Big Creek Group Camp

Overview

Big Creek Group Camp 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.

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 Camp 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.

Natural Features

Big Creek Group Camp 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.

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.

Charges & Cancellations

Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Fire pit: all 1 sites
  • Picnic table: all 1 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 1 sites
  • Group sites: all 1 sites
  • Largest party: 25 people
  • Equipment: Tent

Fees

Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Customers that check out early or do not plan to use their reservation MUST contact the campground office the day they leave or are due to check in, in order to receive a refund. Refund requests for early departure or non use of the site made AFTER the reservation has ended will be denied. Office phone numbers are given in the Facility Contact information for each campground.

Directions

Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County) Very close to the NC-TN State line. The campground is located off I-40 Exit 451 (Waterville). It sixteen miles east of Newport, TN. Follow Waterville road, crossing over the Pigeon River, past the Walters Power Generating Station and continue one mile to the 4-way intersection at Mt Sterling Gap. Follow the signs to Big Creek. 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 and horse camp. Group camp will be the last left turn immediately before hiker parking. Use Mailing Address or coordinates if you're using GPS : 236 Big Creek Park Road Newport, Tennessee, 37821 GPS coordinates are 35°45'08.4"N 83°06'33.4"W 35.752328, -83.109287

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

4 reviews
5 stars
2
4 stars
2
Katie E
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
We absolutely loved the site. Very large, beautiful, and relaxing. Only down side was getting rained out both days. Would definitely stay again, in better weather.
Zach S
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
Great little campground... far off the beaten path.
Kimberly J
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed 6 years ago
We stayed here April 2-4. I would have rated this 5 stars but when we arrived around 2:30pm on Friday (our reservation started at 1pm) the entrance gate to the Big Creek Group Camp was closed with a sign that read, "CLOSED FOR SEASON" and there were 2 cars parked in front of the gate. It was a bit stressful because we had 21 people in our group, just standing around trying to figure out what to do. We spoke to the rangers, who knew nothing, and then found the camp host (I think her name was Layla or Leela) and she was extremely helpful!! We ended up waiting around for about 2 hours before figuring out a way to drive around the trees, sidewalks, etc to get to our camp. In addition, the potable water at our camp site was not on, nor was the electricity in the bathroom. These were not turned on until Saturday afternoon. We made this reservation 2 months prior and I feel like the campsite should have been a bit more prepared. Other than those few things, we had a great time.
Weston D
Loop:Group Site
Site:
Reviewed 7 years ago
If you are looking for a great group camp site in a beautiful location on the edge of the Smokys set away from other campers, look no further. The site has lots of tent pads and is situated on a cul de sac with lots of large trees. It is adjacent to the site host and short walk to bathroom and wash basin. Some great short hikes nearby including Midnight Hole which has a big rock you can jump off into a deep river pool (water is chilly!) .
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve
Popularity: Very busy

Busiest in November, when about 100% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 1 years of reservations.

Season dates

Peak season

May 28, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 26, 2028 – Sep 4, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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