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
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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
Robert S
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Daniel M
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
I love this campground and of coarse the whole Smoky Mountains National Park. The access to trailheads and the wonderful views they give me always brings me back here. The only problem I had was with the group of young woman next to my campsite. They were extremely loud past 1 am. I could not fall asleep and it made me mad that people can’t respect their fellow camper.
Robert S
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Dan H
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Perfect setting, camped directly off the creek.
Sylvia L
VerifiedAugust 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
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Holly S
VerifiedAugust 25, 2026 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Campsite pad is on the smaller side, with campsites somewhat closer together than I’m used to, but overall the site is gorgeous and I’d highly recommend it!
Eui R L
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
My recent camping trip to Big Creek was fantastic.
It was a wonderful experience to unwind while listening to the soothing sounds of the valley stream in an atmosphere that was even quieter and cozier than Ihad imagined.
I also really enjoyed trekking through the lush woods, as there were several trails that offered a pleasant level of difficulty-challenging enough to be engaging but not overly strenuous.
The only downside was the food storage situation: although there were about 12campsites, there was only one bear-proof locker, meaning that if group was using it, others couldn't.
If that single issue were addresses, it would be an excellent campsite.
Shaylin G
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Clean bathrooms, potable water easily accessible. My only complaint was that the site map was difficult to interpret when selecting a site number (I had to search in a separate tab and compare to the available sites) and the map I referenced may not have been completely up-to-date. We thought we were on the river and we weren't, but thankfully someone didn't show up and we were able to use their site for the view at one point.
Rafael M
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Overall it’s a good place. The campsites are a little close for my liking.
Genevieve G
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Facilities were very clean. Not quite as dispersed campsites as we prefer, but good space between sites. Beautiful scenery near the creek. Would definitely recommend.
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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