OutReserve

Blue Heron Campground

Picnic table sits on gravel tent pad with bathhouse in background
BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND
Picnic table sits on gravel tent pad under the shade of a nearby tree.
BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND
BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly

About Blue Heron Campground

Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.

Number of accommodations: 44

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly
  • Potable Water
    Potable Water
  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Nov 30

Sites & Availability

44 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 003, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 014, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 019, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 020, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 021, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 022, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 023, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 025, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 026, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 027, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 028, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 029, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 030, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 031, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 032, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 033, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 034, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 035, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 036, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 037, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 038, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 039, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 041, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 042, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 043, Loop:
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 044, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 045, Loop:
30 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night

Reviews (334)

What Guests Are Saying

Blue Heron Campground is well-maintained, peaceful, and offers clean facilities, making it a favorite for many visitors. The proximity to hiking trails, especially the Blue Heron Loop, adds to its appeal. While some campers noted noise from nearby children and the absence of a campground host, the overall atmosphere is friendly and the campground provides a great outdoor experience.

Review Summary

4.5
334 reviews
5
66.8%
223
4
23.1%
77
3
6.3%
21
2
2.4%
8
1
1.5%
5

Suzanne B

Verified

July 6, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop:

4

I camped with a teardrop camper at #14. I spend most of my time out of the camper. I could hear the AC running from a nearby site, but it wasn’t annoying. I greatly enjoyed the creek and the creekside trail! Clean restrooms/showers. The creek water swimming pool looked cool, and I watched other folks enjoy it. The entire CG was quite clean and litter-free. Definitely go see the Blue Heron Mining Community just down the road! Also the two lookouts on the way. There’s river access at the end of the BHMC parking area and another Very Steep path and parking on the side of the road to BHMC. I will definitely be back when I’m in the area again!

Brandy P

Verified

July 4, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop:

5

We enjoyed ourselves a lot. We went swimming and fishing in the near by river. The shower/bathroom house was kept clean and the campsite was nice near the pond. Already have another trip booked.

mark m

Verified

July 4, 2021 Stayed at: 020, Loop:

5

The campground was quiet and we'll kept. The shower house was clean but could use some updates. Our campsite was private with plenty of trees and the gravel area was plenty big enough. Plenty of hiking trails and beautiful overlooks. This was our first time here but plan to make it an annual trip.

Elvira A

Verified

July 1, 2021 Stayed at: 037, Loop:

5

I rented two sites. The campground felt private and was close enough to the attractions and hiking. Restrooms were clean and they had an area to wash dishes outside. Each site had their own bear box. I did see some kids fishing from a pond near by but I'm not sure how to access it.

Elvira A

Verified

July 1, 2021 Stayed at: 038, Loop:

5

The campsite was perfect. It did not seem over crowded. Restrooms were clean and outside of the restroom was an area to wash dishes. Each site had their own bear container. You must bring your own wood from the area since they did not have a store to purchase on site.

Staci F

Verified

June 30, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop:

4

This is one of my favorite places to stay, because it is small and no too crowded. The scenery is beautiful and peaceful! I only wish there were a few more things to do at the campground itself, such as a volleyball/bad mitten net, horse shoes, or something to do on quiet days.

Wayne H

Verified

June 28, 2021 Stayed at: 009, Loop:

5

The campground is an older one that was probably, originally built for tents. Many of the sites will not hold big rigs, although there are a few that do. The sites are close together, but not so close that you could pass a cup of sugar from inside your camper. But be advised, there are only 30 amp hookups. And, it is quiet! No noisy highway traffic that wakes you up from jake brakes. The campground is nicely located to many hiking trails, as well as a horse camp. We hiked Split Bow Arch with small children and there were no complaints about being too long, too hot, too steep! If so inclined, it is a relatively short drive to Cumberland Falls State Park. One can also kayak or tube the river nearby. Overall, a really nice base camp for all kinds outdoor activities.

Samantha W

Verified

June 25, 2021 Stayed at: 020, Loop:

1

The Campground itself was lovely - would recommend. The problem - and why we left a day early - was the trail system. The signage was minimal and almost more of a hinderance than help. Every trail (other than the Trace) had the same green blazes going in both directions - what is the point of that? We were continually getting lost and confused, despite being very experienced with trail hiking. We ran into a family who was in tears because they were so lost and another couple asked us for directions on how to get back to the parking lot. We later met a couple who was also leaving early because of the same issues. We tried to go to a visitor center to get better maps, but they were both closed - even though the website and the message of the phone said that they would be open on that day! Completely unacceptable for a state park, let alone a Federal one! And COVID can not be blamed for such inadequate signage/markings along the trails!

jamie W

Verified

June 23, 2021 Stayed at: 029, Loop:

5

Stayed at Blue Heron Campground for an long girls weekend. We had a great spot (number 29) nearby the bath house.

The campground was nicely kept, even though the sites seemed fairly close to one another. We appreciated the bear boxes for our outside kitchen items.

We had some trouble with the electrical box, but the office sent an electrician over. Which we were very grateful for since it was Friday night. He got it fixed up for us, Wayne was awesome!

The bath house was clean and well maintained.

We had a great time here, and look forward to coming back again!

Stacy W

Verified

June 11, 2021 Stayed at: 030, Loop:

4

Always a quite nice place to camp. Close to the river and good hiking trails

Location Blue Heron Campground

Address:
4564 Leatherwood Road
Oneida, TN, 37841
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 36.6781 / -84.5189

Elevation: 390 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

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.

General

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

General

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

General

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.

General

Ay 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. 

General

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. 

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