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
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.
jenna g
VerifiedJune 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
This was my favorite camping trip I have ever taken. The Big Creek trail was INCREDIBLE, with lots of little pit stops, steady incline, swimming hole, waterfall, all the good stuff. It was pretty accessible for those who are able to walk. Definitely not wheelchair friendly because of the rough terrain. But, if you can walk it is an awesome, fairly easy hike! We saw an array of wildlife as well. Chipmunks, butterflies, snails, frogs, snakes, SO many bugs (lol). The campsite itself was awesome. Being able to hear the rushing creek while falling asleep was amazing, lots to explore right by the campsite. Clean bathrooms! Overall this is one of my favorite trips and I have really fond memories of it. Remember to WATERPROOF YOUR TENT if its gonna rain or you will wake up in a puddle like me!!
jenna g
VerifiedJune 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
This was my favorite camping trip I have ever taken. The Big Creek trail was INCREDIBLE, with lots of little pit stops, steady incline, swimming hole, waterfall, all the good stuff. It was pretty accessible for those who are able to walk. Definitely not wheelchair friendly because of the rough terrain. But, if you can walk it is an awesome, fairly easy hike! We saw an array of wildlife as well. Chipmunks, butterflies, snails, frogs, snakes, SO many bugs (lol). The campsite itself was awesome. Being able to hear the rushing creek while falling asleep was amazing, lots to explore right by the campsite. Clean bathrooms! Overall this is one of my favorite trips and I have really fond memories of it. Remember to WATERPROOF YOUR TENT if its gonna rain or you will wake up in a puddle like me!!
Claudia D
VerifiedJune 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The campsite was great. Being in the forest so close to Big Creek pleased our 3 generations of ladies: 77,39,11,7,4😀. We hiked beside the creek, on rocks, in shallow water and among the trees. There were many butterflies and no mosquitoes! Bathroom was clean.
We did not see a ranger when we checked in. We saw two rangers when they closed a nearby trail on Tuesday. The two ranger kiosks need maintenance. The 911 phone had no dial tone. Thank heavens we did not have any need for emergency help.
Pack medium sized containers. There is a bit up hill to the sites. Bring fire starters or paper or corn chips for kindling. Wood at site is damp.
We had a wonderful time. 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
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
