Campsite #1 at Big Creek Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

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$30

Tent Site #1

16 reviews
Walk-In 6 people
1 poor
1
5/15
Campsite #1 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Fire ring w/ Grill, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (17)

4.0 out of 5

5 star
71%
4 star
18%
3 star
12%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

@BobP1015720 · Camped on Sep 12, 2024 at Campsite #1
This is one of the best campgrounds in the GSMNP.One thing that has to be improved is thereare many holes in the gravle road leading into BIg Creek and the campground. They cannot be missed when getting to the campground. If these are not filled in, cars can be damaged.
Verizon
No Service
@MeganK8AC23BC4 · Camped on Oct 16, 2023 at Campsite #1
The camping pad was huge and perfect for our needs. During the rain, it drained well and didn't puddle or pool which was huge for keeping us dry. The picnic table and fire ring were perfect as well. We took others' advice and didn't filter the water at camp but drank it straight and had zero issues. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. We will be back!
Verizon
No Service
@KathyC9607069 · Camped on Sep 19, 2023 at Campsite #1
My husband and I had a great time camping and hiking at Big Creek. Parking at the campground was easy. Walking in the lush green woods was refreshing and beautiful. All the Park Rangers I talked to when getting passes to hike the backcountry were friendly and very helpful. We plan on coming back.
AT&T
No Service
@SarahD2854125 · Camped on Sep 12, 2023 at Campsite #1
It's a very beautiful site. Not much privacy between campsites, but otherwise you are deep in the woods. The creek was lovely and offered a soothing backdrop of white noise.
@KaseyH5104597 · Camped on Aug 19, 2022 at Campsite #1
This campground was my favorite stay out of the 4 locations I stayed at on my trip. The trees were beautiful, even in the rain. Hiking access was easy, park rangers were helpful and the Big Creek was so lovely. I loved sleeping to the sound of running water and hopping around on the rocks.
T-Mobile
No Service
@BobP1015720 · Camped on Jun 3, 2022 at Campsite #1
I normally stay at this campground twice a year and like it.When I stayed there this June, there were 2 problems.First, there was no soap in the Men's Restroom from Monday to Wednesday. I mentioned it to the person who cleaned it. He mentioned the park service is short staffed. They don't have enough employees to fill all of their positions. In addition to his regular duties this year, cleaning the restrooms has been added to his job. That is pretty sad.Second, the reason I went to Big Creek campground in June was to fish Big Creek. I fish it from Mouse Creek Falls up. I made my reservation in late February, After that a decision was made to close the Big Creek Trail every Monday through Thursday from mid-May to mid-July. The park Service never notified me of this. Nor did they offer me the opportunity to change my reservation.I was able to hike up on Monday to fish but I upset one or two Paark Service employees on the way.The Park management is considering raising the camping fees at Big Creek in 2023. Unless there is a major improvement in what is offered, this will be a mistake.
Verizon
No Service
@RoyCACBB6E8C8E · Camped on May 22, 2022 at Campsite #1
Our group has been frequently visiting this park for over 40 years. When it started, this park was first come first serve. Now that it is reservation only, we cant get the site or sites we desire due to reservations made by people who dont show up. This is very frustrating, seeing that we come from Michigan to be there. I would like to know when reservations for next year (2023) begin. Other than that, our trip was beautiful as always. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to release rain on us the week we were there. We were prepared of course.Thank you,Roy C.
@BarbaraS935217 · Camped on May 15, 2022 at Campsite #1
Big Creek Campground is small--only 12 tent sites. It is quiet and it's dark at night. There are flush toilets and there's running water for drinking and doing dishes. The people are serious campers who follow the rules (mostly). There is no cell phone service. Not far away is a Duke Energy hydro plant, and the park next to it has cell and internet service. The only problem with this campground is that it is in the far northeast of the park, so it is not convenient to attractions in the central or western area of the park. We liked it.
T-Mobile
No Service
@ColleenB640551 · Camped on Oct 11, 2021 at Campsite #1
Loved the well-kept, tents only campground.Perfect location in the Smokies. So many options for hiking w/o having to leave Big Creek! Will definitely stay there again.
T-Mobile
No Service
@ColleenB312 · Camped on Oct 11, 2021 at Campsite #1
Loved the well-kept, tents only campground.
Perfect location in the Smokies. So many options for hiking w/o having to leave Big Creek! Will definitely stay there again.
T-Mobile
No Service
@SeanS382 · Camped on Aug 9, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great location, sites are somewhat close together but not too tight.

Close to a stream and a short hike to a swimming hole and waterfall.
T-Mobile
No Service
@seans8723027 · Camped on Aug 9, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great location, sites are somewhat close together but not too tight.Close to a stream and a short hike to a swimming hole and waterfall.
No Service
T-Mobile
No Service
@seans8723027 · Camped on Aug 9, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great location, sites are somewhat close together but not too tight.Close to a stream and a short hike to a swimming hole and waterfall.
No Service
T-Mobile
No Service
@JamieM649 · Camped on Jun 12, 2021 at Campsite #1
Big Creek Campground was beautiful! The site we had was very clean, & near the bathrooms. We were able to hear the creek from our site which made for some very calming ambient sounds. The people we met there were all very kind & welcoming to us. We did not have any trouble with wildlife or critters of any kind. The trails are beautiful, but you really need to be careful some of them are overgrown with poison ivy.
Verizon
No Service
@Carld286 · Camped on May 18, 2021 at Campsite #1
Area was absolutely beautiful. Campground was quiet. Moreover it had nice hiking trails right at the campsite.
Verizon
No Service
@DonaldK271 · Camped on May 10, 2021 at Campsite #1
Very clean and well kept site. Common sink for cleaning dishes was very convenient. Plenty of close hiking without the crowds in the middle of the park. Make sure you go to midnight hole falls, it's an easy hike and great spot.
Verizon
No Service
@PaulG623 · Camped on May 6, 2021 at Campsite #1
Had a beautiful and clean campsite in the backcountry right by the creek. Trails were well maintained. Staff were helpful beforehand to answer questions. Backpacking in the Smokys seems totally under appreciated.
Verizon
Major Issues

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