Laurel Creek Campground

06/04/2026

We wanted to share an official update!

Due to the unexpected loss of access to the trail system that has long been a key part of the Laurel Creek experience, we have made the difficult decision to transition to an **extended-stay campground model for the 2026 season**. During 2026, we will be offering **monthly campsite rentals and extended-stay cabin rentals only**.

This was not a decision we wanted to make, but it is one we believe is necessary to help preserve both our business and our home while we navigate these challenges. We remain hopeful that circumstances will improve and that we will be able to welcome back our traditional campers and visitors in **2027**.

We cannot adequately express our gratitude for the support, friendships, and memories that so many of you have shared with us over the years. Your patronage has meant the world to our family, and we hope you'll continue to follow, support, and stay connected with Laurel Creek Campground as we work toward the future.

For those looking for a peaceful place to call home for a month or longer, Laurel Creek offers:

🏕️ Spacious monthly campsites with plenty of shade and room to relax
🏡 Comfortable extended-stay cabin accommodations
🐾 Pet-friendly camping and cabins, because pets are family too
🏊 Private swimming pool exclusively for registered campground guests
🧺 Convenient on-site laundry facilities
🌲 Beautiful natural surroundings in the heart of the Upper Cumberland
🤝 A quiet, friendly atmosphere perfect for extended stays
🎣 Close to area lakes, rivers, outdoor recreation, and local attractions
🚗 Easy access to Jamestown, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, and more

If you or someone you know is looking for long-term camping or extended-stay lodging, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're working in the area, relocating, enjoying retirement, or simply looking for a peaceful place to stay, Laurel Creek may be the perfect fit.

📞 Contact us through Facebook at facebook.com/camplaurelcreek or visit **camplaurelcreek.com** for availability and information.

Thank you for being part of the Laurel Creek story. We appreciate your support more than words can express, and we hope you'll continue following our journey as we work toward reopening our traditional campground operations in the future.

Please like, share, and help us spread the word about our monthly camping and cabin rentals for 2026.

— Justin & Amanda

06/03/2026

From Appalachian storytelling traditions to some of the darkest skies in the East, learn about the people, places, and traditions that make Big South Fork special. Join a park ranger for an evening program at Bandy Creek Campground on Friday, June 5, at 7:30 PM ET. Program will be held at the Campfire Circle across from the swimming pool parking lot.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo: NPS

05/15/2026

Seeing a bear at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area can be a memorable experience. While exciting, it is important to remember that bears are wild animals and should always be given plenty of space.

Help reduce preventable human-bear encounters by following a few simple safety practices:
• Stay alert while hiking and make noise on the trail
• Give bears plenty of space and never approach
• Store food, trash, and scented items properly
• Never feed wildlife

For additional bear safety information and food storage guidelines, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/foodstorage.htm

Image: A black bear moves through vegetation near the forest edge at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. NPS Photo

04/22/2026

‼️‼️‼️‼️ TRAILS ARE STILL CLOSED ‼️‼️‼️‼️

Another local campground has been purchased and under new ownership and they are advertising that the trails are back open and that is NOT the case!

Sadly nothing has changed. It is still illegal to cross into KY from the TN side and the KY side is still private property.

It broke our hearts and we nearly lost the campground and our home over these trails closing. We are still avid riders and trust us, we would be the FIRST to tell everyone if they were back open.

You are risking a ticket and getting your machine impounded by riding all the trails as before.

And FYI the campgrounds response to my comments about the LAW were to block me so that should say all you need to know. This is our home and we will protect what trails we have so we don’t lose any more! It is a privilege to ride or hike any trails and we must follow the law.

https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/state-forests/pickett.html

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04/13/2026

Temporary Closure of Yahoo Falls Day Use Area and Surrounding Trails

The superintendent has temporarily closed the Yahoo Falls Day Use Area and surrounding trails to provide for visitor and fire personnel safety.

This closure will restrict all vehicle and pedestrian traffic from accessing:

- Yahoo Falls Road
- Yahoo Falls Parking Area
- Yahoo Falls Day Use Area facilities

Area trails that fall within this closure include:

- Sheltowee Trace Trail, from Alum Ford Boat Launch to Big Creek Boat Launch
- Yahoo Falls Loop Trail
- Yahoo Arch Trail from the park boundary to where it connects with Yahoo Falls Loop Trail.

The Alum Fire is an emerging incident currently burning on USDA Forest Service lands in Kentucky, in Daniel Boone National Forest. The fire is 300 yards from the boundary of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and continuing to spread northeast toward part of the park. Private homes and park infrastructure are threatened. Fire personnel are actively engaged in assessment, suppression, and coordination efforts as the incident continues to develop. Visitors and personnel should expect limited access and changing closure conditions as the incident needs evolve.

04/13/2026

🚫🔥 BURN PERMIT NOTICE – FENTRESS COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 🔥🚫

Due to current conditions, NO burn permits will be issued for:
📅 Today – April 13, 2026
📅 Tomorrow – April 14, 2026

These restrictions are in place to help reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our community, responders, and property.

We ask everyone to please refrain from any outdoor burning during this time. Even small fires can quickly get out of control under these conditions.

🚒 Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep Fentress County safe!

03/24/2026

Our next Moonbow is coming up March 30th - April 3rd 👀 🌈 Come experience the magic!

Need a place to unwind? Escape in one of our Woodland Rooms or 1 & 2 Bedroom Cabins for the ultimate getaway ❤️

01/22/2026

CABIN AVAILABLE LONG TERM NEAR CLARKRANGE TN JOB SITE

35 minutes from main yard

Free laundry on site

Playground

Pool open seasonally

Pavilion with full kitchen

All utilities included - water, electric and high speed internet

2 bedroom / 3 bed plus 2 baths + kitchenette
(1 bedroom with attached bath plus hotel style room with 2 beds)

Call/text 931-879-7696e e

01/13/2026

01/13/2026

Another wonderful thing to do in our beautiful Big South Fork!

Just a few minutes up the road from us!

Around 400 years ago, curiosity led Galileo to lift his telescope to the night sky, forever changing how we see the universe. Join park rangers this Saturday, Jan. 17, from 7–9 PM EST at the Bandy Creek Amphitheater for Twilight and Telescopes. There will be equipment provided for night sky viewing and a talk on how this technology has changed. Bundle up for the evening and bring a red flashlight to guide your way.

The Bandy Creek Amphitheater is just a short walk from Bandy Creek Visitor Center parking lot at 151 Stable Rd Oneida, TN 37841. For more information visit the park calendar at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS