Overview Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel th…
About BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Overview Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Big Creek is an oasis for hiking, swimming, wildlife, fishing, and relaxation. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The Big Creek area offers some of the most challenging hikes within the Park. Baxter Creek trail begins near the campground and with an elevation gain of 4200' from trail head to the summit of Mt Sterling provides a strenuous work out for the strongest of hikers. The nearby Big Creek trail offers a pleasant hike along the waters of Big Creek with a beautiful waterfall along the way. Local anglers agree that Big Creek offers some of the best trout fishing in the area. Fly fishing is particularly good during spring months when aquatic insects hatch in large numbers. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 black bear living in the park, it is not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.Facilities Big Creek Campground offers 12 TENT ONLY campsites for a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups or showers at the campground. There is an emergency phone available at the Big Creek Ranger Station located 1 mile from the campground. No generator use or recreational vehicles are allowed in Big Creek Campground. There is a food storage locker available for public use.Natural Features Located at an elevation of 1,700' Big
Photos
Loop Parking — NPS OCBig Creek — NPSCamping in Big Creek — NPSRest Room — NPSBIG CREEK rd. — NPS Campground Map — NPS OCBig Creek Campground Sign — NPS Photocampsite trail — NPS OCHiking trail map — GSMA trail map
How to Get There
Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County) GPS coordinates are 35°45'00.3"N 83°06'38.6"W 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, horse camp, group camp, and hiker parking.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Heading to BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)?
No central reservation system listed for BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273821) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)?
BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) has 12 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)?
Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County) GPS coordinates are 35°45'00.3"N 83°06'38.6"W 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, horse camp, group camp, and…
How do I contact BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)?
You can reach the park at phone: 865-436-1261 or email: [email protected].
