4.6
National Park
ABRAM'S CREEK CAMPGROUND
Maryville, North Carolina
Federal campground in North Carolina.
National Park
BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Cosby, North Carolina
4.7
(84 reviews)
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
Federal campground in North Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big Creek Campground offers RV travelers an authentic gateway to one of America's most visited and beloved national parks. Located in North Carolina near the town of Gatlinburg, this campground provides an ideal base for exploring the stunning mountain wilderness that defines this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for their misty peaks, ancient forests, and incredible biodiversity. From Big Creek Campground, you'll have direct access to some of the park's most scenic and less crowded areas. The campground's location makes it perfect for hikers of all skill levels, with numerous trails ranging from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain climbs. The famous Cataract Falls trail is nearby, offering a moderate hike with rewarding waterfall views. For those seeking solitude and natural beauty, the park's extensive trail system provides endless opportunities for exploration throughout the year.
The area surrounding the campground captures the essence of Appalachian mountain culture and beauty. Visitors can enjoy pristine streams perfect for wading during warmer months, dense old-growth forests that provide cool shade on hot days, and panoramic vistas that shift with the seasons. Spring brings wildflowers and cascading waterfalls swollen with snowmelt. Summer offers lush greenery and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Fall transforms the mountains into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. Even winter presents a peaceful, quiet beauty for those who prefer fewer crowds.
Beyond the park boundaries, the nearby communities offer charming mountain hospitality with local restaurants, shops, and attractions. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just a short drive away, providing dining and entertainment options when you want to venture out from your campsite.
This location is ideal for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, photographers seeking stunning landscapes, families wanting to introduce children to national park camping, and anyone looking to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with the natural world. The combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities makes Big Creek Campground a premier destination for RV travelers exploring one of America's treasured landscapes.
The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for their misty peaks, ancient forests, and incredible biodiversity. From Big Creek Campground, you'll have direct access to some of the park's most scenic and less crowded areas. The campground's location makes it perfect for hikers of all skill levels, with numerous trails ranging from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain climbs. The famous Cataract Falls trail is nearby, offering a moderate hike with rewarding waterfall views. For those seeking solitude and natural beauty, the park's extensive trail system provides endless opportunities for exploration throughout the year.
The area surrounding the campground captures the essence of Appalachian mountain culture and beauty. Visitors can enjoy pristine streams perfect for wading during warmer months, dense old-growth forests that provide cool shade on hot days, and panoramic vistas that shift with the seasons. Spring brings wildflowers and cascading waterfalls swollen with snowmelt. Summer offers lush greenery and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Fall transforms the mountains into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. Even winter presents a peaceful, quiet beauty for those who prefer fewer crowds.
Beyond the park boundaries, the nearby communities offer charming mountain hospitality with local restaurants, shops, and attractions. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just a short drive away, providing dining and entertainment options when you want to venture out from your campsite.
This location is ideal for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, photographers seeking stunning landscapes, families wanting to introduce children to national park camping, and anyone looking to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with the natural world. The combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities makes Big Creek Campground a premier destination for RV travelers exploring one of America's treasured landscapes.
4.7
Rating
84
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Cosby is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
North Carolina weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Cosby.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Cosby. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) Reviews
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Joe Schmoe
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Joe Schmoe
Spent the day and hiked up to Mouse creek and stopped at a number of beautiful spots along the way. Very easy walk but sometimes tricky to get to creek due to steep rocks and roots. But a blast for the kids. Bring swim gear for midnight falls swim hole. The bathrooms were clean and adequate.
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Sagar Subedi
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Sagar Subedi
One of the best campgrounds. All campsites are by the Big creek and are all well maintained. Has restrooms and water supply. Have to park your car in the parking lot and carry your stuff to camp sites which is like a minute walk. You can swim, fish or just relax listening to the creek . Lots of hiking trails right from the camp ground.
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Jahnavi Pathapati
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Jahnavi Pathapati
Campgrounds were amazing, spacious and clean. There is a little creek running next to the camp site where we can get into the creek and chill. There is trail which leads to midnight swimming hole. Bathrooms were clean but there are no showers.
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Melinda Bevins
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Melinda Bevins
Big Creek group campground was beautiful! You're pretty much alone except the camp host being right there and it was a park ranger who was super nice. The bathroom was always clean, there were trails nearby and we had enjoyed having all that space of the campground.
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Lawrence Bishop
Mar 18, 2026
3.0
Google Review by Lawrence Bishop
Great location for several hiking options. The campgrounds are nice and affordable. There's group, horse and family areas apart from each other. Because of the easy access point it is busy. But once you get in a few miles on the trail traffic tapers off. The Big Creek Trail has several access points for solitude and a quiet secluded creekside day. Expect lots of horse manure on BCT but the Benton... Great location for several hiking options. The campgrounds are nice and affordable. There's group, horse and family areas apart from each other. Because of the easy access point it is busy. But once you get in a few miles on the trail traffic tapers off. The Big Creek Trail has several access points for solitude and a quiet secluded creekside day. Expect lots of horse manure on BCT but the Benton and AT have amnesty in this regard.
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