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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

Big Creek Primitive Camping Area is located near the rugged terrain of southeastern Tennessee. The area experiences temperatures ranging from the 30s in winter to the 80s in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Ocoee River and the Cherokee National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking and water activities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

For visitors wanting to get away from it all, dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed throughout Cherokee National Forest unless posted otherwise. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas. Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required.

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Location

Big Creek Primitive Camping Area is located in Tennessee

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.04618895213528 N
84.54449649353688 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Big Creek Primitive Camping Area needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2022

Remote Primitive Camping

This is a great off grid camping spot along a creek. There are about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups. We had 3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups in the spot we set up in. All the sites have at least 1 fire ring, most had multiple.

This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, ect). It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon. 

This is also bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash. We did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving. 

There is hiking in the area and there are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking. 

This is along Forest Service Road 221 which this section of FS 221 shares driving trails such as the Big Frog Loop, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans America Trail (TAT), so there could be lots of traffic with overlanders, adventure bikers, and off-roaders.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Big Creek Primitive Camping Area by Steve V., June 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Creek Primitive Camping Area by Steve V., June 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Creek Primitive Camping Area by Steve V., June 1, 2022
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Big Creek Primitive Camping Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Big Creek Primitive Camping Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Big Creek Primitive Camping Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Big Creek Primitive Camping Area does not have wifi.