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
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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
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.
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.
carolyn b
VerifiedNovember 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The campground is great. However, it seems we need to be prepared for folks who insist on hanging lights throughout their campsite - ugh.
carolyn b
VerifiedNovember 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The campground is great. However, it seems we need to be prepared for folks who insist on hanging lights throughout their campsite - ugh.
LISA M
VerifiedNovember 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
I love this campground, absolutely beautiful and VERY well maintained ❤️❤️❤️. The staff are very friendly and helpful, you can tell they take pride in their service to the park.
LISA M
VerifiedNovember 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
I love this campground, absolutely beautiful and VERY well maintained ❤️❤️❤️. The staff are very friendly and helpful, you can tell they take pride in their service to the park.
Michelle H
VerifiedNovember 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Lovely spot to primitive camp. Creek nearby plus water pump available. Each site has a tent pad and a fire ring with grill plus a lantern pole and a picnic table. Plenty of downed wood for fire and please don’t bring your own unless it’s marked OK to do so. No electricity which suits us just fine and a short walk to site as must park in the lot. Clean bathrooms but no showers. We love this campground and will definitely be back when they open again next season. Met Ranger Spence and he was delightful to chat with. So grateful for our National Park Service (NPS) and all the wonderful memories we get to create. :)
Gregory D
VerifiedNovember 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Great quiet campground. Should be open year-round!
Michelle H
VerifiedNovember 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Lovely spot to primitive camp. Creek nearby plus water pump available. Each site has a tent pad and a fire ring with grill plus a lantern pole and a picnic table. Plenty of downed wood for fire and please don’t bring your own unless it’s marked OK to do so. No electricity which suits us just fine and a short walk to site as must park in the lot. Clean bathrooms but no showers. We love this campground and will definitely be back when they open again next season. Met Ranger Spence and he was delightful to chat with. So grateful for our National Park Service (NPS) and all the wonderful memories we get to create. :)
Gregory D
VerifiedNovember 8, 2022 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Great quiet campground. Should be open year-round!
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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Explore Gatlinburg, TN
Population: 3,663
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 33 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,289 ft
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