Bandy Creek
4.62683 reviews4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA
Bandy Creek
$20.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$140.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Individual sites range from $20-$35 depending on hookup type. Group sites cost $140, with additional charges of $3/person for groups over 26 people.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Bandy Creek Campground beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of modern comfort and untamed wilderness. Here, spacious campsites equipped with contemporary amenities serve as your basecamp for exploring one of the Southeast's most spectacular outdoor playgrounds. Whether you're a family seeking your first taste of the great outdoors or seasoned adventurers hunting for your next challenge, Bandy Creek delivers endless possibilities for discovery.
Bandy Creek offers a range of camping options including primitive sites, full-hookup RV sites, and group camping areas.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Blue Heron Mine, where the echoes of Appalachian coal mining history come alive through haunting audio presentations voiced by the very people who once called this remote company town home. This meticulously recreated mining community stands as a testament to the grit and determination of the families who carved out a living from these rugged mountains, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into a vanished way of life that shaped the Cumberland Plateau.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Appalachian seasons at Bandy Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, cold air perfect for invigorating hikes, while summer transforms the campground into a lush green sanctuary ideal for water adventures. Spring and fall offer the sweet spots for camping, with mild temperatures and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn foliage. Come prepared for the region's generous rainfall, which keeps the waterfalls flowing and the forests emerald green year-round.
ElevationPerched on the ancient Cumberland Plateau, Bandy Creek's varied elevations create a dynamic landscape of ridges and valleys that will challenge your legs and reward your eyes. The campground's rolling terrain mirrors the dramatic topography of the surrounding wilderness, where elevation changes reveal new vistas at every turn and create diverse microclimates that support an incredible variety of plant and animal life.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a geological wonderland where time has sculpted the Cumberland Plateau into a masterpiece of stone and water. Towering sandstone cliffs frame your camping experience, while hidden arches and dramatic rock chimneys invite exploration. Crystal-clear streams cascade through dense forests of oak, hickory, and pine, creating a pristine habitat where black bears lumber through the underbrush and white-tailed deer graze in meadow clearings at dawn. This is nature's architecture at its finest, unchanged for millennia.
Geological RegionWelcome to the wild heart of the Cumberland Plateau, where the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River has carved one of the most spectacular gorges in the eastern United States. This rugged landscape tells a 300-million-year story written in layers of sandstone, where ancient seas and rivers created today's dramatic cliffs, natural arches, and rock shelters. Rocky gorges plunge into forested valleys, pristine streams dance over bedrock, and the untamed Big South Fork continues its eternal work of sculpting this magnificent wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites, flush toilets, and showers. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and ramps.
Sites SizeSites are spacious and level. Specific mentions note that some sites can accommodate large RVs, but the campground as a whole can be tight for very large rigs in certain loops.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are generally well-spaced, providing good privacy. Many sites are surrounded by trees or face wooded areas.
Total Campsites232 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers prefer Loop A for peace and quiet. Families often choose Loop D for access to playgrounds and bathhouses.
Best CampsitesLoop A tent-only sites are favored for privacy and proximity to nature. Loop D offers spacious sites near modern amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in starts at Noon.
Check-out
Official check-out ends at Noon.
Stay Limit
- Maximum 14 consecutive nights stay during each visit
- maximum 30 nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number varies by site type.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and include a pavilion and fire circle.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOrganized into loops (A, B, C, D, Group Sites). Provides separation between tent-only and RV-accessible sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability is limited, especially during peak seasons. Visitors may encounter problems reserving sites without online access.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, but a $10 fee applies. Late cancellations (within 1 calendar day for individual sites or 14 calendar days for group sites) incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Bandy Creek Campground is an activity-rich destination offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include historic sites like Mine 18 and scenic river trails.
Hiking
Hiking trails start directly from the campground, leading to popular destinations like Twin Arches and Angel Falls. Trails vary in difficulty, and several are family-friendly.Fishing
Fishing is available along the Cumberland River, a short drive from the campground. A Tennessee or Kentucky fishing license is required.Swimming
A swimming pool is available within the campground but operates seasonally on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.Biking
The park includes mountain biking trails accessible from the campground. Trails are well-maintained and suitable for varying skill levels.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed, with opportunities for canoeing and kayaking along the Cumberland River.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings include black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Visitors are advised to follow bear safety protocols.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground hosts occasional ranger-led programs and special events like the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival.Winter Activities
Seasonal activities like snowshoeing and winter hiking are possible.Water Sports
Opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Cumberland River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be contained within designated fire rings. Burning trash is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Specific hours are enforced, generally after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears frequent the area, and proper food storage is critical. Steep terrain and winding roads make access challenging for large vehicles.
Active alertsPartial closure of Twin Arches Loop Trail for rehabilitation (as of May 2025).
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Oneida, TN, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 for peak pricing.
Trash and recyclingRecycling and trash facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground. Bear-proof bins are available.
Proximity to water featuresClose to streams and the Big South Fork River for fishing and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsCommon issues include noisy neighbors, overcrowding during peak times, and occasional maintenance lapses with bathhouses or electrical hookups.
HostHosts are available but reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding their helpfulness.
Campground Map
4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA
Driving directionsFor detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm.
Access from Highway 297 includes a challenging 13% downhill grade and winding curves descending into the gorge and crossing the Big South Fork River, which may be difficult for large vehicles, RVs, or those towing trailers. An alternate route via Highway 154 to Bandy Creek Road is recommended.Nearby places
Oneida (8 miles, ~15 minutes), Jamestown (~25 miles, ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel can be obtained in Oneida (~15 minutes away). Firewood is available on-site through the honor system at the camp store.
Camper Reviews
4.6
683 reviews
Bandy Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Bandy Creek is highly rated for its cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and access to outdoor activities. Some issues were noted with overcrowding during peak times and occasional maintenance lapses.
Review Summaries
Based on 683 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights the clean facilities, spacious campsites, and variety of activities. Many reviewers mentioned excellent hiking trails and the well-maintained bathhouses.
Based on 683 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include limited staff presence, occasional noise disturbances, and issues with the reservation system. Some users noted problems with water spigots not staying open and power outages.
Based on 683 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a water shutoff tool for spigots, and consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds. Approach from the west (Jamestown) if driving a large RV due to steep grades on the eastern access route.
Based on 683 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere and heated bathrooms. Summer reviews frequently mention the pool and increased activity levels. Fall is noted for its scenic foliage.
Based on 683 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The bathrooms were the cleanest and best-maintained I've seen at any campground' — User, Loop D. 'Hiking to Twin Arches was an unforgettable experience' — User, Loop A.
Based on 683 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Loop D is frequently praised for privacy and large sites. Loop A is noted for its quiet, tent-only section.
Based on 683 reviewsAccessibility Features
Users with mobility issues appreciated the wheelchair-accessible restrooms and the flat, accessible trails.
Based on 683 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and users noted the inclusion of bear-proof food storage for added safety.
Based on 683 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025