Bandy Creek - Big South Fork National River Rec Area

I arrived to camp on a Monday and was surprised at how deserted the area was. This is a large campground but there were only two other sites occupied in the tent loop.

This is bear and rattlesnake habitat, so be prepared to keep food items locked up and watch your step. A bear-proof storage locker is available at each site.

The sites are well-spaced, trash receptacles are convenient, and the bathrooms and showers were very clean and nice. There is a swimming pool that apparently is open on the weekends. Plenty of hiking available as well.

Modern, but wild

Bandy Creek CG
Sep 16-18
Site D19

      We have camped at Bandy Creek Campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation several times, seasons and for several reasons in addition to camping. 
     It is central to several possibilities to include hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, climbing , etc. and the history of the area is very interesting.
     This trip we came for the Story Telling. A full day of entertainment by several orators to finish with spooky tales in the evening. 
    We stayed at D19, our first time in the D loop. Over the years they have upgraded the sites with bear/critter food lockers and there are several bear/critter safe trash collection sites. 
    D19 is in a dead end loop so little to no vehicles drive through . The bathhouse is a bit of a walk, the buildings are newer and well maintained. I’ve never gotten the creepy vibe (lol)while using them . There is a trash receptacle right in front of the site. 
Two cons are the main road to the area is right behind this site, though it gives you easy access to the road/visitor center area. And E loop, group camping is in the woods directly across. So it can be a little noisy if occupied. (There were screaming children all afternoon…) 
  WiFi is available at the visitor center otherwise I had a steady one bar while in the campground. 
  There is a swimming pool, volleyball court and playground right by A loop which is primitive camping and there are several trailheads in that area also. So A loop would be a perfect base camp setup if you don’t need power. 
  As I said the visitor center is right across the road and a horse stable behind that . There is a horseback trailhead right across from A loop with a hiking and bike trailhead too. 
  
  Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is nearby by Jamestown, Tn and Oneida, Tn is about 30 minutes to the East. Both have fuel, grocery , etc. 
  Charit Creek Lodge is an original homestead that can be hiked to from several start points. They offer a unique experience in the woods, overnight accommodations and meals by reservation. You can visit if your hiking/riding through but I don’t know if they still offer any walk in food/beverage. 
  
    

Excellent hiking and natural features


(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
70 yr olds in 17’ trailer: 
Overall Rating:  4.5
Price:     $16 w senior annual pass
Usage during visit: 70% during weekend
Site Privacy:  4 - best sites
Site Spacing: 4
Site surface: blacktop 
Reservations:   Yes
Campground Noise 5 some children having fun.   That’s fine.   No adult noise 
Road Noise:  5.  Some sites near the park road will have some, however traffic is light during our stay.  
Electricity: Yes, but not tent sites. 
Water: Yes
Sewer:   No
Dump Station :  Yes
Bathroom: 4.   Clean and heated. 
Pull Throughs :   Some 
Cell Service (Verizon): 3 hit and miss
Setting:  in pine/ deciduous forest
Weather:  3.   Mostly chilly and intermittent rain. 
Bugs:   Mosquitoes, but very few right now 
Solar:  Doesn’t look like it will be very good
Host: inconspicuous 
Location:  Pine/ deciduous forest with many dogwoods flowering. 
Extra Notes: some sites back up close to sites in other sub-loops.   Watch for that when you study th CG map.  