Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Hideaway Camping in Big Creek
Loop Parking
Map
Big Creek
Camping in Big Creek

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

Available sites

12 total sites

About Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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. 

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 15 to Oct 25

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

12 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 002, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 004, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 005, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 008, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 011, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews (351)

What Guests Are Saying

Big Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is praised for its stunning natural setting along the creek, clean facilities, and limited number of tent sites that enhance privacy and tranquility. Many campers appreciate the accessibility to nearby trails and swimming spots, creating an excellent base for outdoor activities. While some reviews mention occasional noise from fellow campers and the closeness of sites, the overall experience is highly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.

Review Summary

4.7
351 reviews
5
79.8%
280
4
12.5%
44
3
5.1%
18
2
0.9%
3
1
1.7%
6

Connie L

Verified

December 18, 2019 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

I love Big Creek. It's so quiet and peaceful. More and more, it's getting hard to find that in the Smokies.

Connie L

Verified

December 18, 2019 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

I love Big Creek. It's so quiet and peaceful. More and more, it's getting hard to find that in the Smokies.

James P

Verified

December 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

James P

Verified

December 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

James P

Verified

December 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

James P

Verified

December 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

Joshua C

Verified

January 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

So awesome. The creek roaring at night was absolutely amazing. My daughter and I cannot wait to go back this year!

Joshua C

Verified

January 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

So awesome. The creek roaring at night was absolutely amazing. My daughter and I cannot wait to go back this year!

James B

Verified

January 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

The reservation process was easy. The campground was great - clean and convenient. Nice walks and playing in the creek. The park volunteers that visited were very helpful.

Kenneth H

Verified

January 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)

5

Great campground.

Location & Directions for Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 United States

Elevation: 527 ft

Getting There

<p><strong>Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County)</strong></p>
<p>GPS coordinates are <strong>35°45'00.3"N 83°06'38.6"W</strong></p>
<p>The 4 way intersection is composed of Big Creek Campground ...

Nearest town

Gatlinburg, TN - 31 mi

About over 1 hr (63 min) to downtown

Highway access

Big Creek Campground is accessible from I-40 via Waterville Road. Other nearby roads include Mt. Sterling Road and Hwy 32, providing access from Cataloochee and Cosby.

Nearby National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Approximate driving time: 2 min

Yosemite National Park

Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate driving time: 44 min

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 20, 2026

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Explore Gatlinburg, TN

Population: 3,663

Nearby larger city

Asheville, NC

Approx. 33 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,289 ft

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