Big Ridge State Park
Big Ridge State Park
3.5
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
This heavily forested, 3600+ acre State Park is home to some unique ridgeline landscape as well as many different activities for all who come. There are many accommodations for campers and 50 spots to camp at. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
114 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
31
Average
16
Poor
10
Terrible
14
N11
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Business
CCC Cabin stay April 1, 2021 - this is for those debating btwn Norris Dam CCC cabins and Big Ridge. Norris is amazing with easy parking and your own fire pit. Big Ridge was hellish to park in front of cabins on ridiculously narrow, muddy road. Good luck turning your vehicle to exit in front of cabins 15-19. My faucet had no water. My stove had breaker turned off. My fireplace had no door so cabin filled up with smoke and alarm went off. My heater didn’t work on a night that was 25°. Ranger Grant came to the rescue for fireplace issue, but I still had NO heater. Maintenance had to come turn water on faucet. After a night of nearly freezing without heat, I called office and was told.. “nope, no refund on leaving one day early”. In other words, absolutely unbelievable that they thought it was OK for me to endure another night of no heat. You’d think they’d give a care after all I endured on night one. I left and lost my money on night two. Worst experience ever. Highly disappointed in the lack of customer service or care for the cabin maintenance. Never again. Go to Norris Dam cabins. Top notch care over there.
Written April 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for trying us out. The cabins here at Big Ridge are rustic indeed, not just in decor. The cabins at NDSP have been upgraded and modernized a couple of years ago, however, Big Ridge's are not on the list for such an upgrade. Since you were the first stay for the season, we definitely missed the oven breaker. The fireplaces do not draft well depending on the weather conditions and unfortunately doors do not seem to help, which is why we do not have doors on the fireplaces. From what we could find, the heater is in working order. Parking is very challenging in the cabin area and there is a parking lot set up adjacent to the cabin area, which is the way the cabins were originally intended for use. We are sorry that Big Ridge was not of your liking, it definitely does not appeal to everyone, but we do appreciate you trying us out.
Written April 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adeled D
Kingston, TN1 contribution
Oct 2020 • Couples
It's a nice park just make sure you have a travel trailer with a bathroom. During our stay Oct 6-9, 2020, the bathroom above campsite 8 was never cleaned with disinfectant or cleaning chemicals. The only effort was to sweep the floor and refill toilet paper. I called to have the bathroom serviced and all the cleaning crew did was sweep the floor again in under 5 minutes. Loyston point on the other side of the lake maintains their bathroom daily.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are truly saddened that your experience was not as great as we would have liked. We take bad reviews very seriously, and we would like to ensure that your experience is better next time. Please contact our Park Office or Tennessee State Parks at 615.532.0001 | Email: Ask.TNStateParks@tn.gov.
Written October 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bronco1966
142 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
I was expecting a run down campground full of trash after some of the reviews I had read. That is not what I found. We stayed at campsite #23 and loved it! We had a view of the water, were close to the clean bathhouse, and were not crowded with other campers. It appeared work had been done to the tennis and basketball courts recently. We also rented rustic cabin #14 on that same trip. It was at the very end of a steep incline of cabins and we loved it. The cabin was spacious, clean, and had everything you would need, including a full kitchen. There was not a microwave or a TV. There is very limited parking with the cabins and they have steep steps to get into most of the cabins. There was a handicap cabin that had ample parking and didn’t have steep steps. There is no way you would want to take your boat up to one of the cabins . The road is steep and narrow. The closest stores are about 20 minutes away. There was a mom and pops restaurant nearby, but we didn’t eat at it, so I can’t comment on the food. There was a boat launch ramp that was 1/8 of a mile away from the park entrance, with limited parking. We will definitely visit again. I loved the atmosphere!
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing many of the great features of our park. We appreciate your review and look forward to your next visit!
Written August 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
2travelOhio
Loudon, TN99 contributions
Aug 2022
Big Ridge State Park is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the lake. We camped 4 nights and had a terrific view of the lake. David, the camp host, drives through the campground several times a day to ensure everything is ok and assist if needed. He is one of the best camp hosts we have ever met. The sites are large, all paved and very level. Bathrooms and showers are very clean. We loved kayaking on Big Ridge Lake. The ranger, Josh, has much information to share about the birds and animals found in the park. I highly recommend a visit to this state park.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words about our terrific staff and the cleanliness of our park. We will make sure to pass your comments along. Hope to see you soon!
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jack & Dreama
Strawberry Plains, TN12 contributions
May 2022
My husband and I renewed our wedding vows at the outdoor amphitheater and had our reception at the Recreation Hall. We had an absolutely beautiful backdrop for our ceremony and the reception hall was amazing for our reception. We opened all the doors to the reception hall and had indoor and outdoor tables available for our guests. The fireplace in the reception hall was also a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Jack, thanks for the positive feedback! We're always happy to hear good things from our customers. Happy to be a part of your Special Day!
Written September 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melissa A
4 contributions
Oct 2020
My family and I stayed at the cabin for two days. We absolutely loved it! It was spacious and had everything we needed. I can't believe it was such an affordable price for everything this place offers. Even the beds were comfortable and the views were spectacular. The only negatives I had was pillows were uncomfortable and the couch bed needed to be replaced. Just bring your own pillows and a few extra sheets if you plan to use the couch and your good to go :)
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review, melissaaX1480OV. It was a pleasure serving you as a customer.
Written November 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judy W
North Carolina2 contributions
Aug 2023
This was a day trip to see the campground and environs. I do not recommend staying here if u are interested in cooling off at the "beach". The whole swimming area is covered in brown algae. I wouldn't let my dog in that mess. Geese are adding to the issue as their feces were everywhere.o be honest the swim area was desolate and temps in high 80s. There were campers at this location but swimming area was empty obviously due to disgusting swimming conditions.
I spoke to the ranger and expressed my shock at the conditions. His response..."it's always that way". I asked if that was acceptable and asked if water was ever tested. He assured me don't need a test...it's fine."
I suggested a sign be put up stating "no swimming". Very, very pathetic response from Tennessee ranger.
I spoke to the ranger and expressed my shock at the conditions. His response..."it's always that way". I asked if that was acceptable and asked if water was ever tested. He assured me don't need a test...it's fine."
I suggested a sign be put up stating "no swimming". Very, very pathetic response from Tennessee ranger.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments. It was a really hot week of the season and fortunately, we have 35 miles of shoreline that can be utilized for swimming. As the Ranger discussed with you, the normal swimming area is experiencing nature at its best right now, cleansing itself with a bit of seasonal algae growth. It only lasts a couple of weeks, but it helps keep nature in balance. As with most bodies of water, the geese are a problem and we are constantly addressing them. We got really lucky last year with the control measures we took and did not have an issue with them. This year, not as blessed. Thanks again for your visit.
Written September 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tammy r
lafollette2 contributions
May 2013 • Family
We arrived at 8pm at night and settled into a site that was not reserved, many sites were reserved for up to one week away. The next morning the ranger arrived for payment and to tell us we had to move because the site was reserved. I told him that I might not stay because moving is to much work and I would let him know as soon as my husband got back from town. He said "I already seen you husband a dark Mexican right?" I was shocked that he spoke of my husband referring to race which he was incorrect anyway and that we were expected to move sites after setting up completely. He then said well go talk to the office maybe the reservation has changed since I got my print out. So I walked to the office and as I started asking the ladies if the site is still available or if any other is available he came into to office and started yelling at me saying what he says goes and why don't I just leave all together. I never raised my voice at this man or dis respected him in the least bit. I will never go back there and I will make sure all family never gives this place business again. The bathrooms are discussing as well. My whole weekend and effort I put forth for my family was ruined because this one ranger was prejudiced. My child was so disappointed and I had to explain to her what happened.
Written June 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark C
Knoxville, TN2,222 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
I camp a lot and go to many State Parks, but this was my first time camping at Big Ridge State Park. The park is nice and offers a few trails to hike as well as a beach swimming area on the lake along with a few other things to do, unfortunately it has all run down and needs some serious attention, maintenance is needed in the restrooms, they are dirty and smell really bad and are in need of some updating. Some of the water supplies were leaking and needs to be repaired. It looks as though some of the campers have been there a while by the way things are hung all over the place like clothes and tarps. Not real sure if or when I will be back, but I will keep checking to see if improvements have been made.
Written July 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wibols
Jacksonville, FL48 contributions
I just returned from a one week family reunion/ vacation at Big Ridge State Park. Our four families chose this location because it was a halfway point for all of the families but we did not know anything about this state park as we live many states away. Upon arriving and checking into our cabins, we put on swimsuits and headed for what looked like from the distance a very beautiful swimming area. What we found was geese poop all over the lawn, the beach, in the water and on the floating platforms. I am not talking just a little poop.... IT WAS EVERYWHERE! Not only was there poop, but it looked as if someone has thrown up, probably due to the thought of swimming in geese poop. We went swimming for only a few minutes as the reality of what we where swimming in sunk in. It was a VERY HOT WEEK. We had cabins on the water and decided it was much safer health wise for our kids to swim there away from the poop so we let them swim in front of our cabins. We were immediatley approached by a very nice park ranger who told us we could not swim there. It was not a designated swim area and they worried about fish hooks and people fishing in this area. ( Did not see any fisherman or hooks the entire week) We explained that it was a health hazard in the swim area and we were very hot. They told us about another swim area that was in driving distance from our cabins in the park. We put all the kids and floats in the cars and drove off to the other swim area. (No beach or anything in this area.) Lots of trash but did not see any geese poop. There is no parking spaces in this area but the park was not full so we parked nearby off the side of the road. The park was really empty during the weekdays so we did not think this was a problem.Another ranger showed up and told us to move our car. We thought they must be joking with us. They were not. The questions was to where? They said we had to move it to the main parking lot which was a pretty big hike away. We drove through a half empty park to move our car. We are a very active fit family but the parking area in relation to the swim area was ridiculous. It was not close. In summary, the beautiful lake had designated swim areas that was either full of poop or very inconvient . On the weekend the park was full of locals or nearby locals based on the license plates we saw. We have been to many state parks in the Carolinas and Georgia, Florida, Michigan etc and this by far was the worst. We ended up renting pontoon boats at a nearby marina and spend the day on Norris Lake which was great fun. We also drove 90 minutes away to go white water rafting. ,Knowing what we know now, we would have NEVER chose Big RIdge State Park.
Just as a side note, the cabins do NOT have airconditioning and are not really stocked very well and the kitchen is VERY tiny. Could not open the oven door all the way. We should have known that this park was not as nice because we made our reservations four months in advance and they had room. All the other state parks had no room and are booked much more in advance. On a postive note, the park rangers where very polite and understood our concerns ... they were just dong their jobs. We joked that BIG Ridge was a BIG disappointment. If you are thinking about staying here, I would not until they can get the geese poop situation under control. From what I understand they have been trying but to no success.
Just as a side note, the cabins do NOT have airconditioning and are not really stocked very well and the kitchen is VERY tiny. Could not open the oven door all the way. We should have known that this park was not as nice because we made our reservations four months in advance and they had room. All the other state parks had no room and are booked much more in advance. On a postive note, the park rangers where very polite and understood our concerns ... they were just dong their jobs. We joked that BIG Ridge was a BIG disappointment. If you are thinking about staying here, I would not until they can get the geese poop situation under control. From what I understand they have been trying but to no success.
Written June 29, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is a bluegrass festival 6pm 8/18 if you have Facebook you can check out their page they post what's coming up all the time.
Written August 14, 2017
Showing results 1-4 of 4
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing