Camping
Big Ridge Campground
Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.
Big Ridge has 50 campsites on or near Norris Lake to accommodate RV’s, trailers, and tent campers. RV campsites have a paved slip and a soft gravel pad and can accommodate a unit up to 35 feet. Each site has water and 50-amp electrical hookups, picnic table and grill. A dumping station is provided, as well as three bathhouses with restrooms and hot shower facilities. Bathhouses #2 and #3 are closed during the off-season from November 1 to March 31.
Firewood is sold onsite and the camp store is open seasonally.
Backcountry Camping
Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.
Big Ridge State Park has over 15 miles of hiking trails with 3 designated backcountry campsites. Hiking is required to reach all the backcountry campsites. The mileage is listed in the description, as is the group size accommodation. No hiking is allowed after dark so, please allow plenty of time for hiking. Each site has a designated fire spot with a rock fire ring but no grill grate. Plan your water needs in advance. Water must be treated, filtered, boiled, and or carried in, and your needs change according to the weather and personal requirements.
Free trail maps are available at the park office with backcountry campsites locations mapped out. Trails are open year-round and backcountry camping must have a reservation to stay. Please carry your receipt with you because your reservation receipt is your permit.
Backcountry Camping Rules
- Be careful with fire while using a gas-fueled stove or fire. Do not build new fire rings and do not snap branches off of live, dead or downed trees. Collect loose sticks from the ground or purchase firewood here at the office.
- Carry litter out and dispose of it in one of the trash bins throughout the park.
- Have fun and enjoy the sounds of nature. For more information please stop by our office or call us at (865) 992-5523.
Policies & Disclaimers
Firewood Policy
Tennessee State Parks asks that all campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park. Firewood is available to purchase at the park.
To see what you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests, visit www.protecttnforests.org.
To learn more about Don’t Move Firewood, visit www.dontmovefirewood.org.
To find wood vendors visit www.firewoodscout.org/s/Tennessee.