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.
Photo: NPS Photo
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
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.
- LocationOneida, TN
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
-
Weather now82°F Sunny
- Alerts 4 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Arches
- Arts
- Astronomy
- Birds
- Civil War
- Fire
- Geology
10 more topics
- Grasslands
- Industry
- Mining
- Night Sky
- Photography
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Scenic Views
- Trails
- Unique Species
- Wars and Conflicts
Alerts (4)
InformationThe 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...
InformationBig South Fork Announces Temporary Closure of Blue Heron Tipple Bridge Big South Fork NRRA has announced the temporary closure of the historic Blue Heron Tipple Bridge, effective immediately… Read more
Big South Fork NRRA has announced the temporary closure of the historic Blue Heron Tipple Bridge, effective immediately in the interest of visitor safety. A recent bridge safety inspection conducted by the Federal Highway Administration identified structural issues specific to the pier’s bridge decking which is now leaning beyond acceptable standards.
InformationFirewood 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 Fentr… Read more
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.
InformationBlack 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, cos… Read more
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.
Things to Do
31 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Biking
- Swimming
- Birdwatching
- Horse Trekking
Show 19 more activities
Camping
5 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
-
Alum Ford Campground
Reservable Campground
Alum Ford Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork seven miles west of Whitley City, Kentucky at the end of Highway 700. The campground consists…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
Details
Overview
Alum Ford Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork seven miles west of Whitley City, Kentucky at the end of Highway 700. The campground consists of six campsites each with picnic table and fire ring.
Recreation
The campground is located adjacent to the Alum Ford Boat Launch, providing access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft to this remote section of the Big South Fork River where it becomes Lake Cumberland. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail also passes through the campground. The Sheltowee Trace is a 260-mile back country trail through Daniel Boone National Forest, Big South Fork NRRA, and Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, & Pickett State Parks in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Facilities
Alum Ford Campground has six sites with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, bear-proof garbage cans, and food storage lockers. A vault toilet facility is also available.
Natural Features
This small campground sits above the Alum Ford Boat Ramp which provides access to the Big South Fork River.
Nearby Attractions
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com.
Just a few miles from Stearns is 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.
Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
-
Bandy Creek
Reservable Campground
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…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking
- Swimming
Details
Overview
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.Recreation
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.Facilities
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.Natural Features
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.Nearby Attractions
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. -
Bear Creek Campground - KY
Reservable Campground
Bear Creek Horse Camp is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Numerous trails snake through the recreation area…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Details
Overview
Bear Creek Horse Camp is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.Recreation
Numerous trails snake through the recreation area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors.Facilities
Bear Creek combines the experience of traditional woods camping with the modern conveniences of flush toilets, hot showers and electric hookups. Sites can accommodate both RV and tent camping. Tie-stalls are available on each site.
Natural Features
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.Nearby Attractions
Just a few miles from the campground is 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. -
Blue Heron Campground
Reservable Campground
Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking
- Backpacking
Details
Overview
Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.Recreation
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors.
The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.Facilities
Blue Heron Campground combines the experience of traditional woods camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets, hot showers and electric hookups. Sites can accommodate both RV and tent camping.
The campsites are spacious and provide picnic areas and plenty of shade.Natural Features
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 of both rocky gorges and forested plateaus.
Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, this ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys that are found throughout the park.Nearby Attractions
Just a few miles from the campground is 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. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
Show 1 more campground
-
Station Camp Campground
Reservable Campground
Station Camp Campground (also known as Station Camp Horse Camp) is located on the Tennessee side of the park. Numerous trails snake through the recreation area, offering…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Details
Overview
Station Camp Campground (also known as Station Camp Horse Camp) is located on the Tennessee side of the park.
Recreation
Numerous trails snake through the recreation area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. The Big South Fork River provides opportunities for all water-sports.
Facilities
Station Camp Campground combines the experience of traditional woods camping with the modern conveniences of flush toilets, hot showers and electrick hookups. Sites can accomodate both RV and tent camping. Tie-stalls are available on each site.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
Just a few miles down the road is the Station Camp River Access where most horseback riders cross the river to access numerous trails. The river access has a picnic area and vault toilets.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 569-9778.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
-
Bandy Creek Visitor Center
Facility
Exhibits Focus on the recreational opportunities found within Big South Fork and throughout the seven surrounding counties. Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to…
151 Stable Road, Oneida, TN (423) 286-7275 Directions
Details
Exhibits Focus on the recreational opportunities found within Big South Fork and throughout the seven surrounding counties. Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi, bookstore, park permits, restrooms, and firewood and ice sales. -
Blue Heron Interpretive Center
Facility
Exhibits The Blue Heron Mining Community can be visited at any time to view historic structures and listen to audio programs. Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what…
8161 Mine 18 Road, Strunk, KY (606) 376-3787 Directions
Details
Exhibits The Blue Heron Mining Community can be visited at any time to view historic structures and listen to audio programs. Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi, bookstore, park permits, restrooms, and a concession stand. Railroad Ride The Big South Fork Scenic Railway travels from the Stearns Depot to the Blue Heron Mining Community in a 45-minute trip. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://bsfsry.com/ -
Crossville Visitor Center
Facility
Located in Crossville, just off Exit 320, on I-40, across from Stone Memorial High School.
176 River Otter Drive, Crossville, TN (931) 787-1755 Directions
Details
Located in Crossville, just off Exit 320, on I-40, across from Stone Memorial High School. -
Helenwood Visitor Center
Facility
Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi; restrooms.
12025 Scott Highway, Helenwood, TN (423) 663-6900 Directions
Details
Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi; restrooms. -
Rugby Visitor Contact Station
Facility
Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi, restrooms; park permits.
5517 Rugby Highway, Rugby, TN (423) 628-2991 Directions
Details
Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi, restrooms; park permits. -
Stearns Visitor Contact Station
Facility
Facilities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; restrooms; park permits.
300 Wilburn K. Ross Highway, Stearns, KY (606) 376-5652 Directions
Details
Facilities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; restrooms; park permits.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Park Operating Hours
Hours details
-
Park Operating HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
The park is always open.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
4564 Leatherwood RoadOneida, TN 37841
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
82°F
Sunny · feels like 80°
-
Today
83° 58°
Sunny5% rain
-
Tomorrow
83° 61°
Sunny8% rain
-
Thursday
80° 65°
Sunny13% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees. The low temperatures in winter often dip below freezing. Spring sees the most amount of precipitation, but rainfall can occur in various amounts throughout the year.
Upcoming Events
10 coming up-
Ranger-led Program at Blue Heron Visitor Center
About
Explore the stories of Big South Fork through weekly ranger-led programs at Blue Heron Visitor Center. Programs are offered Wednesday-Saturday at 1:00 PM ET and Sunday at 3:45 PM ET. Each program features a different topic exploring the history, culture, and natural resources of the park.
Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
-
Ranger-led Campground Program at Bandy Creek Campfire Circle
About
Bandy Creek Campground program every Friday at 6:30 PM ET. Meet at the Campfire Circle across from the pool. Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the 2026 GO BIG Challenge visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service). -
Ranger-led Porch Talks: Bandy Creek
About
Pull up a rocking chair with a park ranger at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area! Every Friday in October at 2:00 PM ET, join a park ranger for a porch talk at Bandy Creek Visitor Center. These 15–20-minute talks will cover a variety of topics that change each week, including local wildlife, Appalachian culture, park history, hiking tips, and more. Whether you're visiting Big South Fork for the first time or have been exploring the park for years, there's always something new to learn and discover. Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) -
16th Annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine
Event page for 16th Annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine (opens in a new tab)About
Experience the charm of Blue Heron as storytelling takes center stage in a historic setting. Enjoy live music, living history demonstrations, and activities for all ages. Guests are welcome to arrive by personal vehicle:
• Driving: There is no fee to drive in and park at Blue Heron.
Show 6 more events
-
Critter Corner at Rugby
About
Join Us Saturdays and Sundays in October at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center for 'Critter Corner'! From 9 AM to 5 PM ET on Saturdays and Noon to 5 PM on Sundays families can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring pages, and chat with a ranger about the critters of Big South Fork.
-
Critter Corner at Rugby
About
Join Us Saturdays and Sundays in October at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center for 'Critter Corner'! From 9 AM to 5 PM ET on Saturdays and Noon to 5 PM on Sundays families can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring pages, and chat with a ranger about the critters of Big South Fork.
-
Ranger-led Program at Blue Heron Visitor Center
About
Explore the stories of Big South Fork through weekly ranger-led programs at Blue Heron Visitor Center. Programs are offered Wednesday-Saturday at 1:00 PM ET and Sunday at 3:45 PM ET. Each program features a different topic exploring the history, culture, and natural resources of the park.
Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
-
Appalachian Storyteller Guest Performance: Lounicia Hughett
About
Gather 'round--Appalachian tales come to life with a special guest storyteller at Blue Heron! Join us at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky on Wednesday, October 21, for another storytelling performance with local storyteller, Lounicia Hughett! She'll be sharing stories at 11:45 AM ET, lasting about 30 minutes. Come be a part of a tradition passed down through generations on the Cumberland Plateau! Lounicia Hughett is a long-time educator, having 30+ years in the classroom and has always been interested in literature and folk tales. She became interested in being a storyteller during her service as Teacher Ranger at Big South Fork. Since that time, she has performed at several storytelling events at Big South Fork and other venues.
Lounicia is married to Rev. Don Hughett and is active in the church where he is pastor. They have 3 grown children, Micah, Jordan, and Jacob, who are all in the education field in some capacity. Lounicia also enjoys her role as grandmother to three amazing grandkids. Lounicia loves to tell folk tales and stories that have been passed down through her family. She encourages everyone to be a storyteller and keep oral traditions alive. -
Paint with a Ranger at Historic Rugby
About
Join park rangers on Saturday, October 24, at 1 PM at Historic Rugby Visitor Center. Draw inspiration from the natural beauty of Rugby and put it on canvas! All materials will be supplied for the program. Call 423-286-7275 for reservations.
Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)
-
Ranger-led Healthy Hike: O&W Trail
About
Join a park ranger at the Leatherwood Ford Gazebo for a Healthy History Hike to O&W Bridge on Saturday, October 24, at 10 AM ET, and learn about the origins of some of these communities along the O&W rail line. The O&W Trail is a 4.6 roundtrip hike on reletively flat terrain to the historic O&W bridge.
Worth 9 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the GO BIG 2026 Challenge, go to Big South Fork GO BIG Challenge - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service).
Getting There
Oneida, TN 37841
Please use the following link to learn more about how to get here from various locations.
Mailing address: 4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841
Map loads when you scroll here