Big Ridge Camping
  • Aerial view of a lush, green forest bordered by a calm river under a dramatic, cloudy sky. Rolling hills fade into the distance, creating a serene atmosphere.
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    Reservations

    1-888-867-2757
    1-888-TN-PARKS

    Visitor Center

    1-865-992-5523
    Downloads
    Big Ridge Map (6.26 MB)
    Reserve a Campsite

    Camping at Big Ridge

    Big Ridge State Park is located in East Tennessee near Norris Lake, about 30 minutes north of Knoxville, within the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region. The park offers a wooded lakeside setting with rolling ridges, quiet coves, and access to the water, with opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, and birding. 

    The park offers a campground with sites for tents and RVs offering water and electric hookups, with some sites providing lake views. For visitors seeking more of an adventure, the park also features three hike-in backcountry campsites located along the trail system.

    • A serene lakeside scene featuring a camper under tall trees, with a person relaxing in a chair, surrounded by nature.
    • A serene RV campsite by a lake, surrounded by tall trees and greenery. A picnic table sits on gravel, with a peaceful water view nearby
    • A tree-lined road leads through a campsite with RVs and tents, surrounded by lush greenery and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

    Big Ridge Campground

    Tent & RV

    Big Ridge has campsites on or near Norris Lake to accommodate RVs, trailers, and tent campers. RV campsites have a paved slip and a soft gravel pad and can accommodate a unit up to 35 feet, with some sites able to accommodate 45 feet. Each site has water and electrical hookups, a picnic table, and a grill. A dumping station is provided, along with three bathhouses with restrooms and hot shower facilities.

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    • A duotone image features marshmallows roasting over a campfire.

    Big Ridge Backcountry Campsites

    Backcountry Camping

    Big Ridge State Park has over 15 miles of hiking trails with 3 designated backcountry campsites.

    1. Dark Hollow West Backcountry Campsite
      This campsite is a 2-mile moderate hike from the softball field parking lot. Limited to 10 people
    2. Dark Hollow East Backcountry Campsite
      Dark Hollow East campsite is a 4-mile moderate hike from the Grist Mill parking lot. Limited to 10 people
    3. Sharps Station Backcountry Campsite (Recommended for experienced hikers only.)
      Sharps Station campsite is a 4-mile difficult hike from the Grist Mill parking lot. Limited to 5 people.
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    All rates subject to change. Taxes and fees are added upon reservation.    

    Details You Should Know

    Hiking is required to reach all the backcountry campsites. Please allow enough time to reach the campsite as hiking is not allowed after dark. The mileage is listed in the description, as is the group size accommodation. Free trail maps are available at the park office, with backcountry campsite locations mapped. Signage is located right outside each campsite. 

    Trails are open year-round and backcountry camping requires a reservation to stay. Please carry your receipt with you, as it serves as your permit. Remember to take bear precautions when backcountry camping.

    Have fun and enjoy the sounds of nature. For more information, please stop by or call the visitor center.

    • Fire Rings and Stoves

      Be careful with fire while using a gas-fueled stove or fire. Do not build new fire rings and do not snap branches off live trees.  

    • Dispose of Litter Properly

      Carry litter out and dispose of it in one of the trash bins throughout the park.   

    • Backcountry Camping

      Each backcountry campsite features:

      • Designated fire ring
      • Several trees available for hammock camping
      • Water nearby (must be treated or boiled)
        • Small stream near Dark Hollow or Norris Lake near Sharps Station.

    Group Stays at Big Ridge

    Ideal for large groups, Big Ridge Group Camp accommodates up to 120 guests with 19 screened-in bunkhouses, each sleeping six to eight people. 

    Learn More about Big Ridge Group Stays

    Firewood Policy 

    Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park.  

    • Protect Tennessee Forests 

      To learn more about the pests that threaten Tennessee and what you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests, click the link below.

      Learn More

    • Don’t Move Firewood 

      To learn more about Don’t Move Firewood, click the link below.

      Learn More

    • Find Firewood Vendors 

      Find firewood vendors near you, when you are at the park, or on the way.

    Collect loose sticks from the ground or purchase firewood here at the visitor center. 

    Accessibility

    If you wish to reserve an ADA accessible campsite, please contact us (1-888-867-2757). Please be aware that you must make a specific request for an ADA accessible campsite. There are a limited number, so reservations for ADA accessible campsites should be made as far in advance as possible.

    Discover More at Big Ridge

    Visitor Center Gift Shop 

    The Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park. 

    Address:
    1015 Big Ridge Park Road, Maynardville TN, 37087

    Hours: 
    8:00 AM - 4:30 PM    

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