Big Creek Campground
Rustic campground nestled by a creek, offering swimming, hiking, and a peaceful escape into nature. Bear safety is a key consideration.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Big Creek Campground
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rustic campground nestled by a creek, offering swimming, hiking, and a peaceful escape into nature. Bear safety is a key consideration.
"One of the best campgrounds, with amazing sites right by the creek for swimming and relaxing."
🎒 Pack for Walk-in Sites
Most sites require a short carry from parking. Pack smart and light!
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The creek is inviting, and the Midnight Falls swim hole is a must-visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Big Creek
Adjacent to campsites
Relax by the soothing creek, swim in its cool waters, or try your luck fishing. The sound of the water is a constant, peaceful companion.

Midnight Falls Swim Hole
Trail from campground
A popular spot for a refreshing dip, accessible via a trail directly from the campground. Perfect for cooling off on a warm day.

Hiking Trails
Directly from campground
Explore various trails, including the path to Mouse Creek, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bear Safety First!
Campsite Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack for Walk-in Sites
Most sites require a short carry from parking. Pack smart and light!
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The creek is inviting, and the Midnight Falls swim hole is a must-visit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Bears?
🐻 Bear Safety is Key
Secure all food and scented items properly.
🎣 Fishing License
If you plan to fish, ensure you have the necessary permits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for Walk-in Sites
Most sites require a short carry from parking. Pack smart and light!
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The creek is inviting, and the Midnight Falls swim hole is a must-visit.
🐻 Bear Safety is Key
Secure all food and scented items properly.
🎣 Fishing License
If you plan to fish, ensure you have the necessary permits.
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Roads may have construction, but are generally accessible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Big Creek Campground's stunning creek-side locations and the refreshing swimming opportunities, especially at Midnight Falls. The well-maintained sites and proximity to hiking trails are major draws. However, some note the lack of showers and the walk-in nature of certain sites, which requires extra effort for gear transport.
"Spent the day and hiked up to Mouse creek and stopped at a number of beautiful spots along the way. Very easy walk but sometimes tricky to get to creek due to steep rocks and roots. But a blast for the kids. Bring swim gear for midnight falls swim hole.
The bathrooms were clean and adequate."
Joe Schmoe
"One of the best campgrounds. All campsites are by the Big creek and are all well maintained.
Has restrooms and water supply.
Have to park your car in the parking lot and carry your stuff to camp sites which is like a minute walk.
You can swim, fish or just relax listening to the creek .
Lots of hiking trails right from the camp ground."
Sagar Subedi
"Campgrounds were amazing, spacious and clean. There is a little creek running next to the camp site where we can get into the creek and chill. There is trail which leads to midnight swimming hole. Bathrooms were clean but there are no showers."
Jahnavi Pathapati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Creek Campground is accessible via roads that may have active construction but are generally open. For example, the road from I-40 (Whiteville Rd) is open. If you're coming from the north, it's conveniently located off the Alcan Highway near Watson Lake, Yukon.
It's generally well-marked, especially if you're using GPS. Some travelers mention it's a great first stop in areas like the Yukon.
You'll typically park in a lot and then carry your gear a short distance to your campsite, which is usually very close.
If you're near Mt. Rainier, the Nisqually Entrance is a key access point.
Using a reliable GPS or map app is recommended, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While some sites are first-come, first-served, it's wise to check reservation policies, especially during peak season. Some sites, like the group campground, might require booking.
The campground is typically open from April to October, offering a good window for visits during warmer months.
Campground fees usually apply. It's best to check the official park or campground website for current pricing and payment methods.
Yes, there are individual sites, some with creek access, and also group campgrounds available for larger parties.
Standard campground check-in and check-out times usually apply. Confirm these with the campground host or on their website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find grills, vault toilets, and potable water. However, there are no showers available.
Absolutely! The creek is a major draw, and many campsites are right on its banks. The Midnight Falls swim hole is a popular spot.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails that start right from the campground, offering easy access to nature.
Yes, it's great for families! Kids can enjoy playing in the creek and exploring the nearby trails. The walk-in sites are usually very short.
Cell service can be spotty, which is common in many national park campgrounds. Come prepared to disconnect or use offline maps.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, most campsites are equipped with grills for cooking.
Potable water is available throughout the campground.
It's advisable to bring all your food and supplies with you, as services might be limited in the immediate vicinity.
Crucially, do not cook or store food in or near your tent. Use bear-proof lockers or hang food to prevent attracting wildlife.
Campfire regulations can vary based on fire danger. Check with the campground host or park service for current restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
The creek itself offers beautiful shots, especially with the surrounding nature. The Midnight Falls swim hole and the trails provide scenic backdrops.
While bears are present, they are wild animals. Maintain a safe distance and be respectful. Birdwatching and smaller wildlife are also common.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape and nature photography, with softer shadows.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and campgrounds. Always check the specific regulations before flying.
The trails leading from the campground offer various scenic points, including the Mouse Creek area and the swim hole.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers
🏕️ RV & Van Lifers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing the Creek Life
Beyond swimming, the creek provides a beautiful natural setting for relaxation. Simply sitting by the water, listening to its flow, and enjoying the surrounding greenery is a highlight for many visitors. It's a place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Navigating Bear Country
When hiking, it's recommended to make noise by singing or talking loudly to avoid surprising bears. Hiking in groups can also provide an added layer of safety. Familiarize yourself with bear safety guidelines before your visit and be aware of your surroundings at all times. The presence of bears adds an element of wildness to the experience, but with proper precautions, it can be managed safely.
Campsite Comforts and Considerations
Be prepared for a walk-in experience for many sites. This means you'll park your vehicle in a designated lot and carry your camping gear a short distance to your site, usually just a minute or two. This setup helps preserve the natural environment and creates a more intimate camping atmosphere. Planning your packing to be efficient for this short carry is a good idea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit