National River & Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is a National River & Recreation Area in Kentucky, Tennessee. The NPS currently lists 4 active alerts, 5 campgrounds and 6 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.
KentuckyTennessee National River & Recreation Area No entrance fee America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries.”
Active alerts
4
Closures
0
Campgrounds
5
Visitor centers
6
4 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 4 information.
Information
Currently, the use of drones is prohibited at Big South Fork and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available...
Posted or updated Dec 30, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
Big South Fork NRRA has announced the temporary closure of the historic Blue Heron Tipple Bridge, effective immediately in the interest of visitor safety. A recent bridge safety inspection conducted by the Federal Highway Administration identified structural issues specific to the pier’s bridge decking which is now leaning beyond acceptable standards.
Posted or updated Sep 28, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
Firewood ban is in effect for the park. Only firewood from the surrounding counties of Scott, Morgan, Pickett, and Fentress, in Tennessee, and McCreary in Kentucky, can be brought into the park. Firewood is for sale or you may use dead and down wood.
Posted or updated Apr 20, 2016 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
Black bears call Big South Fork NRRA home. Help keep them healthy and safe by storing all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly stored when at campgrounds or in the backcountry.
Posted or updated Apr 12, 2016 ·Details on nps.gov
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. Fee details on nps.gov
Activities the NPS lists for Big South Fork.
Arts and CultureAstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)RV CampingClimbingRock ClimbingFishingFreshwater FishingFoodPicnickingHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingJunior Ranger ProgramTubingSwimmingPool SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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The park is always open.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandy Creek Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 4232867275 | Yes |
| Blue Heron Interpretive Center | Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed 9:30AM - 4:30PM · Thu 9:30AM - 4:30PM · Fri 9:30AM - 4:30PM · Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM · Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 6063763787 | Yes |
| Crossville Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9317871755 | Yes |
| Helenwood Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 4236636900 | Yes |
| Rugby Visitor Contact Station | Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Sun 12:00PM - 5:00PM | 4236282991 | Yes |
| Stearns Visitor Contact Station | Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu Closed · Fri Closed · Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 6063765652 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alum Ford Campground | 6 | 0 | 6 | No | $5 | — |
| Bandy Creek Campground | 149 | 146 | 149 | Yes | $32 | Recreation.gov |
| Bear Creek Campground | 23 | 22 | 22 | Yes, up to 52 ft | $28 | Recreation.gov |
| Blue Heron Campground | 45 | 43 | 45 | Yes, up to 50 ft | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Station Camp Campground | 24 | 28 | 0 | Yes | $28 | Recreation.gov |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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