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
Kym M
VerifiedJuly 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Such a beautiful campground. We will definitely be back!
Kym M
VerifiedJuly 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Such a beautiful campground. We will definitely be back!
Eric I
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Big Creek is still the nicest campground in the park for tent camping. However, now that it is reservable, large groups reserve several sites at once, so you get large parties of campers hanging out until midnight now. It used to be a nice, quiet campground where you could go and unwind and just relax in nature. When we were there we had to deal with a group of people that had reserved 5 of the sites and had about 20 kids running all over the place screaming and crying. Not exactly the experience we had hoped for. Used to be much better when it was first come first serve. Otherwise, still beautiful and somewhat remote.
Eric I
VerifiedAugust 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Big Creek is still the nicest campground in the park for tent camping. However, now that it is reservable, large groups reserve several sites at once, so you get large parties of campers hanging out until midnight now. It used to be a nice, quiet campground where you could go and unwind and just relax in nature. When we were there we had to deal with a group of people that had reserved 5 of the sites and had about 20 kids running all over the place screaming and crying. Not exactly the experience we had hoped for. Used to be much better when it was first come first serve. Otherwise, still beautiful and somewhat remote.
Melody S
VerifiedAugust 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Big Creek is the best campground in the Smokies if you want peaceful, low key no-RV experience. It is scenic and has great access to hikes. The rushing water lulls and keeps you asleep. The camp hosts are very attentive. We live it there.
Melody S
VerifiedAugust 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Big Creek is the best campground in the Smokies if you want peaceful, low key no-RV experience. It is scenic and has great access to hikes. The rushing water lulls and keeps you asleep. The camp hosts are very attentive. We live it there.
Earl S
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Ok camping experience. Have to have a parking pass if you want to go and see any anything. Have to reserve shelters in advance if you hike out of Big Creek to a shelter overnight. Eight bucks per person for a backpack shelter. Big creek tent sites went from 17.50 last year to 30 dollars this year, 2023. The men's restroom uses the cheapest grade commercial toilet paper. Eventually blue-collar will be priced out of Big creek. It is what it is.
Earl S
VerifiedSeptember 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Ok camping experience. Have to have a parking pass if you want to go and see any anything. Have to reserve shelters in advance if you hike out of Big Creek to a shelter overnight. Eight bucks per person for a backpack shelter. Big creek tent sites went from 17.50 last year to 30 dollars this year, 2023. The men's restroom uses the cheapest grade commercial toilet paper. Eventually blue-collar will be priced out of Big creek. It is what it is.
Sarah D
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
It's a very beautiful site. Not much privacy between campsites, but otherwise you are deep in the woods. The creek was lovely and offered a soothing backdrop of white noise.
Sarah D
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
It's a very beautiful site. Not much privacy between campsites, but otherwise you are deep in the woods. The creek was lovely and offered a soothing backdrop of white noise.
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
Elevation: 1,289 ft
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