Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Bandy Creek combines the experience of traditional woods camping with the modern conveniences of flush toilets, hot showers and electric hookups. Sites can accommodate groups and both RV and tent camping.
The campsites are spacious and provide picnic areas and plenty of shade.
Black bears and other wildlife frequent this campground. Please keep in mind that “food” to a bear includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging. This may consist of items that you do not consider food, such as canned goods, horse feed, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests (even when empty), and unwashed items used for preparing or eating meals. All these items must be stored properly.
--Secure coolers, grills, cooking utensils, horse feed, any food not in use, and anything with food odors inside the locked compartment of a vehicle or trailer or a bear proof storage locker if available. Food storage lockers each measure approximately 29" deep x 38" wide x 43" tall.
--Wipe off picnic tables and grills. Properly discard aluminum foil used for cooking.
--Avoid burning garbage in fire rings because it will leave behind grease and food scraps.
--Always discard all garbage in wildlife proof trash cans or dumpsters. Keep a clean campsite.
--Do not hang garbage from lantern poles.
Following these guidelines will keep you from getting your property confiscated from your campsite.
We appreciate your cooperation.
Any group larger than 25 persons wishing to participate in any activity in the park in which members of the group will depart from an established road and/or parking area must first obtain a permit for such activity. More information can be found online at www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/special-use-permits.htm .
The Bandy Creek Swimming Pool is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Find more information here https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/bandy-creek-swimming-pool.htm
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres including rocky gorges and forested plateaus.
Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys, which are found throughout the park.
Located just under 20 miles from Bandy Creek is the Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. A swimming pool, along with on-site volleyball court, playgrounds and ball fields, make Bandy Creek an ideal spot for families. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
4564 LEATHERWOOD RD ONEIDA TN 37841
For campground inquiries, please call: (423) 286-7275
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
For detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm