Bandy Creek
Open — Open year-round with reservations available up to 240 days in advance via Recreation.gov. Group camps can be reserved up to 360 days in advance. Some sites are first-come, first-served.
Black Bears at Big South Fork
Black 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.
Firewood 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.
The Use of Drones is Prohibited at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Currently, the use of drones is prohibited at Big South Fork and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available...
Temporary Closure of Kentucky Trail Between Ledbetter Ridge Road & Waters Cemetery Road April 12-14
Fire crews will be conducting prescribed fire operations within Big South Fork NRRA, April 12-14, between Ledbetter Ridge Road & Waters Cemetery Road.
TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON CAMPFIRES IN THE BACKCOUNTRY IN EFFECT
Due to drought conditions, there is a temporary restriction on campfires in the backcountry. Use of backpacking stoves that utilize pre-packaged compressed gas canisters is still permitted. Carry extra water as springs may be running low or dry.
Coronavirus Update 3-30-20
Changes in park operations to protect park visitors and employees from the coronavirus pandemic: All visitor centers, campgrounds, and Leatherwood Ford Day Use Area are closed. Park gates, trails, and roads are currently open. Stay tuned for updates.
Big South Fork Visitor Centers Remain Closed
All Big South Fork visitor centers remain closed until further notice.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice
No entry will be allowed into the park, except for employees, residents, and other authorized persons. Through traffic is permitted.
Closure of Big Creek Road for Necessary Repairs Beginning October 5
Big Creek Road will be temporarily closed for necessary repairs to a section of embankment and roadway. Included in this closure are the road, boat launch, picnic area and Sheltowee Trace Trailhead. Repairs are estimated to be complete by October 31.
O&W Bridge Closed for Routine Inspection October 5
Tennessee Dept. of Transportation will inspect the historic bridge on October 5. The bridge will be closed to vehicles 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (ET), but accessible by foot traffic if/when it is safe to do so.
Road Work Along Highway 297 to Resume June 8, 2022
Repairs to Highway 297 at Big South Fork will resume June 8, with crews milling/paving the Cumberland River Bridge and sections of Highway 297 within the park boundaries. Work is scheduled to take place Monday thru Friday, expect minimal traffic delays.
Temporary Closure of John Muir Trail Bridge at Station Camp Creek
Effective January 13, 2022, the trail bridge on John Muir Trail/Sheltowee Trace Trail that crosses Station Camp Creek will be temporarily closed for repairs.
Bandy Creek Pool Closed for Staff Training June 9, 2023
Bandy Creek Pool will be closed Friday, June 9, 2023. Lifeguards will be participating in mandatory training during that time. The pool will reopen Saturday, June 10.
All Open Fires Prohibited Due to Very Dry Conditions
Due to the extremely dry conditions currently being experienced, park officials have determined that it is necessary to prohibit the use of all open fires and activities, which unduly increase fire danger.
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Closed
Bandy Creek Visitor Center is closed today, January 19, due to hazardous weather conditions. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected throughout today.
Temporary Trail Closure During Ongoing Storm Recovery
Work crews at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area have cleared all roads and most trails of hazardous trees from the major weather event on May 26. Due to safety concerns, some trails are still closed to all pedestrian, bike, and horse traffic
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Will Be Closed Due to Inclement Weather
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Will Be Closed February 20, 2025, Due to Inclement Weather
Temporary Partial Closure of Twin Arches Loop Trail for Rehabilitation
The Twin Arches Loop Trail will undergo partial closures for stair and ladder rehabilitation. One side of the loop will close at a time, but access to the Twin Arches will remain open via an out-and-back hike.
About
Bandy Creek Campground is a well-equipped base camp for exploring Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a 125,000-acre preserve of rugged gorges and forested plateaus in the Cumberland Plateau. The campground offers 149 sites across multiple loops: 96 sites with water and electric hookups (including ten 50-amp sites), 49 tent-only sites, and two group camping areas with dedicated cook shelters and campfire circles. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Modern facilities include flush toilets and hot showers available year-round, a dump station, and accessible bathhouses. During warmer months, campers enjoy the on-site swimming pool, volleyball court, playgrounds, and ball fields. A seasonal camp store provides firewood, ice, and supplies. The campground serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the park's extensive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as fishing opportunities along the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Black bears inhabit the area, and proper food storage in hard-sided vehicles or trailers is required.
Directions
Located at 145 Campground Road, Oneida, TN 37841. For detailed directions from various locations, visit the Big South Fork NPS website.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $20 - $140 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 73ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 73ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Tish_Neal@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (423) 286-7275 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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