Blue Heron Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Campground operates annually from April 1 through November 30. Reservations available up to 240 days in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
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
Blue Heron Campground is situated in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a vast 125,000-acre expanse of rugged Cumberland Plateau terrain featuring rocky gorges, forested plateaus, and pristine streams. The campground offers 45 sites that accommodate both RV and tent camping, all equipped with 20 and 30 amp electric service and water hookups. Sites are spacious with plenty of shade, each featuring a picnic table and fire ring. The campground provides modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Site 29 is ADA accessible and located near the bathhouse. The area is known for its black bear population, and proper food storage is required at all times. Located 9 miles west of Stearns off Highway 742, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Recreation Area's extensive trail network for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Big South Fork river is a short drive away for fishing opportunities. Nearby attractions include the Blue Heron Mine (Mine 18), a reconstructed historic coal mining community with audio presentations from former residents, and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns. Additional recreational opportunities can be found at Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
Directions
Exit I-75 onto Highway 92 at Williamsburg, Exit 11. Turn right on Highway 92 for approximately 20 miles. Continue straight across Highway 27 at the 4-way stop light onto Highway 1651. Follow signs to Blue Heron and turn left on Mine 18 Road (Highway 742). The campground is on the right before reaching Blue Heron Interpretive Center at the end of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 61ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 61ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Tish_Neal@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (423) 286-7275 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!