Bandy Creek

Important Travel Advisory for Visitors to Bandy Creek Campground

If you are traveling from Oneida, TN to Bandy Creek Campground via Highway 297, please be aware that this route includes a 13% downhill grade and winding curves as it descends into the gorge and crosses the Big South Fork River. This section of the highway can be especially challenging for large vehicles, RVs, and those towing trailers.

Use caution, reduce speed, and shift to a lower gear before beginning the descent. If you are not comfortable with steep grades and sharp curves, consider an alternate route via Highway 154 to Bandy Creek Road.

Black bears and other wildlife frequent this campground. Please keep in mind that “food” to a bear includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging. This may consist of items that you do not consider food, such as canned goods, horse feed, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests (even when empty), and unwashed items used for preparing or eating meals. All these items must be stored properly.
--Secure coolers, grills, cooking utensils, horse feed, any food not in use, and anything with food odors inside the locked compartment of a vehicle or trailer or a bear proof storage locker if available. Food storage lockers each measure approximately 29" deep x 38" wide x 43" tall.
--Wipe off picnic tables and grills. Properly discard aluminum foil used for cooking.
--Avoid burning garbage in fire rings because it will leave behind grease and food scraps.
--Always discard all garbage in wildlife proof trash cans or dumpsters. Keep a clean campsite.
--Do not hang garbage from lantern poles. 
Following these guidelines will keep you from getting your property confiscated from your campsite.
We appreciate your cooperation.

Reservations for horse stalls must be made by calling (931) 397-1680 or online at www.bandycreekstables.com . They are not included in the campground reservations.

This is a hazardous tree area and branches may fall at any time; use caution when selecting a place to camp.

A Tennessee or Kentucky fishing license is required to fish in the main river of the Big South Fork.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Any group larger than 25 persons wishing to participate in any activity in the park in which members of the group will depart from an established road and/or parking area must first obtain a permit for such activity. More information can be found online at www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/special-use-permits.htm .

The Bandy Creek Swimming Pool is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Find more information here https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/bandy-creek-swimming-pool.htm 

Please be advised that an approved Permit or Authorization by the superintendent is required before providing business services within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This includes services such as RV or tent delivery and setup, firewood sales and delivery, shuttle and transportation services, guided hikes, guided floats, and similar activities.

To apply for a permit, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/biso and navigate to the "Doing Business With the Park" section. There you will find application forms, instructions, and contact information.