Camping
Whether you choose to camp with the comforts of home or rough it like Lewis & Clark, Boone and Crockett did it, the wilderness of Scott County is calling your name. Please note that firewood may not be transported into the Big South Fork NRRA due to insects that can cause damage to native trees. Firewood can be collected from downed and dead trees or purchased at the campground.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Bandy Creek Campground — 96 trailer sites with water and electric hook-ups and 49 tent sites are available at Bandy Creek. Additionally, there are two group camping areas, one with 19 sites and one with 17 sites. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring and access to restrooms and showers. There are no sewer hookup at individual trailer sites; however, a dump station is available. The group sites have cook shelters and campfire circles.
Resources: Campground map | Make reservations | More information
Station Camp Horse Camp — An equestrian campground is available at Station Camp, offering 24 sites. Each site is equipped with water and electricity, table, grill, tie-out for four horses, access to restrooms with hot showers, a dump station and immediate access to miles of horse trails. To make a reservation or for more information: (423) 569-3321 or www.bigsouthforkhorsecamps.com .
Primitive Camping — Backcountry camping is permitted throughout the Big South Fork NRRA. Several suitable spots for camping can be found along the rivers and streams or along the hiking trails. A Backcountry Camping Permit is required. The cost is usually $5 and the permits are available at the Bandy Creek Visitors Center or online. Firewood can be collected from trees and limbs that are dead and already down. Camping is not permitted in parking areas or at trailheads.
Brimstone
Trails End Campground — ATV riders can enjoy a good night’s rest after a long day on the trails at the aptly named Trails End Campground adjacent to the Brimstone Recreation area. Sites are available for $30 a night and pull-through sites are available for $35 a night. Each site includes electric (30 amp) and water hookups. A shower house with coin-operated showers and a coin-operated pressure washer for cleaning ATVs is accessible from the camping sites. Primitive sites are available for $15 a night. The 20,000 acres of trails are accessible from the campground.
Resources: Make reservations
Brimstone Campground — Located in the scenic mountains of East Tennessee, the Brimstone Campground provides you and your family access to many outdoor recreational activities including camping, ATV riding, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The unique location allows all-terrain vehicles direct access to Trail #1 and many of Brimstone Recreation’s 300+ miles of amazing ATV trails. You are used to the luxury and convenience of your rig, and we are here to ensure that it continues. Picnic tables, charcoal grills, ATV wash station, and a great riverfront location awaits you. Sit back and relax, and listen to the river flow by. City Water- Dump station on site – Ease of Access- Direct Access to Trail #1 – Counsel House Fire Pit- New River Access offers some unreal fishing. We’re a campground where you come as a stranger and leave as a friend. Come and stay with friends at the Brimstone Campground.
Resources: Website | 865.617.8127
Primitive Camping — Some primitive campsites are available along the trails within Brimstone Recreation. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call (423) 663-HUNT for more information.
North Cumberland WMA
Primitive camping is permitted inside the North Cumberland WMA. No permit is required for camping. However, permits are required to access the property. A valid Tennessee hunting license and WMA permit or a special use permit are required. The permits may be purchased online or from many area merchants.
True West
True West Campground, Stables & Mercantile is located on Leatherwood Road adjacent to the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and caters to horseback riders.
The campground includes 34 easy-access campsites, all of which are equipped with electric and water hookups and nine of which are equipped with sewer hookups. The campsites are level and accommodate even the largest rigs, with a few of them being perfect for tents as well. There are two bathhouses with heat and air, and two stocked fishing ponds on the property.
True West offers a large covered deck and commons area for riders to gather after they return from the trail. There are picnic tables for seating and dining, a large grill and even a large movie screen and projector.
Call 931-752-8272 or visit www.truewestcampground.com
Campgrounds Map
» Other options
» Hiking
» Mountain Biking
» ATV riding
» Whitewater Paddling
» Horseback riding
» Rock climbing
» Camping
» Fishing
» Hunting
» Wildlife viewing