big ridge state park

We have camped at Big Ridge State Park several times, and always had an enjoyable experience. The sites are scenic and generous, bathrooms clean, and grounds well maintained. The fees for camping are comparable to other state parks, and handicapped sites are discounted. There are picnic areas and children's playgrounds, along with a staffed welcome building. The only problem I had was the swimming area - the children's shallow area was dirty, a building located nearby deserted looking, and goose "poop" everywhere on the beach. Once you got out to the lake area, it was nice, but naughty for the little ones!

Beautiful park, campground and lake with the nicest staff!! This was our first time camping here and we really loved it and will be back soon!!

We were on an extended road trip, so thought we would camp a couple of days! Of course those were the only two days we had rain! After first night of rain, sun came out and dried our tent, I thought, oh good nice weather! Well about 1:30 AM, the rains started again and by 9:00 AM we were all packed up and ready to go down the road! We went on a couple of good long hikes, disappointed the trails were not marked better, the restrooms were in need of some good cleaning! I think we were the only tenters there and were dependent on their facilities. I am sure in nice weather the park is great for families, and fishermen!

We camped here this past weekend. It was well kept and clean. Bath houses were stocked with soap. Camp Site had 20, 30 and 50 amp power also water and fire ring and a big concrete picnic table. Kids had a blast in the swimming area. Everyone was very nice and friendly. Just a nice nice trip!!!

My comments are tied to the Campground ONLY. I love camping at many East Tennessee State Parks as well as COEs and National Park CGs in the area. Simply put, this CG is a dump. Not a single site worthy of the winding trip to get here. Spend a few more bucks on gas or site fees and go elsewhere. This is the very first negative review I have ever posted on Trip Advisor...

Our family of 6 (kids 4 to 16) stayed 6 nights in a cabin. It was rustic (2 beds & fold-out couch, fridge, stove, bathroom) for sure and cabin-esque. But we loved it. It was very clean and there were more than enough sheets and towels. We sat on the screened-in porch most mornings for breakfast. The swimming hole was fairly clean (we went in the evening after many people had been there and the trash can was beyond full). No goose poo anywhere in sight. We rented a boat and the water was warm and gorgeous. This is an experience I would repeat.

I grew up at this park, and I'm raising my children here as well. If you're looking for a backwoods park, away from the city...this is it. Cabins, camping, hiking, paddle boats, sandy swimming area, and much more,

This park is way out in the country, not much in the surrounding area. We went to take grandchildren to swim and they had the best time. The swimming area, which is roped off is large and has a wooden platform in the center and the children at the park spent hours jumping off and diving into the water. The surrounding beach is frequented by ducks and geese and therefore not particularly clean and doesn't have much shade. There's a nice picnic area with tables and grills. We didn't investigate the trails, camping areas or cabins but considering the area I'd imagine it would be a great place to camp or walk.

Had a wonderful experience hiking with Ranger Derek and his wife on New Year's Day. Learned about the history of the park, local wildlife and a little about the trails in the park. Though cabins are closed for the winter, there are a number which are available April and, I believe, thru October. Also, in season, there is a swimming area, playground and volley ball court also available. This park is close to Knoxville, TN and Norris Lake and other local attractions.

Restrooms were marginal - bath house #1 is very nice; however, the others were not updated. I was disappointed that they had not been updated since my last visit in 2003. We had two wonderful sites overlooking the lake - loved the site. The walk to the Grist Mill was enjoyable.

Big Ridge State park is a beautiful Tennessee state park with plenty of activities for everyone in the family! Anything that you could want to do on the water/lake is available. There is a swimming beach, paddle boats, ample picnic areas, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and more. There are lots of camping and lakeside cabins if you prefer to stay overnight. There is also a place called "Hickory Star" that has a marina, an inn to stay at with a pool, fishing cabins, and a restaurant. This is where we always stay when we visit Big Ridge. Hickory Star is right on the water and has a very "cabiny" feel. Very clean and fairly priced. A very good experience for families, couples, or fishermen.

It was our first time to stay at this particular state park and we almost never found it! It was a beautiful campsite but the showers and bathrooms were super scary. They had one set of brand new bathrooms in the handicapped area only. We probably won't stay there again unless they update.

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.

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.

Great hiking trails and secluded atmosphere. Great place for a cookout, swimming or canoeing. Our daughter had her birthday party at the party room. The cabins are rustic and it feels like you are a thousand miles away when you are only 40 miles from downtown.