Bandy Creek
BANDY CREEK
Part of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Overview
Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.Facilities
Bandy Creek combines the experience of traditional woods camping with the modern conveniences of flush toilets, hot showers and electric hookups. Sites can accommodate groups and both RV and tent camping.The campsites are spacious and provide picnic areas and plenty of shade.
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 including rocky gorges and forested plateaus.Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys, which are found throughout the park.
Recreation
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. A swimming pool, along with on-site volleyball court, playgrounds and ball fields, make Bandy Creek an ideal spot for families. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.Nearby Attractions
Located just under 20 miles from Bandy Creek is the 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.Important Notices
Important Travel Advisory for Visitors to Bandy Creek Campground
If you are traveling from Oneida, TN to Bandy Creek Campground via Highway 297, please be aware that this route includes a 13% downhill grade and winding curves as it descends into the gorge and crosses the Big South Fork River. This section of the highway can be especially challenging for large vehicles, RVs, and those towing trailers.
Use caution, reduce speed, and shift to a lower gear before beginning the descent. If you are not comfortable with steep grades and sharp curves, consider an alternate route via Highway 154 to Bandy Creek Road.
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.
- Reservations for horse stalls must be made by calling (931) 397-1680 or online at www.bandycreekstables.com . They are not included in the campground reservations.
- 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.
Any 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 Bandy Creek Swimming Pool is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Find more information here https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/bandy-creek-swimming-pool.htm
Please be advised that an approved Permit or Authorization by the superintendent is required before providing business services within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This includes services such as RV or tent delivery and setup, firewood sales and delivery, shuttle and transportation services, guided hikes, guided floats, and similar activities.
To apply for a permit, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/biso and navigate to the "Doing Business With the Park" section. There you will find application forms, instructions, and contact information.
Available Activities
- Amphitheater - Amphitheater
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
- Hiking - Hiking
- Fishing - Fishing
- Camping - Camping
- Birding - Birding
- Backpacking - Backpacking
- Accessible Swimming - Accessible Swimming
- Biking - Biking
- Evening Programs - Evening Programs
- Hunting - Hunting
- Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
- Rafting - Rafting
- Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating
- Kayaking - Kayaking
- Star Gazing - Star Gazing
- Swimming - Swimming
- Day Use Area - Day Use Area
- Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
- Picnicking - Picnicking
- Photography - Photography
- Visitor Center - Visitor Center
Directions
<p>For detailed directions, please visit: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm" rel="nofollow"> http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/directions.htm</a> </p>
Contact Information
Phone: (423) 286-7275
4564 LEATHERWOOD RDONEIDA, TN 37841
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site A016, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A021, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B008, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D029, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A043, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A023, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C031, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site C026, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site B014, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D052, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A035, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D021, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A024, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D001, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site B003, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A006, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D028, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A046, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A042, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A015, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A026, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A047, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C028, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D005, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D034, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A010, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C016, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site C013, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D017, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D020, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D003, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C015, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A020, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D051, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site B013, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D050, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site B007, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D006, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D032, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D026, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A045, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C009, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A036, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B006, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A005, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D008, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D031, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A011, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D015, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A032, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D043, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C010, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A034, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D038, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A029, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C012, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D048, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A048, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A014, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D042, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D027, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A033, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C020, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D023, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D019, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A030, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D004, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A012, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D002, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A018, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D035, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D033, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C014, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D041, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A019, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D047, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site B002, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C007, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D014, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A007, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D046, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site B009, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C023, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site B001, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C006, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site C027, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A022, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A038, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C029, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A044, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A017, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C004, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A040, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E1, Loop Group Sites, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site C017, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D022, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D016, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C018, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D049, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D018, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A041, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C019, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A049, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A003, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D024, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D009, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C030, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A013, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C025, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A025, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A031, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D012, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D045, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site B004, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D036, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C005, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A009, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D040, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C032, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D030, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site D025, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A028, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A039, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B011, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site D044, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C021, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D039, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site C008, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site B012, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site A004, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B005, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site C011, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site A037, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D013, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A008, Loop Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D037, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site A027, Loop Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C024, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D010, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
- Site B010, Loop Loop B, Type Standard Electric
- Site E2, Loop Group Sites, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site C003, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site C022, Loop Loop C, Type Standard Electric
- Site D011, Loop Loop D, Type Standard Electric
