Fee Increases Coming To Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Published Date

November 29, 2023

Camping fees at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will increase next year/NPS file

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee will implement higher camping fees beginning January 1 for Bandy Creek and Blue Heron campgrounds, as well as daily fees at picnic shelters and Blue Heron Overlook Gazebo.

The nightly fee for camping has not increased since 2018, according to park staff. Fee rates are based on a study of comparable sites in the surrounding area to ensure that increases are appropriate and competitive with current market conditions. Public meeting and comment periods were held with participation from local community members, campground users and local businesses.

"One hundred percent of the camping fees will provide a vital source of revenue directly related to the operation of Big South Fork NRRA campgrounds and the online reservation service,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. “The funds will support maintenance, ranger operations, and provide essential funding for projects, such as replacing and upgrading all outdated electrical pedestals in the campgrounds as well as installing new food storage lockers.”

Listed below are the updated rates:

Picnic Shelters

Shelters located at Bandy Creek Campground F-Loop, Bandy Creek Pool, Blue Heron, and Yahoo Falls: Daily, from $10 to $30

Alum Ford Campground

Primitive Camping: From $5 to $15 (effective July 1, 2024) per night

Bandy Creek Campground

30-amp electric and water hook-up sites: From $25 to $30 per night
50-amp electric and water hook-up sites: From $32 to $35 per night
Non-electric hook-up sites: From $20 to $25 per night
Group campsites: From $125 to $140 per night

Blue Heron Overlook

Gazebo: From $0 to $60 per hour

Blue Heron Campground

30-amp electric and water hook-up sites: From $20 to $30 per night

The updated fee rates will take effect on January 1, 2024. Reservations already made in advance on the National Recreation Reservation System will be honored. Campsites can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov, or by calling 877-444-6777.

Those holding the Senior Pass (for United States residents age 62 and over) and Access Pass (for permanently disabled United States residents) of the "National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series" will receive a 50 percent discount on camping fees.

Stories about:

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks