Available sites
12 total sites
Tent Sites
About Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Summer
Swimming
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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 (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.
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
Michael L
VerifiedOctober 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Such a great experience every time I stay here. Small, well kept, close to some great hikes and only about 45/1hr drive from the epic views/hikes in the park. If you want somewhat of a backcountry feel while still having a few luxuries (running water,toilet, fire-pit) this is your spot.
Jon E
VerifiedOctober 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
We had a wonderful time at the campground. The tent pads were flat, and each site had enough room to settle in comfortably without feeling like you were on top of your neighbors. We had fun exploring the creek right next to the campground. The trail to Mouse Creek Falls is a gradual incline and a very pleasant stroll.
Jon E
VerifiedOctober 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
We had a wonderful time at the campground. The tent pads were flat, and each site had enough room to settle in comfortably without feeling like you were on top of your neighbors. We had fun exploring the creek right next to the campground. The trail to Mouse Creek Falls is a gradual incline and a very pleasant stroll.
Summer R
VerifiedOctober 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The Campground was beautiful and very clean! The location was super private but beautiful. The sound of the rushing water was the best part. I would 100% be booking again for the next time I come!
Summer R
VerifiedOctober 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The Campground was beautiful and very clean! The location was super private but beautiful. The sound of the rushing water was the best part. I would 100% be booking again for the next time I come!
Paul W
VerifiedOctober 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
This is a construction zone. They are paving the whole campground with road ballast. Rather than close the campground, the park service is having construction workers driving heavy machinery through the campsites early in the morning and clearing people out. I watched one guy complain about the noise to the workers and the workers called the rangers and tried to have him arrested- they searched his car and cuffed him and all but there was no crime so they had to let him go. Was just a horrible camp trip all around.
Paul W
VerifiedOctober 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
This is a construction zone. They are paving the whole campground with road ballast. Rather than close the campground, the park service is having construction workers driving heavy machinery through the campsites early in the morning and clearing people out. I watched one guy complain about the noise to the workers and the workers called the rangers and tried to have him arrested- they searched his car and cuffed him and all but there was no crime so they had to let him go. Was just a horrible camp trip all around.
Bob P
VerifiedOctober 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Camp Host and maintenance man were great.
Restroom needs to be updated.
Holes in gravel road need to be filled in.
The park is increasing the daily campsite fee in 2023. If repairs are not made, the questions arises "Will it be worth the cost to camp in this campground?"
Bob P
VerifiedOctober 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Camp Host and maintenance man were great.
Restroom needs to be updated.
Holes in gravel road need to be filled in.
The park is increasing the daily campsite fee in 2023. If repairs are not made, the questions arises "Will it be worth the cost to camp in this campground?"
Kasey H
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
This campground was my favorite stay out of the 4 locations I stayed at on my trip. The trees were beautiful, even in the rain. Hiking access was easy, park rangers were helpful and the Big Creek was so lovely. I loved sleeping to the sound of running water and hopping around on the rocks.
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 ...
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.
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
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Approximate driving time: 2 min
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: October 20, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Explore Gatlinburg, TN
Population: 3,663
Elevation: 1,289 ft
From our Travel Guides
