Big Ridge State Park Campground

For Tennessee locals seeking a refreshing and immersive outdoor experience, Big Ridge State Park Campground in Maynardville, TN, stands as a true natural gem. Nestled within the picturesque Big Ridge State Park, this campground offers a delightful blend of serene natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it an ideal destination for families, adventurers, and anyone looking to unwind amidst the East Tennessee landscape. It’s a cherished spot known for its quiet atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and the friendly, welcoming staff who ensure every visit is a pleasant one.

Big Ridge State Park Campground provides a diverse range of camping options to suit various preferences, from comfortable RV sites with full hookups to more rustic tent sites, ensuring a perfect fit for every kind of camper. Beyond the individual campsites, the park boasts a stunning concrete-bottom swimming area in the lake, a beautiful playground for the kids, and numerous pavilions, all contributing to a comprehensive recreational experience. Visitors consistently highlight the park's excellent hiking trails, which, while offering a good challenge with their hills, lead to breathtaking views and unique historical sites.

While some might find its location "a little out of the way," the consensus is that the journey is "well worth the trip." This sentiment underscores the park's ability to deliver a memorable and value-packed outdoor adventure, away from the hustle and bustle, allowing Tennesseans to truly disconnect and appreciate the natural splendor of their home state.

Big Ridge State Park Campground is beautifully situated at 1075 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807, USA. This address places it firmly within the scenic confines of Big Ridge State Park, which sprawls across thousands of acres and includes a significant portion of Norris Lake shoreline. Maynardville, located in Union County, provides a tranquil setting that feels removed from urban sprawl, yet it remains relatively accessible for many Tennessee residents.

The park is located just north of Knoxville, making it a convenient drive for those in and around the greater Knoxville metropolitan area. While the approach to the park involves "very windy roads" and can be "tight and steep with tight switchback curves," particularly from some directions, visitors report that even large RVs can navigate them with careful driving. This journey leads to a campground "perched on the top of a hill," offering unique vantage points and a true sense of immersion in the natural environment.

Once at Big Ridge State Park, campers have direct access to Norris Lake for boating, fishing, and a variety of water sports. The park’s location also provides a strategic base for exploring the rich history and natural beauty of East Tennessee. Despite its somewhat secluded feel, the park's well-regarded amenities and the quality of its natural attractions make the drive a worthwhile endeavor for those seeking genuine outdoor experiences.

Big Ridge State Park Campground provides a comprehensive array of services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers:

• Campsites with Hookups: The park features 50 campsites on or near Norris Lake, accommodating RVs, trailers, and tent campers. RV sites have paved slips and can fit units up to 35 feet, equipped with water and 50-amp electrical hookups.
• Tent Camping: Dedicated sites are available for tent campers.
• Bathhouses: Three bathhouses with restrooms and hot shower facilities are provided. Bathhouses #2 and #3 are closed during the off-season (November 1 to March 31). Recent upgrades include private bathroom/shower combos in some areas.
• Dump Station: A convenient dumping station is available for RV waste.
• Picnic Tables and Grills: Each campsite comes with a picnic table and a grill for outdoor cooking. Fire rings are also typically present.
• Laundromat: Located next to the park office, laundry facilities are available seasonally.
• Firewood: Campfires should use heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park. Certified heat-treated wood is available for purchase at the park office/visitor center.
• Cabin Rentals: The park offers 20 rustic cabins (currently closed for renovations in 2025, estimated opening TBD). These Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built cabins feature kitchens, private baths, screened porches, and are fully equipped. Some are pet-friendly.
• Boat Rentals: Paddle boats, canoes, and rowboats are available for rent at the boat dock on Big Ridge Lake.
• Camp Store/Gift Shop: The Visitor Center gift shop is a place to pick up maps, learn about the park, or find souvenirs.

• Gorgeous State Park Setting: Praised for its natural beauty, with meandering valley streams, long, narrow ridges, and heavily forested topography.
• Concrete-Bottom Swimming Area: A unique and clean swimming area in Big Ridge Lake, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily). An enclosed, concrete-bottomed section is provided for children.
• Excellent Hiking Trails: Over 15 miles of trails catering to various difficulty levels (easy, moderate, difficult), offering scenic views, historical sites (like the Ghost House Trail and cemeteries), and diverse terrain.
• Quiet and Well-Maintained Campground: Consistently noted for its peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness.
• Friendly and Welcoming Park Staff: Visitors frequently commend the staff for their helpfulness and hospitality.
• Beautiful Playground: A well-maintained and attractive playground provides entertainment for children.
• Numerous Pavilions: Available for picnics, gatherings, and events.
• Access to Norris Lake: Big Ridge Lake is dammed off from the main channel of Norris Lake, offering a calm atmosphere, ideal for paddling and fishing (no gas-powered motors allowed on Big Ridge Lake).
• Historical Significance: The park sits on the site of historic Sharp's Fort and features structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.
• Sports Facilities: Tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts, along with a baseball field, are available. Equipment can be checked out at the park office.
• Backcountry Camping: Three designated backcountry campsites are available by reservation for experienced hikers seeking a more primitive experience.

As a Tennessee State Park, Big Ridge State Park Campground operates with generally affordable and consistent rates, which itself is a significant benefit for locals seeking value in their outdoor adventures. While flash sales or complex promotional schemes are not typically a feature of state parks, certain discounts are available to eligible individuals, enhancing the affordability:

• Standard Campground Rates: RV campsites start at approximately $28 per night, offering excellent value for sites with water and 50-amp electric hookups.
• Senior Discounts: A 25% discount is often available for senior citizens on nightly camping rates.
• Military Discounts: Active U.S. Military members may receive a 25% to 50% discount on nightly cabin rates (when cabins are available; check for specific details and validity periods).
• Tennessee State Employee/Retiree Discounts: State employees and retirees may qualify for a 25% to 50% discount on cabin rates.
• Tennessee Resident Discount: Tennessee residents may enjoy a 10% discount on cabin reservations.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, specific discounts, and any seasonal offerings, it is always recommended to check the official Tennessee State Parks website or contact Big Ridge State Park directly. This ensures you receive precise details for planning your visit and taking advantage of any applicable savings.

To plan your visit, inquire about reservations, or learn more about the amenities and activities at Big Ridge State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1075 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807, USA

Phone: (865) 992-5523

Mobile Phone: +1 865-992-5523

Email: Keith.Montgomery@tn.gov (often listed as a volunteer contact, but can be a general park contact)

Official Website: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/big-ridge (for general park information, camping, and cabin reservations)

It's always a good idea to call the park office directly, especially for real-time updates on campsite availability, cabin renovation status (as cabins are closed in 2025), and any specific park conditions or events. The friendly and welcoming staff will be happy to assist you in planning your ideal Tennessee outdoor adventure.

For Tennessee locals, Big Ridge State Park Campground in Maynardville represents an outstanding and highly suitable destination for numerous reasons. Firstly, its location in East Tennessee, though "a little out of the way," offers a genuine escape into nature without requiring an extensive journey across state lines. This accessibility allows for convenient weekend trips or longer, more frequent visits, fostering a deeper connection with the natural beauty that defines their home state.

The campground’s affordability, typical of Tennessee State Parks, provides excellent value for money. This means families and individuals can enjoy high-quality outdoor recreation without a significant financial burden, making it a sustainable choice for regular getaways. Combined with the welcoming and friendly park staff, who are consistently praised for their service, locals are assured of a pleasant and hassle-free experience.

The diverse range of features caters perfectly to the outdoor interests of Tennesseans. The gorgeous concrete-bottom swimming area in Big Ridge Lake is a unique highlight for cooling off on warm days, while the extensive network of hiking trails, despite their challenging hills, offers endless opportunities for exploration and exercise. Whether it’s fishing in Norris Lake, enjoying the playground with children, or simply relaxing in a quiet, well-maintained campsite, Big Ridge provides something for everyone. Its tranquil atmosphere, coupled with robust amenities and a strong sense of security, makes it a beloved "hidden gem" for locals seeking to create lasting memories in the heart of East Tennessee's natural splendor.