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
ed b
VerifiedApril 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
All but 1 campsite in the tent camping section was reserved, and the site next to us was not. Someone set up there. The men's restroom was dirty when we arrived. According to our reservation, we had 3 tents on the site, but there was only room for one on the tent pad. The regulations said tents were not to be placed off the pad, but we had to put up a tent off the pad. Otherwise, the site was good, the area was clean and it was wonderful to have firewood provided. The area was marked adequately but it was a very long walk from the hiker parking area to the trailhead. The tent camping area did not allow overnight hiker parking so it made our hike quite a bit longer as we had so far to walk before the trailhead for Mt. Sterling. Rangers were available for issues during our stay of one night in the campground.
Dara M
VerifiedApril 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The perfect place to unwind and day hike. Clean restrooms and trash bins. Great Camp Host was an older lady who really knew how to do her job interacting with all the campers. The campground is small and quiet. Personal favorite is campsite 12.
ed b
VerifiedApril 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
All but 1 campsite in the tent camping section was reserved, and the site next to us was not. Someone set up there. The men's restroom was dirty when we arrived. According to our reservation, we had 3 tents on the site, but there was only room for one on the tent pad. The regulations said tents were not to be placed off the pad, but we had to put up a tent off the pad. Otherwise, the site was good, the area was clean and it was wonderful to have firewood provided. The area was marked adequately but it was a very long walk from the hiker parking area to the trailhead. The tent camping area did not allow overnight hiker parking so it made our hike quite a bit longer as we had so far to walk before the trailhead for Mt. Sterling. Rangers were available for issues during our stay of one night in the campground.
Kathleen G
VerifiedApril 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The campground was beautiful and close to the creek. The bathroom has two toilets and one sink. That is it. There are two trails you can hike directly from the campground area and more a short drive away. Do not expect to have cell service in the campground.
Steven G
VerifiedApril 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Shhhh! don't tell anyone about this campsite......
Kathleen G
VerifiedApril 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
The campground was beautiful and close to the creek. The bathroom has two toilets and one sink. That is it. There are two trails you can hike directly from the campground area and more a short drive away. Do not expect to have cell service in the campground.
Steven G
VerifiedApril 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Shhhh! don't tell anyone about this campsite......
Grace M
VerifiedApril 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Beautiful camp ground!
Grace M
VerifiedApril 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Beautiful camp ground!
Laurie J
VerifiedApril 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Needed to really bundle up at night -- at least one was in the 20s -- but nonetheless a great weekend!
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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