United States
Tennessee (TN)
Maynardville
Things to Do in Maynardville
Big Ridge State Park
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Big Ridge State Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Big Ridge State Park
3.5
113 reviews
#2 of 4 things to do in Maynardville
State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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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.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
113 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
31
Average
16
Poor
10
Terrible
13
Itinerant_Foodies
Greensboro, NC632 contributions
Great camping experience
Oct 2020 • Couples
We camped here for 3 nights in early October and really enjoyed the hiking trails, and the view of the lake and surrounding hills.

The staff were very friendly and helpful.

The camp sites were clean and well maintained.

We do wish that there were more areas to ride mountain bikes in the park besides the roads themselves. And be careful of sites that have slight inclines. Ours was certainly manageable but it was more sloped than I expected.
Written October 8, 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.
Tennessee SP
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 October 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimberly
Maynardville, TN5 contributions
All kinds of activities but needs updating.
Jul 2019
They have all kinds of activities and things to do from camping, swimming area with sand, paddle boats and kayaks, cabin rentals, and even a park for kids with basketball/ tennis court, etc.
Some things could really use some updating like the paddle boats and kayaks, the camping areas. The camping area is kinda ran down and in the middle of everything which is a inconvenience when you’re wanting to kayak and have to walk through the campers. Most of the time you can’t get ahold of anyone in the actual office to rent a party area or a cabin.
They do offer Easter egg hunting on the weekend of Easter which is cool because the kids sometimes will win awesome prizes like bikes.
Written January 8, 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.
Tennessee SP
Thank you for sharing many of the great features of our park. We appreciate your review. We are sorry you had difficulty launching your kayak. There are lots of entry ways to launch your personal watercraft. We have our private cove where you can launch your craft, there is a $5 daily personal watercraft permit required. You can launch next to site 26 and 28 to the open Norris Lake, and there is also a boat launch just outside of the park entrance for motorized watercraft's. We are also sorry that you have had difficulty reaching our office staff. Our office is currently open M-F 8-4:30 during the winter season. From April 1 til Oct 31, the office is open seven days a week from 8-4:30. There is also the ability to rent cabins and shelters online at tnstateparks.com. We hope you visit us again soon.
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimberly A
Knoxville, TN153 contributions
It's pretty nice.
Sep 2019
It is kind of small but I love it anyway. I don't come often enough. There's a lot of neat places to see. It's been three years since I've been but figured I'd stop procrastinating on writing a review.
Written August 17, 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.
Tennessee SP
We are glad you enjoyed your experience at Tennessee State Parks. Please visit us again soon!
Written September 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
N11
1 contribution
Worst Ever!!!
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.
Tennessee SP
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
No disinfectant/chemicals used to clean bathroom
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.
Tennessee SP
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.
2travelOhio
Loudon, TN106 contributions
Wonderful State Park
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.
Tennessee SP
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.
Bronco1966
129 contributions
Pleasantly Surprised
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.
Tennessee SP
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.
Jack & Dreama
Strawberry Plains, TN13 contributions
Wedding and Reception
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.
Tennessee SP
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
5 contributions
Breathtaking
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.
Tennessee SP
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.
tammy r
lafollette2 contributions
We were treated like trash.
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.
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Big Ridge State Park (Maynardville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Big Ridge State Park
Big Ridge State Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM