BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Federal / Recreation.gov

Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Big Creek is an oasis for hiking, swimming, wildlife, fishing, and relaxation. Recreation Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
35.75020, -83.11140
Get directions
Opens in the app you already use — we don't replace Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze.
Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:18 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Cosby, TN.
Today
84°F
Mostly Sunny
3% rain · wind 5 mph
Tonight
68°F
Partly Cloudy
3% rain · wind 3 mph
Friday
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
51% rain · wind 2 mph
Friday Night
68°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
46% rain · wind 2 mph
Saturday
81°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
91% rain · wind 2 mph
Saturday Night
67°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
81% rain · wind 1 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
Share your adventure
Link a YouTube video from your trip so others can see what the land feels like — and so parks can see real people loving their places.
Post YouTube adventure →