This Secluded Campground Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is One of Tennessee’s Best Kept Secrets

In recent years, national parks have become increasingly popular attractions throughout the United States, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is among the most popular. But with a secluded campground in Tennessee, you can still enjoy the iconic landmark and outdoor getaway while foregoing some of the crowds. Part of what makes this hidden campground less trafficked is its location, but it still pays off with top-notch views, trails, and things to do.

Where This Campground Is and How Close It Is to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Seated along the north-easternmost boundary of the national park, Big Creek Campground in Newport, Tennessee, offers excellent camping near the Great Smoky Mountains without the crowds. Though the nearest national park visitor center is at Kuwohi, which is the tallest peak in the park, located nearly two hours away, it's this remote location that gives the scenic campground its secluded feel.

What to Expect When You Camp Here

Further adding to the quiet nature of this remote camping spot in Tennessee is that it can accommodate only up to 25 people across 12 campsites. Needless to say, reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance of your trip. For those who are looking forward to a deep dive into the area by hiking trails near and far within the park, this campground allows visitors to book sites for up to two weeks at a time.

Surrounded by a thick forest and dense canopy overhead, the campsites include tent pads, grills, and fire rings. Drinkable water and flushing toilets are also available to make the standard, and otherwise traditional, camping experience a little more comfortable, too. Nonetheless, the quiet surroundings lull visitors to sleep after long days on the trails and exploring the many rivers, streams, and the best waterfalls in Tennessee.

Things to Do Nearby

Apart from its quiet location along the park's extremity, Big Creek campground is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts with a few different interests. The campsite offers access to horseback trails, hiker-only trails, and is a great location for fishing. For fly fishing, the stream is home to native rainbow and brook trout, making it an exciting fishing hole. Hikers can access the Appalachian Trail by following the Chestnut Branch Trail, which is just over two miles long and feeds into the larger through-hike.

Situated just off the Appalachian Trail, this campsite and the surrounding trails are scenic and lush. While the Chestnut Branch Trail offers an overlook at the junction with the AT, the trail is short but challenging. For a longer, more strenuous hike with a big reward, try the 12-mile Baxter Creek Trail, which also departs from the campground and offers another top-notch viewpoint from the Mount Crammerer Tower.

While this campground will always have its secluded atmosphere thanks to its location and the limited number of campsites available, visitors should book early before it becomes overly popular. Though spring and fall are excellent times to visit, the mountains also provide a cool and refreshing escape from the heat throughout the summer months. So, pack your gear and head out for a less crowded approach to one of the most visited national parks: the Great Smoky Mountains.