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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. 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.
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Permits info
Facilities
Station Camp Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
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.BLUE HERON CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
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.BANDY CREEK Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
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.Alum Ford Campground Campground
List of CampsitesAlum Ford is a primitive campground and offers six campsites with a vault toilet facility. No drinking water is located at this area. Alum Ford also has a boat ramp. There are no fees to use the ramp.
Bear Creek Horse Camp Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
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.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 do in the park. free public WiFi, bookstore; park permits; restrooms; vending machines, and ice sales.
Crossville Visitor Center Facility
Located in Crossville, just off Exit 320, on I-40, across from Stone Memorial High School.
Rugby Visitor Contact Station Facility
Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi, restrooms; park permits.
Helenwood Visitor Center Facility
Facilities & Activities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi; restrooms.
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 to do in the park; free public WiFi, bookstore; park permits; restrooms; vending machines, and 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. The train remains approximately an hour at Blue Heron before returning to Stearns.
Stearns Visitor Contact Station Facility
Facilities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; restrooms; park permits.
