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Established Camping

Big Creek Group Camp — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Balsam Mountain, Cataloochee, Cosby, and Look Rock campgrounds are closed. We regret any inconvenience. The parks largest campgrounds are currently open: Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Deep Creek will open as planned on April 18.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Big Creek Group Camp is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, surrounded by forested terrain and rolling hills. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, offering varied conditions for camping throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the Appalachian Trail and the scenic Big Creek Trail, providing opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Fee Info

Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Customers that check out early or do not plan to use their reservation MUST contact the campground office the day they leave or are due to check in, in order to receive a refund. Refund requests for early departure or non use of the site made AFTER the reservation has ended will be denied. Office phone numbers are given in the Facility Contact information for each campground.

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Location

Big Creek Group Camp — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County) Very close to the NC-TN State line. The campground is located off I-40 Exit 451 (Waterville). It sixteen miles east of Newport, TN. Follow Waterville road, crossing over the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Generating Station and continue one mile to the 4-way intersection at Mt Sterling Gap. \_\_Follow the signs to Big Creek. 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 and horse camp. Group camp will be the last left turn immediately before hiker parking. Use Mailing Address or coordinates if you're using GPS :236 Big Creek Park Road Newport, Tennessee, 37821 GPS coordinates are 35\_\_45'08.4\"N 83\_\_06'33.4\"W 35.752328, -83.109287

Coordinates

35.7522222 N
83.1088889 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
FS 289 Pull Off

FS 289 Pull Off

2 min away

Pigeon River Campground

Pigeon River Campground

5 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve the Big Creek Group Camp in the Smoky Mountains?

Reservations are required for Big Creek Group Camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As one of the smallest group camping facilities in the park, spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. To secure a reservation, visit the National Park Service website (recreation.gov) or call the reservation line at 877-444-6777. Plan to book well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holidays. The campground offers a unique experience with sites situated alongside Big Creek, making it a popular choice despite its smaller size.

Where is Big Creek Campground located in Tennessee?

Big Creek Campground is located in the northeastern corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. It's situated near the small community of Hartford, TN, just off Interstate 40 at exit 451. The campground is approximately 45 minutes from Gatlinburg and sits close to the Tennessee-North Carolina border. This somewhat remote location offers a quieter experience than campgrounds closer to park hotspots. The Big Creek Ranger Station is located nearby and can provide additional information about the area and current park conditions.

What hiking trails and activities are near Big Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring numerous hiking trails in the northeastern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Popular trails include the Big Creek Trail which follows an old logging railroad grade alongside the creek, offering access to Mouse Creek Falls and Midnight Hole, a deep swimming pool with a small waterfall. More adventurous hikers can tackle the strenuous Chestnut Branch Trail or connect to the Appalachian Trail via Mt. Cammerer Trail. Fishing in Big Creek is permitted with proper Tennessee licensing, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this less-crowded area of the park.

What facilities are available at Big Creek Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Big Creek Campground offers basic facilities in a beautiful natural setting. The campground features primitive sites located alongside Big Creek, providing a peaceful soundtrack of running water throughout your stay. Facilities include vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. There are no hookups or shower facilities available. As the smallest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it offers a more intimate camping experience with fewer crowds than larger park campgrounds.