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.
Black bears and other wildlife frequent the area; visitors must follow food and garbage storage regulations. All food and items used to store or prepare food MUST be secured in a food storage locker near your campsite or inside the trunk or cab of your vehicle at all times when not in use. DO NOT HANG TRASH FROM THE LANTERN POLE ON YOUR SITE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4564 LEATHERWOOD ROAD ONEIDA TN 37841
For campground inquiries, please call: (423) 286-7275
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
For detailed directions, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm