6. Big Creek Campground

Getting to Big Creek Campground

Located in a remote northeast corner of the park near Waterville, North Carolina, at an elevation of 1,700 feet, Big Creek Campground is accessible via straightforward routes from major highways and nearby towns. Follow the signs along the Big Creek Entrance Road.

• From Interstate 40, take Exit 451 (Waterville) and follow Waterville Road for about 2.4 miles to Big Creek Entrance Road.
• Continue along Big Creek Entrance Road, passing the ranger station, horse camp, and group camp, until you reach the campground at the end of the road.
• Nearest gateway towns include Gatlinburg, Tennessee (about 32 miles away) and Maggie Valley, North Carolina (about 34 miles away).

Note: Big Creek Campground does not accommodate RVs, trailers, and/or very large vehicles. The road is narrow and winds through the forest, so please do not try to navigate the road to the campground.

Parking & Parking Tags

Parking at Big Creek Campground is designed to accommodate campers while adhering to park regulations, ensuring minimal impact on the natural surroundings.

• A valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parked in the park for more than 15 minutes, but front-country campers at their designated site do not need one for a single vehicle. If you leave the campsite and park elsewhere in the park, you need a parking tag.
• Vehicles exceeding the allowable limit per campsite (typically one or two, depending on site size) require a parking tag.
• Parking is available directly in front of the individual campsites, with a short walk to tent pads; additional hiker parking is nearby.
• The campground does not accommodate RVs or trailers due to its remote access and layout.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Parking Tags in GSMNP

Reservations

Planning ahead is crucial for a stay at Big Creek Campground, as all sites require advance reservations due to its limited capacity and popularity among visitors seeking a remote, tent-only experience.

• Reservations must be made online through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777, and cannot be secured upon arrival due to unreliable cell phone coverage in the area.
• Sites are available for booking up to six months in advance, with site-specific assignments to ensure proper occupancy.
• Each site accommodates a maximum of 6 people, and the park enforces a stay limit of 14 consecutive days. If you have more than six people, reserve a group campsite (7-25 people).
• For modifications or cancellations, contact Recreation.gov directly.
• The nearby group site and horse camp have separate reservation processes, also managed through Recreation.gov.

Big Creek Individual Sites Campground

As the smallest campground in the park, Big Creek features just 12 individual tent-only sites, plus one group site and a horse camp, all set in a lush, forested area that emphasizes tranquility and connection to nature.

• Sites are nestled along Big Creek, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water and opportunities for creek-side relaxation.
• Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring; maximum occupancy is 6 people per site.
• The area is surrounded by dense forest and picturesque mountains, with frequent wildlife sightings including black bears and river otters.
• As a bear habitat, strict food storage rules apply: all food, scented items, and coolers must be secured in vehicles or lockers when not in use.
• Food storage lockers are available to protect your food from foraging black bears.
• The campground provides a picnic area for day-use visitors and is known for its seclusion and natural beauty, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet escape.

Campground Amenities

The campground provides essential facilities to support a comfortable stay in this rustic environment, focusing on basic needs without modern luxuries.

• Flushing toilets and potable cold running water are available (restrooms are ADA accessible, but the camp sites are not).
• Bear-proof dumpsters for proper waste disposal.
• Fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables at each site.
• An emergency phone is located at the Big Creek Ranger Station, about 1 mile away.
• No hookups, showers, or generator use; cell service is unavailable, so plan accordingly.
• A campground host or ranger may be on-site for assistance.
• Pets are permitted in the campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and cannot be left unattended.

Read: Paws in the Park Pet Policy

Big Creek Group Campground

Big Creek Group Camp offers a shaded, forested site ideal for larger groups seeking a tent-only camping experience in the remote northeastern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located along the scenic Big Creek with easy access to hiking trails and water activities.

• The single group site can accommodate up to 25 people, with a minimum group size of 7 required for reservations.
• Amenities include flush toilets, potable drinking water, sinks, tent pads (typically four, varying in size), picnic tables, grills, and fire rings;
• There are no showers or hookups and generator use is prohibited.
• The site is accessible, with some accommodations for those with disabilities, and is surrounded by dense forest providing ample shade and seclusion.
• Rules emphasize bear safety: all food, scented items, and trash must be properly stored in vehicles or bear-proof containers, with garbage disposed in provided dumpsters; fires are permitted only in designated rings, and quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
• Pets are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, cannot be left unattended, and are prohibited on trails.
• Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov; the park enforces a maximum stay of 14 consecutive days, and modifications or cancellations should be handled directly via the platform.
• A valid parking tag is needed for any vehicle parked longer than 15 minutes, though front-country campers at their site are exempt; additional vehicles beyond site limits require tags.

Read: Paws in the Park Pet Policy

Big Creek Horse Camp

Big Creek Horse Camp (also called Big Creek Horse Campground) is a small, primitive equestrian campground. It’s the only horse camp in the entire park that offers potable drinking water and flush toilets, making it a standout option for horseback campers compared to the park’s other four horse camps (which typically have more basic facilities like pit toilets).

Horse Camp Features and Amenities

• Sites: Five reservable sites. Sites are spacious and can accommodate tents, RVs, or horse trailers up to about 35 feet (no more than 4 vehicles/trailers combined per site). No electric hookups, showers, or dump stations. One site is ADA accessible, #2.
• Horse Facilities: Horse stalls (two groups of about 12 stalls total), hitching rails, and manure wagons. Horses must stay in the stalls, not tied to trees or kept at campsites.
• Food Storage Lockers: Due to the black bear population in the park, food storage lockers are available to protect your food from these prolific scavengers.
• Other Amenities: Flush toilets, drinking water spigot, picnic tables, fire rings, and shaded sites. No showers (nearest private ones are outside the park).
• Important Rule: You MUST bring at least one horse to camp here, it’s strictly for equestrian use.

Things to Do

Visitors to Big Creek Campground can immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor activities, taking advantage of the area’s trails, waterways, and wildlife for an active or relaxing experience.

• Hiking: Several trails start right from the campground, including Big Creek Trail (leading to the 35-foot Mouse Creek Falls, about 2 miles in) and Baxter Creek Trail (a challenging 6-mile hike with 4,200 feet of elevation gain to Mount Sterling’s summit and fire tower). Chestnut Branch Trail connects to the Appalachian Trail in just over an hour for moderate hikers. Explore Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in Big Creek, particularly in spring; a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required, along with adherence to park regulations. Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Semi-Comprehensive Guide
• Swimming and Water Activities: Cool off in the creek’s swimming holes or enjoy casual wading.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot black bears, otters, and diverse bird species in this biodiverse area. What to Do If You Encounter a Black Bear
• Relaxation: Unwind by the creek, picnic, or simply enjoy the peaceful forest setting.

Nearby Points of Interest

Beyond the campground itself, the surrounding region offers several attractions that enhance a visit, from natural wonders to historic sites, all within a short drive or hike.

• Big Creek Picnic Area: The picnic area is just a short walk from the camp sites and offers 10 picnic tables and restrooms.
• Mouse Creek Falls: A stunning 35-foot waterfall accessible via a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike on Big Creek Trail.
• Cataloochee Valley: About a 30-minute drive away, known for historic buildings, elk viewing, and additional hiking trails.
• Appalachian Trail: Easily accessible from Chestnut Branch Trail for day hikes along this iconic path.
• Mount Sterling: Summit via Baxter Creek Trail for panoramic views from the historic fire tower.
• Whitewater Rafting in Hartford: Nearby opportunities for adventure on the Pigeon River.
• Cosby Campground and Max Patch (in Pisgah National Forest): Additional camping and scenic bald mountain views a short drive away.