About Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Number of accommodations: 12
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park).
Rates, Sites & Availability
12 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
12 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (318)
What Guests Are Saying
Big Creek Campground offers a serene and well-maintained camping experience with only 12 tent-only sites near a beautiful creek and waterfall. Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities, friendly staff, and access to great hiking trails. Some concerns include close proximity of sites and occasional issues with unauthorized campers, but overall, guests express a strong desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Big Creek Campground offers a serene and well-maintained camping experience with only 12 tent-only sites near a beautiful creek and waterfall. Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities, friendly staff, and access to great hiking trails. Some concerns include close proximity of sites and occasional issues with unauthorized campers, but overall, guests express a strong desire to return.
Review Summary
Edward H
VerifiedJune 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Loved this tent only location. it is kept very clean by Park staff and the campers. All look to follow the Bear rules well. We stayed for 10 days in June and will return this fall or next year. Keep this place a secret!
Edward H
VerifiedJune 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Loved this tent only location. it is kept very clean by Park staff and the campers. All look to follow the Bear rules well. We stayed for 10 days in June and will return this fall or next year. Keep this place a secret!
Joelle F
VerifiedJune 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Wonderful tent only campsite! Just the peace and quiet we were looking for. Had the pleasure of speaking with park employee Spence who did a great job maintaining the area during our visit. We hope to return!
Joelle F
VerifiedJune 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Wonderful tent only campsite! Just the peace and quiet we were looking for. Had the pleasure of speaking with park employee Spence who did a great job maintaining the area during our visit. We hope to return!
Rebekah W
VerifiedJune 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Couldn’t find the campground.
Rebekah W
VerifiedJune 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Couldn’t find the campground.
Maria B
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The most beautiful campground we have been to yet! Secluded and remote. It was right alongside the river and very peaceful to hear the water. Will definitely be back!
Maria B
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The most beautiful campground we have been to yet! Secluded and remote. It was right alongside the river and very peaceful to hear the water. Will definitely be back!
Bob P
VerifiedJune 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
I normally stay at this campground twice a year and like it.
When I stayed there this June, there were 2 problems.
First, there was no soap in the Men's Restroom from Monday to Wednesday. I mentioned it to the person who cleaned it. He mentioned the park service is short staffed. They don't have enough employees to fill all of their positions. In addition to his regular duties this year, cleaning the restrooms has been added to his job. That is pretty sad.
Second, the reason I went to Big Creek campground in June was to fish Big Creek. I fish it from Mouse Creek Falls up. I made my reservation in late February, After that a decision was made to close the Big Creek Trail every Monday through Thursday from mid-May to mid-July. The park Service never notified me of this. Nor did they offer me the opportunity to change my reservation.
I was able to hike up on Monday to fish but I upset one or two Paark Service employees on the way.
The Park management is considering raising the camping fees at Big Creek in 2023. Unless there is a major improvement in what is offered, this will be a mistake.
Bob P
VerifiedJune 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
I normally stay at this campground twice a year and like it.
When I stayed there this June, there were 2 problems.
First, there was no soap in the Men's Restroom from Monday to Wednesday. I mentioned it to the person who cleaned it. He mentioned the park service is short staffed. They don't have enough employees to fill all of their positions. In addition to his regular duties this year, cleaning the restrooms has been added to his job. That is pretty sad.
Second, the reason I went to Big Creek campground in June was to fish Big Creek. I fish it from Mouse Creek Falls up. I made my reservation in late February, After that a decision was made to close the Big Creek Trail every Monday through Thursday from mid-May to mid-July. The park Service never notified me of this. Nor did they offer me the opportunity to change my reservation.
I was able to hike up on Monday to fish but I upset one or two Paark Service employees on the way.
The Park management is considering raising the camping fees at Big Creek in 2023. Unless there is a major improvement in what is offered, this will be a mistake.
Location Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Address:
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
United States
Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County)
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.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.7502 / -83.1114
Elevation: 527 feet
Nearby 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
Last updated: June 4, 2026
