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Camping in Big South Fork, October 17 – 18 - 19, 2025: Join the hardy souls on a camping trip in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area at Bandy Creek, E-1 Loop.  This is a fantastic area with lots to do and the facilities are among the best available – covered pavilion with fireplace, tables, BBQ grills, electricity, and private heated bathhouses with hot water showers. While you are there you can enjoy the area, hike on several trails, ride your bike and take a guided horseback ride. On Friday evening we offer an option of dining at Billy Bob’s Boneyard restaurant, primarily BBQ with other entrees. On Saturday evening we will have a Chef’s surprise meal if enough of you are interested. For all other meals, each camper brings all of their own supplies – food, cooking equipment and does their own cooking. There will be a microwave in the pavilion.

The Saturday hike has not been determined. Whatever the hike is, we will leave from the pavilion at 9:30 Eastern time, carpooling if that is appropriate. If you want to come just for the hike on Saturday there is no charge. Just be at the pavilion before 9:30 Eastern time.

The charge will be $15 per night per camper which hopefully will cover the cost of the reservation, firewood for the pavilion, coffee in the mornings, bottled water, ice at the pavilion and the Saturday evening Chef’s surprise meal. Kids 12 and under come free. 

What I need from you, on or before 4:30 pm September 25th is a check and the completed registration form. If you are camping, please send your check, $15 for each person, for each evening (kids 12 and under are free). Make out your check to Tom Cressler and send it and the completed registration form to 8616 Wimbledon Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923. For the registration form or questions, you can contact me at cressler@retiree.utk.edu or leave a message at 865-582-5622. —Tom