Backcountry Camping

Hunters, mountain bikers, horseback riders, paddlers, and backpackers enjoy roughing it in the backcountry of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Please help protect our public lands and enhance the backcountry experience for all by using minimum impact techniques and observing all regulations.

BACKCOUNTRY SITES Backcountry camping is defined as any camping outside of a developed area. Although there are no designated backcountry sites, you can help minimize impact by using an existing site rather than creating a new one. No campsite shall be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

Camping is not permitted at a location within 100 feet of the centerline of or visible from any paved road.

No camping is permitted at developed parking areas. Camping is allowed near developed parking areas when the campsite is at least 100 feet from the parking area and is not visible from the parking area. Camping is not allowed within 300 feet of the Leatherwood Ford day use area north of the Leatherwood Ford parking area.

Developed parking areas are those designated by the 2005 General Management Plan and/or as signed: Yahoo Falls, Alum Ford, Yamacraw, Blue Heron Overlooks, Blue Heron and access areas along river, East Rim Overlook, Leatherwood Ford, West Entrance, Charit Creek, Twin Arches, Burnt Mill Bridge, Peters Bridge, Bear Creek Overlook, Brewster Bridge, and Honey Creek Overlook.

In addition all areas immediately adjacent to the East Bandy Creek Road, from State Hwy 297 west to Scott State Forest and West Bandy Creek Road to Scott State Forest, are closed to camping (This area is otherwise known as the Bandy Creek Fee Area).

REGISTRATION Backcountry camping permits are required. You may obtain a permit from one of the parks’ visitor centers, or online at http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/permits.htm. Permits are valid for a single camping trip not to exceed 14 days at one site. No person, party, or group shall be permitted to camp for more than a total of 30 days in a calendar year. For more information, please call (423) 286-7275.