Bear Creek Campground - KY

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Bear Creek Horse Camp is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Bear Creek combines the experience of traditional woods camping with the modern conveniences of flush toilets, hot showers and electric hookups. Sites can accommodate both RV and tent camping. Tie-stalls are available on each site.

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.

• Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters. This rule is strictly enforced!

• Horses or other members of the Equidae family being transported into or through the park from out of state shall be accompanied by a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) (Coggins) conducted not more than twelve (12) months prior to entering the state as well as proof of veterinary inspection. These forms must be in possession of the horse handler at all times.

• Firewood Quarantine: The possession of any firewood originating from any location for which a federal or state firewood quarantine is in effect is prohibited. The movement of firewood into the park from counties adjacent to the park for which a federal or state quarantine is in place is permitted. Firewood which bears a USDA or a state certificate is allowed. The National Park Service STRONGLY discourages the movement of firewood from one location to another. Help protect the park and chose to bring only heat-treated wood on your next visit!

• 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. 

Natural Features

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.

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.

Recreation

Numerous trails snake through the recreation area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors.

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 006, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 021, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 020, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 019, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 015, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 016, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 008, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 013, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 014, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 010, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 003, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 007, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 018, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 009, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 011, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 012, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 022, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 017, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 004, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 005, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 001, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 002, Loop Bear Creek Horse Camp, Type Equestrian Electric

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