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State Park

Photo: NPSPublic domainRecreation.gov

Big Creek Group Camp

Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Waynesville, NC

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State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.

Directions

13

Total Sites

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0 Reviews

12 Tent1 Group

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Managed by State Park

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Reserve or permit

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We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this campground using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Aug 8, 2026. Our copy is more than a month old — please reconfirm with the agency before relying on it.Spot an error in our data?

Live availability

via Recreation.gov
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Availability is a recent snapshot, not a live hold — you always complete the booking on recreation.gov.

About

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.

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How busy it gets

Recreation.gov
4.5

4 camper reviews on Recreation.gov

Amenities

Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Cell Service

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in 1:00 PM

Check-out 12:00 PM

Park Regulations

All food and equipment used to prepare and store food must be sealed in a vehicle or in a camping unit constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or as otherwise directed, at all times when not in use. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings. You may collect dead and downed wood in the park for campfires. Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought into the park. Quiet hours are 10 pm-6 am. Generator use is prohibited 8 pm-8 am. Your stay is limited to 14 consecutive days at a time. You may have up to six people per campsite. No more than two motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Please keep wheels, including trailer wheels and guest cars, on the pavement. Park only in designated spaces. All tents must be pitched on the pad, where provided.

Published by the National Park Service. Rules change seasonally and by area within a park — confirm current regulations with the agency before you go.

Campground Rules

  • Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting

Reservations

This campground accepts reservations. Book early for popular dates.

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Individual Sites (13)

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