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BIG CREEK GROUP SITE, TN

Status: Open through Thu Oct 31 2013   Season Dates
1 site(s) found
ALL (1)
GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC (1)

Overview

Big Creek Group Site is located in the far northeastern corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

With the gentle waters of Big Creek running alongside the site, and a handful of trailheads within walking distance, this campsite offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions.

Natural Features:

Big Creek Campground is nestled among the scenic mountains and pristine streams surrounding the big creek section of the North Carolina Smokies.

Nearby Mouse Creek Falls, a 35 foot waterfall forming at the confluence of Mouse Creek and Big Creek, is a stunning geological feature of the area.

The falls splits over moss covered rocks and falls about 20 ft. before pooling and falling another 15 ft. into Big Creek. The falls can be reached via the Big Creek Trail, which is covered in wildflowers during spring months.

Recreation:

Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails are accessible from the campground and in the surrounding areas. Most notably, the Appalachian Trail is easily reached via the Chestnut Branch Trail, a 2.1 mile trail for hikers only, beginning down the road from the campground.

Nearby Baxter Creek Trail meanders along the water, while equestrian campers might enjoy taking the Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls or Midnight Hole, an area where Big Creek squeezes between large boulders, forming a deep, beautifully-colored pool.

Compared to some other areas of the park, Big Creek is not crowded with anglers. Spring provides ideal conditions for fly fishing on Big Creek, with Rainbow and Brook trout looking for the aquatic insects which hatch during this time.

Facilities:

Big Creek Group Campground offers an unforgettable outdoor experience combined with the convenience of flush toilets, drinking water and sinks.

The campsite can accommodate up to 25 guests and tent pads, grills and fire rings are provided. The site is surrounded by a heavy canopy of towering forest, providing plenty of shade for guests.

Nearby Attractions:

The Big Creek Horse Camp is located nearby, with horse stables and riding trails available.

Full service grocery stores and medical facilities are located 16 miles away in Newport, Tennessee.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Biking
  • Drinking Water
  • Emergency Phone
  • Fire Rings
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Host
  • Parking Area
  • Picnic Area
  • Trails
  • Utility Sinks
  • Wildlife Viewing
Less Than 1 Mile
  • Historic Sites
  • Horseback Riding Trails
  • Ranger Station
  • River Access
Know Before You Go
  • Bear Habitat!!
    • All food and items used to store or prepare food, including coolers, MUST be stored in the trunk or cab of your vehicle/s at all times when not in use.
    • Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters.
    • This rule is strictly enforced!


  • Firewood Quarantines are in effect!
    • The possession of any firewood originating from any location for which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect is prohibited. The movement of firewood into the park from counties adjacent to the park for which a federal or state quarantine is in place is prohibited even if the quarantine allows for movement within the county.
    • Firewood which bears a USDA certificate or which is purchased from a park concessionaire is allowed.
    • The National Park Service STRONGLY discourages the movement of firewood from location to another.
    • More details are available on the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/firewood-alert.htm
    • This rule is strictly enforced!


  • A reservation is required to use a group camp.
  • There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park. Some group sites are accessible.
  • Quiet hours are in effect from 10 PM to 6 AM. Generator use is prohibited in group camps.
  • Fires are allowed in fire rings only!
  • A minimum of 7 people is required for group site use. Maximum site capacity varies from 15 to 30 people. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
  • A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
  • Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails.
  • For additional park information call 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm

    • Getting There:

    GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
    35.75222, -83.10889
    35°45'8"N, 83°6'32"W

    Take I-40 East from Newport, TN approx. 16 miles. Exit I-40 at exit 451 (Waterville). Follow the road past the Walters Power Generating Station to a 4-way intersection. Continue straight through and follow signs to the group camp.

    Mailing Address: (Do not use in GPS)
    236 Big Creek Park Road
    Newport, Tennessee, 37821

    Contact Information:

    Mailing Address:

    BIG CREEK GROUP SITE
    236 Big Creek Park Road
    Newport TN 37821

    Phone Number:

    Information: (865)436-1261