Big Ridge State Park Campground

For Tennessee residents yearning for a comprehensive outdoor experience that combines natural beauty, recreational activities, and a touch of history, Big Ridge State Park Campground in Maynardville, TN, is an exceptional destination. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors without venturing far from home. As one delighted visitor enthusiastically shared, "Gorgeous State Park with a nice concrete bottom swimming area in the Lake. Campsites are nice as well. Also has a beautiful playground and many pavilions." This park isn't just big in name; it's vast in its offerings, promising a fulfilling adventure for campers of all ages and interests.

Big Ridge State Park Campground is renowned for its expansive size and the sheer variety of activities it provides. Another reviewer noted, "It was great!! Very clean park rangers available if anything crazy happens. This place is HUGE!!!! It's worth dedicating an entire day to go check it out!!" This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Big Ridge – a well-managed, secure, and extensive park that demands ample time to explore and enjoy. Whether you're looking for peaceful lakeside relaxation, challenging hikes, or family-friendly fun, Big Ridge State Park offers a truly remarkable Tennessee experience.

Big Ridge State Park Campground is strategically located at 1075 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807, USA. This address places it within Union County in East Tennessee, an area characterized by its Appalachian Ridge and Valley topography. The park itself is heavily forested and bounded on three sides by Norris Lake, providing stunning natural scenery and abundant recreational opportunities.

Accessibility for Tennessee locals is a significant advantage. Maynardville is roughly 25 miles north of Knoxville, making the drive from the greater Knoxville area relatively quick, often under an hour. This short travel time allows for easy weekend trips or even day visits to explore the park's vast offerings. From other major Tennessee cities like Chattanooga and Nashville, the drive is also manageable, ensuring that this natural haven is within reach for a variety of getaways.

While the park itself is expansive and offers a sense of seclusion, the main roads leading to it are paved and easily navigated, even for larger RVs. Once inside the park, roads remain paved, though visitors are encouraged to observe speed limits and watch for pedestrians. The park's design, developed by the TVA, National Park Service, and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, ensures thoughtful integration with the natural landscape while providing necessary infrastructure. This combination of natural beauty and convenient access makes Big Ridge State Park Campground an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience close to home.

• RV and Tent Sites: Big Ridge State Park Campground offers 50 campsites designed to accommodate both RVs and tent campers. These sites are equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including water and electrical hookups (with 30-amp and 50-amp options available at some sites).

• Paved Parking Pads: Most RV sites feature paved parking pads, offering a stable and clean surface for your recreational vehicle. Sites also typically include a grill and a picnic table for outdoor cooking and dining.

• Clean Restrooms and Showerhouses: The park maintains well-kept restroom facilities. Reviews indicate the presence of "two new, clean showerhouses" in addition to an older one, ensuring campers have access to hot water and comfortable facilities.

• Backcountry Camping: For the more adventurous, Big Ridge State Park also offers three designated backcountry campsites. These are hike-in only and require a permit, providing a more primitive and secluded camping experience.

• Group Camp: The park has a large group camp area that can accommodate up to 120 people, featuring 18 screened-in bunkhouses. This is ideal for large family gatherings, youth groups, or organizational retreats.

• Pet-Friendly: Big Ridge State Park is a pet-friendly environment, allowing leashed pets in the campground and on trails, making it easy to bring your furry companions along for the adventure.

• Park Office and Ranger Availability: As noted by a reviewer, "park rangers available if anything crazy happens," providing a sense of security and helpful support. The park office offers assistance and information.

• Stunning Lake Access and Swimming Beach: A major highlight is the park's connection to Norris Lake and its very own Big Ridge Lake. The latter features a "nice concrete bottom swimming area" and a "sandy beach," open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This provides a safe and enjoyable space for swimming, noted as "outstanding" by some visitors, and is the only designated swimming area in the park.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: Big Ridge State Park boasts over 15 miles of diverse hiking trails, ranging from easy to very rugged. These trails wind along dry ridges, lush hollows, old roadbeds, and lakeshores, leading to historical remnants of early settlements and cemeteries. Popular trails include the Lake Trail, Ghost House Trail (with its intriguing local legends), and trails with overlooks like Loyston Overlook.

• Beautiful Playground and Pavilions: The park features a "beautiful playground" that is wheelchair accessible, catering to children of all ages and abilities. Numerous pavilions are also available, perfect for picnics, family gatherings, and group events.

• Variety of Recreational Activities: Beyond camping and hiking, the park offers a wide array of activities including sand volleyball, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, and a softball field. Recreational equipment can often be checked out from the park office at no charge.

• Norris Lake Boating and Fishing: While private boats are not allowed on Big Ridge Lake itself (which is non-motorized for a calm atmosphere), the park has a boat launch on Norris Lake, offering extensive opportunities for fishing (bluegill, bass, crappie, catfish), boating, kayaking, and paddling on the larger reservoir.

• Historical Significance: Developed by the TVA, National Park Service, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, the park features impressive CCC stonework and structures. Visitors can explore remnants of early settlements and even historical cemeteries along the trails, adding a unique educational element to their visit.

• Seasonal Interpretive Programs: During the summer months, the park often hosts free weekly activities led by Seasonal Interpretive Rangers. These can include guided hikes, nature programs, campfires, arts and crafts, and organized sports activities, enriching the visitor experience.

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

Phone: (865) 992-5523

Mobile Phone: +1 865-992-5523

For reservations, current availability, details on specific campsites or cabins, and information about seasonal activities, please contact Big Ridge State Park Campground directly using the phone numbers provided. The friendly park rangers and staff will be happy to assist you in planning your visit to this expansive Tennessee state park.

For Tennessee residents, Big Ridge State Park Campground in Maynardville offers an exceptionally comprehensive and accessible outdoor adventure right in their backyard. Its status as a state park means it's meticulously maintained and offers a wide array of activities, making it an ideal destination for various interests and ages. The relatively short drive from major Tennessee cities, particularly Knoxville, ensures that a refreshing escape into nature is always a convenient option, whether for a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation.

What truly makes Big Ridge State Park suitable for locals is its immense scale and diverse offerings. As one reviewer noted, "This place is HUGE!!!! It's worth dedicating an entire day to go check it out!!" This speaks to the sheer volume of activities available: from swimming in the clean, concrete-bottomed lake area and exploring over 15 miles of hiking trails (including historically significant routes), to enjoying extensive playgrounds and various sports courts. Whether your family seeks active recreation or peaceful relaxation, Big Ridge provides the perfect setting.

Furthermore, the park's historical significance, with its Civilian Conservation Corps-built structures, adds an educational and cultural dimension to the natural experience. The presence of attentive park rangers ensures a safe and well-managed environment, providing peace of mind for all visitors. For the Tennessee local seeking a versatile, family-friendly, and engaging outdoor destination that offers something new with every visit, Big Ridge State Park Campground is not just suitable – it's a cherished gem that promises endless opportunities for recreation and reconnection with nature.

Big Ridge State Park Campground

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