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Map showing campground location near Ocoee, Tennessee
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Big Frog Area

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Hike-in access via Forest Service Road 221 puts Big Frog Area well beyond drive-up camping territory. Reaching a campsite requires roughly 1.5 to 2 miles on foot from the trailhead, where the Big Frog Trail meets Rough Creek Trail. No facilities exist here. No bathrooms, no running water, no trash service, and no pets are permitted, so campers need to arrive self-sufficient and prepared to pack out everything they bring in.

Sites at the junction area include a grassy patch with a fire ring and a secondary primitive site along a small side path that provides more separation from other campers. Water sources are limited and unreliable: a small trickle crosses the Big Frog Trail just south of the junction, and a stagnant pond sits about 0.1 miles down Rough Creek Trail. Neither is a dependable primary source, so carrying sufficient water from the trailhead is the safer approach. Bears are active in the area, and reviewers consistently recommend hanging a bear bag. The tree canopy also makes the area well-suited to hammock camping.

The location within campgrounds near Cherokee National Forest puts hikers within range of loop trail options that use both Big Frog and Rough Creek trails as connecting routes. Campers who visit in winter have reported snow cover at elevation. Nearby established campgrounds include Sylco to the east and Conasauga River Camp to the south, both offering more developed alternatives. Big Frog Area makes the most sense for backpackers comfortable with low-infrastructure, hike-in conditions who want a base for multi-trail exploration in the Cherokee National Forest backcountry.

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Map & DirectionsBig Frog Area is located in Tennessee near Ocoee

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

35.03923771 N
84.65135167 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Big Frog Area

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 23, 2022

Big Frog Mountain

One of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Went up there when it was snowing and it was white and just absolutely gorgeous the views are spectacular I would recommend going here to anybody. It is however in the middle of nowhere and there are no bathrooms or facilities or running water so it's not a good place to have like small small children and watch out for bears.

Sitejust made our own spot along the way. you can stop along the Conasauga River at Jack's River and there's camping spots there.
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Group Primitive Big Frog

Disclaimer: Did not camp here On my hike up Big Frog trail this weekend I came across this great site. Lots of shade, on a beautiful stretch of trail around 1 mile north of Big Frog summit on Big Frog trail. Plenty of space for several tents and probably a decent view from either side of the ridge with a little bit of scouting. Would have given 5 stars but I didn't come across any water sources nearby.

  • Review photo of Big Frog Area by Megan T., July 30, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Benton MacKaye Primitive

Did not camp here but passed by hiking Big Frog trail. Just south of the intersection of Benton MacKaye (Fork Ridge) and Big Frog, there is a small primitive along the trail. No good water sources spotted nearby. Pretty section of trail from here on up to Big Frog summit. The group site further south before summit of Big Frog has more shade, more space, and is nicer in my opinion. It's all uphill from Big Frog Trailhead to the summit though so be prepared with plenty of water.

  • Review photo of Big Frog Area by Megan T., July 30, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Yellow Stand Primitive

I didn't stay here but passed by on my hiking Big Frog trail. On Big Frog trail, just south of intersection with Yellow Stand trail there is a primitive pine campsite with fire ring. Not the most smooth but could probably fit 2 small tents or a few hammocks. Very limited water sources nearby (some trickles on Big Frog north)

  • Review photo of Big Frog Area by Megan T., July 30, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Rough Creek Primitive

Starting out late at Big Frog Trailhead off FS221, I was hoping to find a site relatively close. About 1.5-2 mi in at the intersection of Rough Creek trail and Big Frog I saw a grassy patch with a fire ring and set up camp. There is a small path leading to another primitive site, a little more private. Small trickle crossing Big Frog trail just south and there is a stagnant pond 0.1 mi down Rough Creek trail if you get desperate. Hung a bear bag and good trees for hammocking. Great place to camp if you want to do some loop trails or be close to the trailhead.

  • Review photo of Big Frog Area by Megan T., July 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Frog Area by Megan T., July 30, 2018
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Big Frog Wilderness?

Several excellent primitive camping spots exist throughout Big Frog Wilderness. About 1.5-2 miles in from the Big Frog Trailhead (off Forest Service Road 221), you'll find a grassy area with a fire ring at the intersection of Rough Creek and Big Frog trails. Another good spot is located just south of the intersection with Yellow Stand trail, featuring a primitive pine campsite with a fire ring that can accommodate a couple of small tents or hammocks. Additionally, approximately 1 mile north of Big Frog summit on Big Frog trail, there's a spacious shaded site that can fit several tents and offers ridge views.

Do I need a permit to camp in Big Frog Wilderness?

No permit is required for dispersed camping in Big Frog Wilderness. As a designated wilderness area within Cherokee National Forest, it follows standard wilderness camping regulations. Practice Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from trails and water sources, and use existing fire rings when possible. While permits aren't needed, it's always good to check with the Cherokee National Forest office for any temporary restrictions before your trip.

What hiking trails connect to camping areas in Big Frog Wilderness?

Big Frog trail serves as the main artery connecting to several camping areas, including sites near its intersection with Rough Creek trail, Yellow Stand trail, and about a mile north of Big Frog summit. The Benton MacKaye Trail (also called Fork Ridge) intersects with Big Frog trail near a small primitive site. Additional camping spots can be found along these connector trails. Most of these primitive sites feature fire rings and offer enough space for small to medium-sized groups, though water sources can be limited near some locations, so plan accordingly.

When is the best season to camp in Big Frog Wilderness?

Spring through fall offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Big Frog Wilderness. Summer provides full forest canopy and warmer temperatures, though higher elevations remain cooler. Fall brings spectacular foliage colors. Winter camping is possible and can be breathtakingly beautiful with snow-covered landscapes and exceptional views, but requires proper cold-weather gear and experience. Remember that Big Frog Wilderness has no facilities, bathrooms, or running water regardless of season, so come prepared with all necessary supplies and equipment for a true wilderness experience.

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