Blue Heron Campground
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
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.
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.
Need to Know
Black bears and other wildlife frequent this campground. Please keep in mind that “food” to a bear includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging. This may consist of items that you do not consider food, such as canned goods, horse feed, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests (even when empty), and unwashed items used for preparing or eating meals. All these items must be stored properly.
--Secure coolers, grills, cooking utensils, horse feed, any food not in use, and anything with food odors inside the locked compartment of a vehicle or trailer or a bear proof storage locker if available. Food storage lockers each measure approximately 29" deep x 38" wide x 43" tall.
--Wipe off picnic tables and grills. Properly discard aluminum foil used for cooking.
--Avoid burning garbage in fire rings because it will leave behind grease and food scraps.
--Always discard all garbage in wildlife proof trash cans or dumpsters. Keep a clean campsite.
--Do not hang garbage from lantern poles.
Following these guidelines will keep you from getting your property confiscated from your campsite.
We appreciate your cooperation.
- This is a hazardous tree area and branches may fall at any time; use caution when selecting a place to camp
- A Tennessee or Kentucky fishing license is required to fish in the main river of the Big South Fork
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Ay group larger than 25 persons wishing to participate in any activity in the park in which members of the group will depart from an established road and/or parking area must first obtain a permit for such activity. More information can be found online at www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/special-use-permits.htm.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD ONEIDA TN 37841
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (423) 286-7275
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
For detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm
Available Campsites
- Site 025, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 007, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 033, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 015, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 010, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 013, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 009, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 006, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 032, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 045, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 008, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 034, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 037, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 001, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 039, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 042, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 016, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 014, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 023, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 019, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 028, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 029, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 020, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 004, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 018, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 041, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 044, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 012, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 002, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 021, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 043, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 022, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 035, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 003, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 024, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 040, Loop , Type Rv Electric
- Site 026, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 030, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 038, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 036, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 005, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 011, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 027, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 031, Loop , Type Standard Electric
- Site 017, Loop , Type Standard Electric
