Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
5 campgrounds in the park · 48 nearby · 2 free and dispersed sites within 25 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
5 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationBig South Fork’s Brewster Bridge Road to Temporarily Close for RepairBrewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork NRRA will temporarily close for repair and re-pavement beginning on Monday, June 29. The road was heavily damaged from significant rain events in 2022 and 2023. The area boat launch and day use area will be inaccessible during the project.
- InformationThe Use of Drones is Prohibited at Big South Fork National River & Recreation AreaCurrently, the use of drones is prohibited at Big South Fork and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available...
- InformationBig South Fork Announces Temporary Closure of Blue Heron Tipple BridgeBig South Fork NRRA has announced the temporary closure of the historic Blue Heron Tipple Bridge, effective immediately in the interest of visitor safety. A recent bridge safety inspection conducted by the Federal Highway Administration identified structural issues specific to the pier’s bridge decking which is now leaning beyond acceptable standards.
- InformationFirewood ban is in effect for the park.Firewood ban is in effect for the park. Only firewood from the surrounding counties of Scott, Morgan, Pickett, and Fentress, in Tennessee, and McCreary in Kentucky, can be brought into the park. Firewood is for sale or you may use dead and down wood.
- InformationBlack Bears at Big South ForkBlack bears call Big South Fork NRRA home. Help keep them healthy and safe by storing all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly stored when at campgrounds or in the backcountry.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 5 campgroundsAll reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 48 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 2 sitesWithin 25 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 5
- National Park
Alum Ford Campground
In the park · Whitley City, KY
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Bandy Creek
In the park · Oneida, TN
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 48
- Aerial viewRV Park
Station Camp Horse Camp
1.8 mi · Oneida, TN
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp site
3.5 mi · Oneida, TN
Free and dispersed nearby 2
See them on the mapServices nearby: 1 dump station
About Big South Fork
Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich…
Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Plan your visit
Getting there
Please use the following link to learn more about how to get here from various locations.
Weather
The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees…
Plan your visit
Hours
The park is always open.
Getting there
Please use the following link to learn more about how to get here from various locations.
Weather
The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees. The low temperatures in winter often dip below freezing. Spring sees the most amount of precipitation, but rainfall can occur in various amounts throughout the year.
Camped at Big South Fork? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Alum Ford Campground, Bandy Creek and Blue Heron Campground.