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

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By Compiled From N... - November 29th, 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support maintenance, ranger operations, and provide essential funding for projects, such as replacing and upgrading all outdated electrical pedestals in the campgrounds as well as installing new food storage lockers.”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.

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