Big Creek Campground, Cataloochee NC

[Aardvark]

Making a quick trip down to Columbia SC, thought I might stay overnite in GSMNP... this campground, anyone have any experience there or close by that is hammock friendly? Will be car camping it as I will have stuff in the truck for the trip

[Ashe]

I’ve never stayed there, but it’s nice. They’re walk-in sites, so you have to haul your gear. There’s a delay in the campground openings in the park this year for whatever reason—something to do with the shutdown


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[TallPaul]

I’ve not camped there - walked by it but don’t recall much.

I’ve stayed semi-nearby at Max Patch. Just pas the Bald northbound on the AT there are trees. Of course probably AT thru hiker and there brother is up there.

If you backpack, the hike up Big Creek to Lower Walnut Bottom campsite is about as flat as you can get and short mileage.

[Caminante]

Big Creek & Cataloochee CG's are both drive-up, hammock-friendly campgrounds. I booked Cataloochee just this week and for some reason it is more expensive than Big Creek ($25 vs $17.50). Both campgrounds are also extremely close to trailheads if you're looking for a backcountry hike/camp, but I take it you're just looking for a place to overnight on your drive down. Note that neither campground has showers, though they have bathrooms and potable water.

Big Creek is a good deal easier to get to, just 5-10 minutes off of I-40. Cataloochee is around 30 minutes of paved/gravel road after you get off I-40. There's a little bit more to see and do at Cataloochee if you're going to have spare time, but both campgrounds are pretty.

[Aardvark]

Thanks all for the recommends.