Big Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

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be prepared to carry your camping equipment some distance. We didn't find that a hindrance, but some might. The small and closeness of the 12 site campground made for was a very friendly environment. We connected with several people. Enjoy the rush of the river, it is very close by. We also saw a mama bear and cub(s) walk by the campground. They were very uninterested in us. It is great that the campground is so close to 2 great hiking trails. We will definitely return to this wonderful place.

be prepared to carry your camping equipment some distance. We didn't find that a hindrance, but some might. The small and closeness of the 12 site campground made for was a very friendly environment. We connected with several people. Enjoy the rush of the river, it is very close by. We also saw a mama bear and cub(s) walk by the campground. They were very uninterested in us. It is great that the campground is so close to 2 great hiking trails. We will definitely return to this wonderful place.

This is a gorgeous tent only campground in a remote part of the park. You do have to park in a lot and there is a very short walk to the sites. There were kind people who helped with loading and unloading. My site was near the creek side and I loved the sound of the roaring river. The nearby trails hadsome stunning views. The peace and beauty of this campsite made this a very special trip. Bathrooms were clean. There is a food storage area and bear proof dumpster. Loved having coffee in the morning and listening to the river, surrounded by ancient trees. Another camper remarked that this was " like a cathedral" and I think that is accurate.

This is a gorgeous tent only campground in a remote part of the park. You do have to park in a lot and there is a very short walk to the sites. There were kind people who helped with loading and unloading. My site was near the creek side and I loved the sound of the roaring river. The nearby trails hadsome stunning views. The peace and beauty of this campsite made this a very special trip. Bathrooms were clean. There is a food storage area and bear proof dumpster. Loved having coffee in the morning and listening to the river, surrounded by ancient trees. Another camper remarked that this was " like a cathedral" and I think that is accurate.

The campground was gorgeous, and it was my first visit here. We did multiple hikes (Baxter.Sterling Loop, and Mt Cammerer), and it was a perfect base camp.
The cons: The men's flush toilet was weak, and on day 3 (Monday, Labor Day) it was plugged up entirely.
I also had trouble Sunday night with a Copperhead that was very persistent it wanted to get back to the tentpad at site #2. Was that its home? If so, I'm not comfortable with that. Btw, I did not injure the snake at all, but I did have to use a long stick to push it back a safe distance.

The campground was gorgeous, and it was my first visit here. We did multiple hikes (Baxter.Sterling Loop, and Mt Cammerer), and it was a perfect base camp.
The cons: The men's flush toilet was weak, and on day 3 (Monday, Labor Day) it was plugged up entirely.
I also had trouble Sunday night with a Copperhead that was very persistent it wanted to get back to the tentpad at site #2. Was that its home? If so, I'm not comfortable with that. Btw, I did not injure the snake at all, but I did have to use a long stick to push it back a safe distance.

Great location for tent campers who don't like to be surrounded by motorhomes and RV's. Low density area with lots of space between sites. Very pretty with good access to several trails without driving out of the campground. Somewhat remote with no cell service (T-Mobile) until we hiked up to the AT. The trails were all quite steep for us (we're from south Florida). We're relatively fit but in our 70's. We still managed to get in a good two hour hike each day and then could relax at our campsite after lunch. My wife used some hiking poles which she found quite helpful. There are several places to swim but the water is cold for our south Florida bodies. Campground host was very friendly and helpful (they are rotated regularly so your experience may vary). There is centralized parking so you may have to walk some distance to your site. All food etc must be kept in your car or a special bear locker in the parking area. Bear sightings are not unusual (we had two the first night, one near the bathrooms and one right next to our site which was on the periphery of the campground next to a creek (The bear was more startled then I was and scurried off -- still bring some bear spray). We visited in September so the campground was not fully booked and the weather was good. I would definitely visit this campground again.

Great location for tent campers who don't like to be surrounded by motorhomes and RV's. Low density area with lots of space between sites. Very pretty with good access to several trails without driving out of the campground. Somewhat remote with no cell service (T-Mobile) until we hiked up to the AT. The trails were all quite steep for us (we're from south Florida). We're relatively fit but in our 70's. We still managed to get in a good two hour hike each day and then could relax at our campsite after lunch. My wife used some hiking poles which she found quite helpful. There are several places to swim but the water is cold for our south Florida bodies. Campground host was very friendly and helpful (they are rotated regularly so your experience may vary). There is centralized parking so you may have to walk some distance to your site. All food etc must be kept in your car or a special bear locker in the parking area. Bear sightings are not unusual (we had two the first night, one near the bathrooms and one right next to our site which was on the periphery of the campground next to a creek (The bear was more startled then I was and scurried off -- still bring some bear spray). We visited in September so the campground was not fully booked and the weather was good. I would definitely visit this campground again.