Frozen Head Camping
Warning Alert

Renovations at Frozen Head State Park

Frozen Head State Park

Frozen Head State Park is undergoing several major renovations. As construction progresses, we will keep you updated on which sections have reopened. We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions about your reservation, please call 1 (888) 867-2757.

Currently Closed:

  • All Big Cove Campsites
  • All Flat Fork Campsites
  • The Visitor Center (but the public restrooms remain open)
  • Shelters B & C
  • The Rocky Fork Area (including the Ross Gap Trailhead and volleyball courts)
  • A number of trails
    • The only accessible trail at this time is the Chimney Top Trail behind the Visitor Center. This trail is considered strenuous with significant elevation gain and up to a 14-mile hike.

During this renovation, we encourage campers to check out our nearby parks. Some nearby parks to consider are:

  • A cozy cabin nestled among tall trees with vibrant autumn leaves in a sunlit forest, evoking a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
    • Book Now

    Reservations

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

    Park Office

    1-423-346-3318
    Downloads
    Frozen Head Campground Map (2.27 MB)
    Reserve a Campsite

    Camping at Frozen Head

    Frozen Head State Park is located in the Cumberland Mountains of East Tennessee, about an hour northwest of Knoxville, among some of the tallest peaks in the state. The park offers a rugged, forested landscape known for steep ridges, remote hollows, and extensive hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore miles of trails, including routes that climb to panoramic overlooks, or visit the historic Stonecipher–Kelly Homeplace. 

    Camping options include primitive campsites at Big Cove Campground for tents and small trailers, primitive camping at Flat Fork Campground, and backcountry camping at one of nine designated sites located throughout the park.

    • Red and gray tent in a leafy forest setting in the Big Cove Campground at Frozen Head State Park.
    • Camper and bikes in a wooded campsite with a blue canopy tent.
    • Forest campsite with red tents among trees, green grass, and a path nearby.

    Frozen Head Big Cove Camping

    Tent & RV

    The Big Cove Campground offers rustic camping and is best suited for small RVs and tent camping. In the campground, visitors will find a modern, centrally located bathhouse with hot showers, a drinking water faucet, and a sink basin behind the bathhouse for dishwashing. 

    Each campsite is equipped with a parking slip, picnic table, grill, lantern hanger, and fire ring. Electricity, water hookups, and dump stations are not available at Frozen Head. 

    Group Camping: There are two group sites in the Big Cove Campground, #5 & #18, with a capacity of 15 to 20 people. These may be reserved online or by calling the park office up to a year in advance. 

    Book Now
    • Forest clearing with picnic table and fire pit.
    • Forest scene with tall trees and a leaf-covered ground.
    • Forest campsite with fire pit and picnic table.
    • Forest campsite with picnic table and fire pit, surrounded by tall trees.
    • Forest campsite with trees, picnic table, and a bear-proof trash can nearby.

    Frozen Head Flat Fork Campground

    Group Camp

    The Flat Fork Primitive Group Site Area, located on Flat Fork Rd, hosts groups of up to 15 people. The Flat Fork Primitive Group sites are linear and located on the northern edge of the road between the Shelter A Picnic Area and the Panther Branch Trail Head. The sites are located between the road and Flat Fork Branch.

    Flat Fork Creek can be dry during dry conditions. 

    One parking space per campsite. For additional parking, use the picnic area parking and/or the Panther Branch Trail Head parking area. Please pick up a campsite parking tag for any additional vehicles parked outside the Flat Fork Primitive Group Sites. 

    Book Now

    Backcountry Camping

    Frozen Head State Park boasts over 50 miles of backpacking trails with 9 designated backcountry campsites – 4 of which are group sites. Park Management encourages campers to reserve their campsite early to ensure they have a site upon arrival. 

    Backcountry Camp Guide

    • Hike In

      Hiking is required to reach each site. The mileages are listed with the campsite descriptions found when reserving a site. No hiking allowed on trails after dark, so allow ample daylight hours to reach your destination.  

    • Fire Safety

      Each site has a designated fire ring. Check the fire index sign at the Visitor Center parking lot for fire risk. Levels 1 and 2 indicate backcountry fires are allowed. Levels 3 – 5 indicate no fires are permitted.  

    • Water

      Water must be filtered from the natural sources available or carried in. Please plan your water needs in advance. Not all sites have a dependable water source and availability is seasonal.  

    • Capacity

      Site capacity information and description can be found under site features on the backcountry camping reservation page. Please check the campsite’s capacity when reserving; we encourage our campers to adhere to the minimum capacity for group sites.

    • Parking

      Remember to follow all park rules.

      A PAPER COPY of the camping receipt or a piece of paper with the name associated with the reservation, the date and the backcountry campsite you are staying in MUST be placed in the dash of each vehicle that is to be parked overnight.

    • Reservations

      Reservations are required for ALL backcountry camping. Reservations must be made no later than 4:00 PM on the day of the planned stay. Multi-night camping at different locations is permitted with a single reservation.

      Reservations may be made online or by calling the park office. Your reservation receipt is your permit. If you need to cancel or change your reservation prior to your visit, or have any questions, please call the park office.

    Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. A $5 non-refundable reservation fee is required.

    Accessibility at Frozen Head

    Visit the park’s accessibility page to see detailed accessibility information.

    Plan Your Trip

    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.

    Discover More at Frozen Head

    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: 
    964 Flat Fork Road, Wartburg TN, 37887

    Hours: 
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

    Frozen Head Junior Ranger (SOLD OUT)

    Frozen Head State Park
    a single ivy leaf with a blue highlight

    More Parks with Camping

    Other Activities at Frozen Head State Park