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
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12 Sites Available
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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
Christopher R
VerifiedAugust 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Fantastic campground! The park hosts were very nice and knowledgeable. We were in site #3, in the back corner along the stream and it was perfect. Highly recommend this area to anyone!
Jason R
VerifiedJuly 26, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Excellent tent-only campground with easy access to Big Creek trail. Sound of the river audible from the sites.
Jason R
VerifiedJuly 26, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Excellent tent-only campground with easy access to Big Creek trail. Sound of the river audible from the sites.
Cathey G
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Beautiful secluded scenery, you here the river from every campsite. Spaces are large enough that you don’t feel too close to your neighbor. Huge, trees.
Maddie U
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Staying at Big Creek was so much fun! I went with a bunch of my friends and we all want to come back to explore even more than we did during our stay. There are many trails that go out from this area and one of them (Mount Sterling Overnight Trail) has so many pretty waterfalls along it. This whole area is amazing and even if you want a chill day, hanging out by the creek is the perfect way to chill out.
Cathey G
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Beautiful secluded scenery, you here the river from every campsite. Spaces are large enough that you don’t feel too close to your neighbor. Huge, trees.
Maddie U
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Staying at Big Creek was so much fun! I went with a bunch of my friends and we all want to come back to explore even more than we did during our stay. There are many trails that go out from this area and one of them (Mount Sterling Overnight Trail) has so many pretty waterfalls along it. This whole area is amazing and even if you want a chill day, hanging out by the creek is the perfect way to chill out.
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!
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
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Population: 3,663
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