How much does camping cost at Bandy Creek?

Camping fees at Bandy Creek range from $20-$140/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bandy Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Bandy Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bandy Creek before I book?

Yes! Bandy Creek has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bandy Creek?

Bandy Creek is open January 1 - December 31 for peak pricing.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bandy Creek?

Yes, Bandy Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Bandy Creek?

Fire policies at Bandy Creek: Campfires must be contained within designated fire rings. Burning trash is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Bandy Creek?

Cell phone service at Bandy Creek is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bandy Creek have?

Bandy Creek has 232 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bandy Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bandy Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bandy Creek?

Bandy Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bandy Creek

4.62

1.2K reviews

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Tennessee#3 Summer Camping Tennessee Best Campgrounds Tennessee +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$20 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Bandy Creek is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$20 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Bandy Creek

$20.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(423) 286-7275Tish_Neal@nps.gov

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Bandy Creek

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

Bandy Creek

4564 LEATHERWOOD RD, ONEIDA, TN, 37841 USA

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Bandy Creek

Fall delivers the best conditions. October brings peak foliage in golds, reds, and oranges against the sandstone cliffs, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F. The trails are less buggy than summer, and fishing and paddling improve as boat traffic drops. Rainfall keeps the waterfalls flowing year-round, so pack rain gear. Summer gets hot and humid, but the swimming opportunities help. Winter is cold and quiet if you don't mind the chill.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in TN

October peak foliage against sandstone cliffs; reviewers call fall the best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 for peak pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Important Travel Advisory for Visitors to Bandy Creek Campground If you are traveling from Oneida, TN to Bandy Creek Campground via Highway 297, please be aware that this route includes a 13% downhill grade and winding curves as it descends into the gorge and crosses the Big South Fork River. This section of the highway can be especially challenging for large vehicles, RVs, and those towing trailers. Use caution, reduce speed, and shift to a lower gear before beginning the descent. If you are no 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 u

About Bandy Creek

Bandy Creek sits in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area near Oneida, offering 232 sites with full hookups and modern facilities. The campground charges $20–$140 per night and stays clean and well-maintained, though you'll share the space with other campers during peak weekends. This is a family-friendly basecamp for exploring the gorge, with trailheads, a swimming pool, and a camp store all within walking distance.

Bandy Creek offers a range of camping options including primitive sites, full-hookup RV sites, and group camping areas.

Historical Significance

The nearby Blue Heron Mine preserves the history of Appalachian coal mining through audio presentations voiced by former residents of this remote company town. The recreated mining community shows how families lived and worked in these rugged mountains, offering a concrete look at the coal industry that shaped the Cumberland Plateau.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. October brings peak foliage in golds, reds, and oranges against the sandstone cliffs, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F. The trails are less buggy than summer, and fishing and paddling improve as boat traffic drops. Rainfall keeps the waterfalls flowing year-round, so pack rain gear. Summer gets hot and humid, but the swimming opportunities help. Winter is cold and quiet if you don't mind the chill.

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 SceneryThe Cumberland Plateau's sandstone geology dominates the landscape here at 1,581 feet elevation. Forested valleys of oak, hickory, and pine surround the campground, and the Big South Fork has carved dramatic cliffs and rock shelters into the plateau over 300 million years. Crystal-clear streams run over exposed bedrock. Black bears and white-tailed deer move through the woods. Many campsites back up to trees or face wooded areas, though you're still in a developed campground rather than deep wilderness.

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.

Scenic ViewsExpect expansive forest views, occasional river views, and stargazing opportunities due to low light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not have traditional lodges, but there are designated group campsites and stables for equestrian campers.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground hosts occasional ranger-led programs and special events like the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into loops A, B, C, D, plus group sites. Tent-only and RV-accessible areas stay separate. Sites are spacious and level, with good spacing between neighbors in most loops. Trees and wooded areas provide decent privacy, though overcrowding during peak times can change that feel. Bring a water shutoff tool for the spigots.

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.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, flush toilets, and showers. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and ramps.

Site 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.

PrivacyCampsites are generally well-spaced, providing good privacy. Many sites are surrounded by trees or face wooded areas.

Total Campsites232 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers prefer Loop A for peace and quiet. Families often choose Loop D for access to playgrounds and bathhouses.

Best CampsitesLoop A holds the tent-only sites, favored by reviewers for privacy and a quieter feel. Loop D offers spacious sites near the modern bathhouses and other amenities. Some sites handle large RVs, but certain loops get tight for very large rigs. If you're driving something oversized, approach from the west via Jamestown to avoid steep grades on the eastern route.

Need help booking Bandy Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bandy Creek Campground at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is designed to offer a blend of traditional camping experiences alongside modern amenities. Clean and spacious facilities are a hallmark of the campground, with multiple user reviews emphasizing the cleanliness of bathhouses and the overall maintenance of the campground. Common amenities include flush toilets, showers, electricity hookups, and picnic tables. Specific campsite features such as tent pads and bear-proof food storage lockers are also noted.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

RV details

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

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area, and proper food storage is critical. Steep terrain and winding roads make access challenging for large vehicles.

Active AlertsImportant Travel Advisory for Visitors to Bandy Creek Campground If you are traveling from Oneida, TN to Bandy Creek Campground via Highway 297, please be aware that this route includes a 13% downhill grade and winding curves as it descends into the gorge and crosses the Big South Fork River. This section of the highway can be especially challenging for large vehicles, RVs, and those towing trailers. Use caution, reduce speed, and shift to a lower gear before beginning the descent. If you are no 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 u

Food Storage RequiredLockers are bear-proof, approximately 29" deep x 38" wide x 43" tall.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be contained within designated fire rings. Burning trash is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Specific hours are enforced, generally after 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Oneida, TN, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling and trash facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground. Bear-proof bins are available.

Water FeaturesClose to streams and the Big South Fork River for fishing and non-motorized boating.

Camp HostHosts are available but reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding their helpfulness.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies by provider, with some users experiencing limited connectivity. Wi-Fi is available at the camp store and visitor center.

Weather at Bandy Creek

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

1.2K reviews

Top-Rated

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 1180 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 1180 reviews

Common 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 1180 reviews

Pro 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 1180 reviews

Seasonal 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 1180 reviews

Camper 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 1180 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop D is frequently praised for privacy and large sites. Loop A is noted for its quiet, tent-only section.

Based on 1180 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users with mobility issues appreciated the wheelchair-accessible restrooms and the flat, accessible trails.

Based on 1180 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and users noted the inclusion of bear-proof food storage for added safety.

Based on 1180 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.2

(214)

Station Camp Campground

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841

Station Camp Campground sits at 1,470 feet atop the Cumberland Plateau in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, a specialized horse camp that also welcomes tent and RV campers. The campground has 25 sites with electric and water hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Nightly fees run $30-$35. Reservations are available, and WiFi works near the bathhouse though cell service is spotty throughout most of the campground.

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

4.7

(125)

Pickett Ccc Memorial State Park

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park sits at 1,627 feet in Tennessee's forested highlands, offering RV sites and cabins within reach of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The park holds International Dark Sky Park certification and serves campers who want trails, paddling access, and genuinely dark nights. With 125 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, visitors return for the clean facilities, helpful staff, and a campground that balances amenities with seclusion.

Great Meadows Campground

Off Rock Creek-Bell Farm Road (Forest #137), McCreary County, KY

Great Meadows Campground sits at 1,000 feet elevation in Daniel Boone National Forest, offering 18 primitive sites split between two loops. Sites cost $10-$15 per night on a first-come, first-served basis and can handle RVs up to 35 feet. Rock Creek runs alongside the camping areas, and there's no cell service.

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(77)

Bear Creek Campground - Ky

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

Bear Creek Horse Camp sits in the 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, offering 21 sites ($30-35/night) for both RVs and tents. The campground caters to equestrians with tie-stalls at each site, plus electric and water hookups, heated bathrooms, and a dump station. Reviews praise the spacious, private sites and clean facilities, though some riders report trail maintenance issues and mud hazards.

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.4

(407)

Blue Heron Campground

4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD, ONEIDA, TN 37841, USA

Blue Heron Campground sits in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area near Oneida, Tennessee, at 1,286 feet elevation on the Cumberland Plateau. The campground has 45 sites with electric and water hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Fees run $30-35 per night. Open April 1 through November 30, it books up fast during peak fall color in mid-to-late October.

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

4.0

(33)

Alum Ford Campground

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN, 37841, USA

Alum Ford Campground sits deep in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, offering six primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campsites are secluded and quiet, though a few sit close enough together that solo campers might prefer the more distant options. No water is available on-site.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Alum Ford Campground sits seven miles west of Whitley City at the end of Highway 700, offering six primitive sites along the Big South Fork River. Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. The campground provides direct access to the Alum Ford Boat Launch and the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail.

Campgrounds you may also like

Less Visited

3.7

(77)

Bear Creek Campground - Ky

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.4

(814)

Wilderness Road Campground

854 National Park Road, Ewing, VA 24248

Wilderness Road Campground sits within Cumberland Gap National Historical Park at 1,401 feet elevation in the Appalachian Mountains near Ewing, Virginia. The campground has 154 sites spread across multiple loops, with space for tents, trailers, and RVs. Fees run $18-$39 per night. Sites include electric hookups, and the campground offers modern amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station.

$18.00 - $39.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.6

(313)

Fishing Creek Campground

1598 E. HIGHWAY 1248

Fishing Creek Campground sits where Fishing Creek flows into Lake Cumberland, about 774 feet above sea level on the Cumberland Plateau. The campground has 46 sites for tents and RVs, with fees running $3-9 per night. Sites are tiered along the shoreline, offering a mix of waterfront access and forested settings. Electric and water hookups are available, along with showers and flush toilets.

$3.00 - $9.00 / night

4.5

(671)

Cades Cove Group Campground

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Cades Cove Group Campground sits in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 1,726 feet, offering 159 sites for groups, tents, RVs, and primitive camping at $30 per night. The campground provides flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store, but no showers or cell service. Wildlife sightings are common, and the scenic Cades Cove Loop starts nearby.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Cades Cove Group Campground sits in a broad valley ringed by Appalachian peaks, offering primitive group camping with flush toilets and potable water. The four group sites accommodate up to 20 people each and range from $50-$94 per night. Access to the Cades Cove Loop and excellent wildlife viewing draw visitors, though expect no showers, limited privacy between sites, and zero cell service.

$50.00 - $94.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.2

(214)

Station Camp Campground

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campgrounds

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Bandy Creek

About Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Context for the broader area surrounding Bandy Creek, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

Directions

Please use the following link to learn more about how to get here from various locations.