Big Creek Group Camp — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Big Creek Group Camp – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located in the picturesque northeastern corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Big Creek Group Camp offers an incredible camping experience for groups of all sizes, accommodating up to 25 people. This serene campground is nestled among scenic mountains and pristine streams, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Essential Information

• Minimum Group Size: A reservation is required with a minimum of 7 people to use the group site.
• Maximum Capacity: The site can host up to 25 people, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or group events.
• Reservation Policy: Reservations are mandatory for group camps; cancellations less than 14 days before the arrival date incur a $10 service fee and forfeit of the first night’s fee.
• Park Limit: The stay limit is 14 consecutive days within the park.

Access and Amenities

Big Creek Group Camp provides essential amenities to enhance your camping experience, including:

• Flush toilets
• Drinking water
• Sinks
• Designated tent pads
• Grills and fire rings for cooking and warmth

Note that there are no showers or electrical hookups available, ensuring a more rustic camping experience. The camp is accessible, allowing individuals of all abilities to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Wildlife Precautions

As a part of the national park, Big Creek is a bear habitat. Visitors are advised to:

• Keep all food and scented items in sealed vehicles or bear-resistant containers.
• Properly dispose of garbage in provided bear-proof dumpsters.
• Cautions are advised around bears; all visitors should follow best practices to ensure safety.

Outdoor Adventures

Big Creek Group Camp is surrounded by a multitude of recreational opportunities:

• Fishing: A valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required for anglers. Spring offers ideal conditions for fly fishing with plenty of rainbow and brook trout to catch.
• Hiking: Numerous trails start nearby, including access to the Appalachian Trail through Chestnut Branch Trail, about a 2.1-mile trek.
• Equestrian Activities: Nearby trails cater to horseback riders, and the Big Creek Horse Camp provides riding facilities.
• Photography: Capture beautiful moments at the stunning Mouse Creek Falls, a 35-foot waterfall accessible via big creek trail.

Fire Regulations

For the safety of guests and preservation of natural resources, campfires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood restrictions apply, and visitors are encouraged to use certified heat-treated firewood.

General Rules

• Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cannot be left unattended.
• Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM, with prohibitions on generator use in group camps.
• Ensure to dispose of waste properly and respect the natural environment.

Getting There

The campground is accessible off I-40 Exit 451 (Waterville) and is approximately 16 miles east of Newport, Tennessee. Follow the scenic route along Waterville Road through the beautiful landscapes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

With the gentle waters of Big Creek flowing nearby, a forest filled with towering trees providing ample shade, and an array of recreational activities at your fingertips, Big Creek Group Camp is an idyllic destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in the heart of nature.