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
Brenda T
VerifiedMay 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
With only 10 campsites and no RV sites it is the perfect quiet getaway with great trails and rivers all right there. There is a place to wash dishes, a restroom, and a bearproof garbage container for all the necessities. Beautiful, quiet, and just a lovely place to be at peace.
Brenda T
VerifiedMay 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
With only 10 campsites and no RV sites it is the perfect quiet getaway with great trails and rivers all right there. There is a place to wash dishes, a restroom, and a bearproof garbage container for all the necessities. Beautiful, quiet, and just a lovely place to be at peace.
Barbara S
VerifiedMay 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Big Creek Campground is small--only 12 tent sites. It is quiet and it's dark at night. There are flush toilets and there's running water for drinking and doing dishes. The people are serious campers who follow the rules (mostly). There is no cell phone service. Not far away is a Duke Energy hydro plant, and the park next to it has cell and internet service. The only problem with this campground is that it is in the far northeast of the park, so it is not convenient to attractions in the central or western area of the park. We liked it.
Barbara S
VerifiedMay 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Big Creek Campground is small--only 12 tent sites. It is quiet and it's dark at night. There are flush toilets and there's running water for drinking and doing dishes. The people are serious campers who follow the rules (mostly). There is no cell phone service. Not far away is a Duke Energy hydro plant, and the park next to it has cell and internet service. The only problem with this campground is that it is in the far northeast of the park, so it is not convenient to attractions in the central or western area of the park. We liked it.
Nathan S
VerifiedMay 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
We had a good time there, but unfortunately got rained out this time. Looking forward to another try later...
Nathan S
VerifiedMay 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
We had a good time there, but unfortunately got rained out this time. Looking forward to another try later...
Roy C
VerifiedJune 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Our group has been frequently visiting this park for over 40 years. When it started, this park was first come first serve. Now that it is reservation only, we can’t get the site or sites we desire due to reservations made by people who don’t show up. This is very frustrating, seeing that we come from Michigan to be there. I would like to know when reservations for next year (2023) begin. Other than that, our trip was beautiful as always. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to release rain on us the week we were there. We were prepared of course.
Thank you,
Roy C.
Roy C
VerifiedJune 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Our group has been frequently visiting this park for over 40 years. When it started, this park was first come first serve. Now that it is reservation only, we can’t get the site or sites we desire due to reservations made by people who don’t show up. This is very frustrating, seeing that we come from Michigan to be there. I would like to know when reservations for next year (2023) begin. Other than that, our trip was beautiful as always. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to release rain on us the week we were there. We were prepared of course.
Thank you,
Roy C.
David W
VerifiedJune 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Spent four days here. It was quite and all campers were nice and respectful. This is the best of tent camping. No loud generators or RV’s idling. Restrooms were clean and easy to access. Lots of hiking. Took a bath in the river which was fun but super cold! Will stay here again!
David W
VerifiedJune 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Spent four days here. It was quite and all campers were nice and respectful. This is the best of tent camping. No loud generators or RV’s idling. Restrooms were clean and easy to access. Lots of hiking. Took a bath in the river which was fun but super cold! Will stay here again!
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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