highway. A short walk from camp leads to the Blue Heron Mining Community, an outdoor interpretive site where ghost structures and audio recordings tell the story of the families who once lived and worked in these hills. Nearby trails wind along cliff edges and down to river overlooks, and the Big South Fork itself offers excellent paddling and fishing opportunities. Spring through fall is the prime camping season, with autumn foliage making October especially rewarding. Summers are warm and green, perfect for swimming in the river's natural pools. Reservations are recommended during peak weekends but midweek solitude is easy to find.
Campsite Inventory
45 sites to choose from
STANDARD ELECTRIC
44
Reservable
1
Accessible
RV ELECTRIC
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Accessible Parking
Accessibility
Accessibility
BBQ
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
26, 30, 31, 32
Driveway surface
Paved
Electricity Hookup
30 amp, 50 amp
FLUSH TOILETS
Flush Toilets
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Fire Pit
Fire Pit, Yes
HOST
Host
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
(423) 286-7275
Tish_Neal@nps.gov
Getting There
For detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND?
BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (44), RV ELECTRIC (1).
Where is BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND located?
BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND is in Tennessee near ONEIDA. Coordinates: 36.6781, -84.5189.
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