Big South Fork National River

One of the lesser-known national parks in the United States, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers. Located in northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky, this park spans approximately 125,000 acres and is managed jointly by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

With its origins dating back over 10,000 years, the area has a rich historical background. Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek, used the region as a hunting ground before European settlers arrived. In the late 19th century, the area became a popular logging site, leading to the establishment of small communities. Today, visitors can explore remnants of these historical settlements, ranging from old homesteads to abandoned coal mines.

Big South Fork offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular choice, with over 150 miles of trails winding through lush forests, sandstone bluffs, and along the river's edge. Horseback riding is equally well-loved, and the park has several equestrian trails suitable for all skill levels. The river itself provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and even whitewater rafting during certain times of the year.

The park's natural beauty is best showcased at its numerous overlooks and scenic spots. From places like the Twin Arches and Angel Falls Overlook, visitors can marvel at breathtaking vistas and stunning geological formations. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot white-tailed deer, turkey, and various bird species that call the park home.

Adjacent to the Big South Fork National River is the Obed Wild and Scenic River, which offers additional recreational activities such as rock climbing and fishing. Additionally, the nearby towns of Oneida, Tennessee, and Stearns, Kentucky, provide lodging options, dining establishments, and cultural attractions, making them convenient base camps for exploring the region.

In summary, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a hidden gem tucked away in the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Its scenic beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and unique historical background make it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventure.

Big South Fork National River is located in the southeastern part of the United States, within the state of Tennessee. Situated where the Cumberland Plateau meets the Appalachian Mountains, this remarkable national river provides a stunning natural landscape. Nestled amidst the rugged and breathtaking terrain of the Cumberland Plateau, the park encompasses a sprawling area that stretches across both Tennessee and Kentucky. The Big South Fork region is characterized by its dramatic gorges, rock formations, and dense forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its remote and captivating geographical location, Big South Fork National River offers visitors an immersive experience into the magnificent beauty of the southeastern United States.

Address & Contact

4564 Leatherwood Road
Oneida, TN 37841
Driving Directions
Phone: 4235699778
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Big South Fork National River would be in May or October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures of 76°F and 69°F respectively. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is relatively low with 4.8 inches in May and 3.9 inches in October. These months also attract a moderate number of visitors, ensuring that the park won't be overcrowded.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Big South Fork National River are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Boating Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Tubing Swimming Mountain Biking RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Pool Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Big South Fork National River: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Arts Industry Fire Rock Landscapes and Features Arches Trails Unique Species Mining Photography Grasslands Astronomy Scenic Views Wars and Conflicts Civil War

Visitor Centers

Stearns Visitor Contact Station

Facilities Ask a ranger what to do in the park; restrooms; park permits.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Stearns Visitor Contact Station.

Campsites within or near Big South Fork National River

Alum Ford Campground

Alum 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.
Fees (US$): 5.00 (Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Bandy Creek Campground

The campground offers a total of 181 campsites: 96 trailer sites which offer water and electric hook-ups, 49 sites for tent camping, and two group camping loops with 19 sites in one loop and 16 sites in the other. All campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. A dump station is located near the registration kiosk. There are no sewer hook-ups at individual trailer sites. The group campsites also have their own cook shelters and campfire circles.
Fees (US$): 32.00 (Campsites with Water and 50-amp Electric Hook-up), 20.00 (Sites without Electric), 125.00 (Group Camp), 25.00 (Campsites with Water and 30-amp Electric Hook-up)
Total Campsites: 149
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Bear Creek Campground

This campground contains 23 developed campsites. Each site offers water and electricity, tables, grills, tie-outs for 4 horses, access to modern restrooms with hot showers, a dump station and access miles of horse trails. Bear Creek Horse Camp is located on Bear Creek Road off Hwy. 742, west of Stearns, Kentucky. The fee rate per night is $28.00 (half price for holders of the Interagency Access/Senior Passes).
Fees (US$): 28.00 (Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 23
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Blue Heron Campground

Blue Heron Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork, 9 miles west of Stearns off Highway 742. The campground offers a total of 45 sites all with water and electric hook-ups, picnic tables, fire-rings, access to restrooms and showers and a dump station.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 45
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Station Camp Campground

This campground contains 24 developed campsites. Each site offers water and electricity, tables, grills, tie-outs for 4 horses, access to modern restrooms with hot showers, a dump station and access miles of horse trails. Station Camp Campground is located on station Camp Road approximately 4.5 miles from the intersection of Coopertown Road and Leatherwood Road . The fee rate per night is $28.00 (half price for holders of the Interagency Access/Senior Passes).
Fees (US$): 28.00 (Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 24
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Big South Fork National River

Super 8 by Wyndham Caryville TN

Located in Caryville, Super 8 by Wyndham Caryville TN is in a state park, a 1-minute drive from Cove Lake State Park and 5 minutes from Norris Lake. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 200 John McGhee Blvd, I-75, Exit 134, Caryville, Tennessee 37714
Web: Link

Best Western Lake Cumberland Inn

Located in Monticello, Best Western Lake Cumberland Inn is a 4-minute drive from Wayne County Historical Museum and 6 minutes from Wayne County Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2030 E Highway 90, Monticello, Kentucky 42633
Web: Link

OYO Hotel Albany - US 127

When you stay at OYO Hotel Albany - US 127 in Albany, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Mountain View Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 118 Burkesville Rd, Albany, Kentucky 42602
Web: Link

FairBridge Inn Express Whitley City

Located in Whitley City, FairBridge Inn Express Whitley City is in a rural location, within a 15-minute drive of Somerset Community College and Yahoo Falls. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, an elevator, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1116 N Highway 27, Whitley City, Kentucky 42653
Web: Link

IndianSummer LakeHouse

With a stay at IndianSummer LakeHouse in Monticello, you'll be 8.3 mi (13.4 km) from Wayne County Historical Museum and 8.7 mi (14.1 km) from Wayne County Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 8161 West Highway 92, Monticello, Kentucky 42633
Web: Link

OYO Hotel Whitely City Hwy 27 KY

When you stay at OYO Hotel Whitely City Hwy 27 KY in Stearns, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Somerset Community College. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1950 S Hwy 27, Stearns, Kentucky 42647
Web: Link

Grand Vista Hotel

Located in Helenwood, Grand Vista Hotel is a 4-minute drive from Brimstone Recreation and 10 minutes from Big South Fork Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11597 Scott Hwy, Helenwood, Tennessee 37756
Web: Link

Big South Fork Trail Lodge

When you stay at Big South Fork Trail Lodge in Stearns, you'll be in the historical district and within a 5-minute drive of Somerset Community College. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 136 Bruce St, Stearns, Kentucky 42647
Web: Link

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

When you stay at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, you'll be in a state park, you'll be a 1-minute drive from Cumberland Falls. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7351 Hwy. 90, Corbin, Kentucky 40701
Web: Link

Monticello Motel

With a stay at Monticello Motel in Monticello, you'll be steps from Wayne County Historical Museum and a 3-minute drive from Wayne County Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 180 N Main St, Monticello, Kentucky 42633
Web: Link