A Review of Charit Creek Lodge in Big South Fork, TN | Find Out Why It’s An Unforgettable Family Adventure

Tucked within the fantastic Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area lies a hidden gem that promises a memorable family adventure: Charit Creek Lodge.

This unique hike-in (or horseback ride-in) retreat makes a terrific family getaway because it combines rustic comfort with outdoor adventure. It is a cozy and unplugged vacation spent hiking in the woods, rock hopping in a stream, playing board games on a screened porch, and s’mores around a campfire. Find out all the details – the good and the bad in this review of Charit Creek Lodge- so you can know what to expect and what you should pack.

I love staying at Charit Creek and unplugging for a weekend or even just a night. I have gone on an annual trip for years now with a large group of friends and their families. I have also stayed with just my family when we want a quick escape without having to get out the camping gear. Or when it is too cold to camp – Charit Creek is at its best in the winter sometimes.

My Review Of Charit Creek Lodge – What To Expect

Rustic Simplicity of Lodge Life

Charit Creek Lodge is actually a collection of buildings situated in a grassy meadow at the confluence of Station Camp Creek and Charit Creek. There are historic log cabins, an old barn, a kitchen house, a more modern horse barn, a bathhouse, and a shower house.

On the grounds, you will find several firepits, horseshoes, cornhole, and other lawn games, as well as creek access for wading and rock skipping (this is where we spend a great deal of our time, especially with the younger kids). For rainier days, borrow board games and puzzles from the collection in the dining room or hole up on a porch with a good book.

Accommodation Options

2 Field Cabins

Log cabin bunk houses that each sleep up to 12 people in 6 bunk beds. Each cabin has a screened-in front porch, covered back porch, and wood stove. Rent one of these if you have at least 4 kids and want to make sure no one has to share a double bed ;).

2 Lodge Cabins

Large rooms in the main cabin that also houses the dining hall (it is a very long building). Each room sleeps up to 6 people with a combination of double beds, single beds, and bunk beds. The rooms share the long front porch and a large, screened-in, back porch. Each room has its own wood stove. Rent both of these rooms if you have 2 families on the trip.

1 Corn Crib

A small log building on its own that can sleep up to 3 people in a double bed and a twin. Has a wood stove but no porch. My first choice with just me and a kid or 2 adults although I do miss having a screened porch at times.

4 Horse Stable Rooms

Sharing the more modern barn with the horse stalls, these small and basic rooms sleep 2 people in either a double bed or a bunk bed. The rooms have a wall propane heater. Stay here if you brought your horses with you or don’t want to fool with a wood stove. It is a bit of a walk to the bathrooms or the dining hall though as the horse barn is located on the far side of the field.

Bathrooms And Shower Facilities

All of the accommodations share one restroom building that has a mens and womens side, each with several stalls. There are stairs up to the building so definitely take a headlamp if it is a dark night. The bathrooms are nice and modern, with a large counter top at the sink area helpful for putting toiletry bags on, and toilet paper and soap are provided.

The shower house is separate but next to the bathhouse. It has hot water and pretty good water pressure considering. I would plan your shower for daytime though, as it is hard to do by the lantern light.

The lodge cabins are closest to the restrooms, while the field cabins and corn crib are a little further away. The horse stables are the furthest away, across a field.

No Cell Service

It is the best of both worlds at Charit Creek – leaving behind the stuff you don’t need (emails, voicemails, YouTube) but keeping the things that do make life a little easier on vacation (real beds, showers, someone else cooking the food). It is amazing what you can find time to do, like skip rocks on a stream, play checkers, or look at the stars, when you don’t have anywhere to go or somebody texting you to do something.

* The Lodge is able to communicate with emergency services should they need to but it is not for personal use. I can usually get a bar at the trailhead parking lot, enough for a short text message but not a call. If someone needs to contact you urgently, they can email Charit Creek, call the number on their website, or call Big South Fork park headquarters. Then someone will be sent out to the lodge to deliver the message.

No Electricity Either

One of the lodge’s most charming aspects is its commitment to an authentic, rustic experience—there’s no electricity here! There are oil lamps in the dining hall and solar- charged lanterns in the cabins.

Bring flashlights and headlamps for yourself to walk around at night, which the kids will love and I promise isn’t the hassle you might think it is. Like I said, it is all a part of the charm. If there is a full moon, you probably won’t even need a headlamp. And the dining hall has the most inviting warm glow when lit up with the oil lamps, truly it is all a part of the experience.

Tasty Food Options

Despite the lack of electricity, the lodge provides breakfast and dinner for guests, with options that go far beyond what one might expect from such a remote location. Imagine indulging in squash soufflés, chicken and dumplings, fluffy biscuits, pancakes, and crispy bacon—all prepared under the glow of headlamps and by a propane stove. I am frequently amazed by what the camp cook can whip up in that rustic kitchen.

Maybe it’s the hiking and being outside all day, but every dinner I have had at Charit Creek has been tasty and devoured. They even come up with desserts beyond your basic brownie. So good! And breakfast is usually fairly basic but perfect for fueling up for a day of hiking. Something about biscuits, eggs, and log cabins just goes hand-in-hand for me. The kids love the pancakes.

*Tip- Dinner is served at 6 pm sharp and breakfast at 8am. Charit Creek Lodge is on EASTERN TIME so make sure to adjust your watches if you are driving in from Nashville.

Canned Drinks And Snack Foods Are Available For Purchase

The lodge also offers a great craft beer selection in cans for purchase, as well as wine by the glass (it’s usually from a box so don’t get too excited). You can also buy soft drinks and snacks like potato chips and candy bars from the kitchen. It’s a great motivator for the kiddos (and adults too) if you are taking one of the longer hikes in – you can look forward to dropping your pack, sitting on a rocking chair on the porch, and enjoying a treat once you arrive.

You can even buy s’more packages for your after dinner campfire.

Getting To Charit Creek Is Part Of The Fun – The Trails You Can Take There

The journey to Charit Creek Lodge is an adventure that starts before you even arrive at the lodge. There are several routes to get to the lodge and modes of transportation – hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. But there is no motorized transport option at all, not even for mobility- impaired people.

Note- There are other ways to get to Charit Creek Lodge than mentioned below but these are the most common and shortest trails used.

Charit Creek Trail – 1.1 miles, moderate, shortest and most commonly used trail

Charit Creek Trail is a 1.1-mile moderately difficult trail. At just over a mile, you might be wondering how it is moderately difficult, well that is because like so many trails in Big South Fork, it has a section of steep wooden stairs. And while the going is great as you descend 500ft down from the parking area to the lodge, the return is less fun as it is almost a constant uphill. But it is short, so it is definitely doable, even for families with small kids. And you don’t have to carry all your camping and cooking equipment so that helps too.

I have hiked this trail with kids in child carriers, 4 year olds who insisted on doing this trail all on their own, and older folk. In all cases we did fine although certainly not setting any land speed records.

To get to the trailhead for Charit Creek trail, head to the west entrance of Big South Fork on Divide Rd off of TN- 154. The trailhead is marked on Google Maps but in case you lose cell service, once you turn onto the gravel Divide Road, you take the first right onto Fork Ridge Rd and stay out that for 4.5 miles until the end. The parking lots (2 – one for hikers and one for horses) are on the left when you get to the end of the road.

The gravel road is well- maintained and there are large signs – just follow the arrows pointing to Charit Creek. Don’t speed on the gravel road though as there are horseback riders and occasionally wagons (yes there are people who like to ride around in wagons for fun) sharing the road.

From the Charit Creek trailhead parking area, walk back out to the gravel road and turn left to keep walking past the gates. In 0.3 miles, after Fork Ridge trail splits off right, you will come to the end of the relatively flat gravel road part of the hike.

The hiking trail to Charit Creek will start on your right and the horse trail will go left. From this point it is about 0.7 mile steep descent to the lodge (you descend about 500 ft). You will know you are close when you get to the swinging bridge. Once you cross the bridge, turn right onto the Twin Arches Loop trail and stroll the last 0.1 mile to Charit Creek.

Charit Creek Horse Trail – 1.8 miles, steep descent, no bridge across Station Camp Creek

This slightly longer trail still feels as steep as the hiking trail to Charit Creek, just without the stairs and the swinging bridge, which, obviously, it would take a very special horse to navigate those. It spits you out farther away on the Twin Arches Loop trail so you have a bit farther to walk to the lodge, which is fine because this part is relatively flat and scenic along the creek. But you don’t get a bridge across the creek so you have to wade – fine on a horse, less fine if you are walking.

You can mountain bike on this trail if you want but you will be riding your brake the whole way down and huffing the whole way back up. I don’t think I have ever seen a mountain biker at Charit Creek although you can ride some of the surrounding trails. I ride myself and this isn’t the trail I would pick at Big South Fork – there are other, better mountain bike trails.

Twin Arches Loop trail – 3.4 miles or 1.4 miles, moderate, spectacular rock formations * My favorite trail *

This is my favorite trail to hike to Charit Creek Lodge because of the fantastic rock formations. Not only do you get to see the Twin Arches which is the largest sandstone formation in the East, but the long side of the loop descends past huge rock houses and cliffs that are also pretty spectacular. The first time I did this hike, I had a smile on my face the whole way.

The scenery on the shorter side of the trail is not as cool- just a steep descent through the woods. But if you are arriving late, or have to get on the road early after your night at Charit Creek, it is nice to have the option to be back at your car in just a 1.4 miles.

The loop trail starts at the bottom of the Twin Arches so to get there, you need to hike half of the Upper Twin Arches loop (0.6 miles long) an easy hike except for the steep wooden stairs – they are everywhere in Big South Fork.

To find out more about this hike, check out 12 Of Our Favorite Hiking Trails in Big South Fork.

Slave Falls/ Needle Arch – 3.9 miles, moderate

This hike involves 3 trail – part of the Slave Falls Loop trail, the Slave Falls – Charit Creek connector trail, and lastly, part of the Twin Arches loop to get to Charit Creek Lodge.

I have hiked to Slave Falls and Needle Arch on the Slave Falls loop trail, which is a great hike and those two things are worth going to see, but I have not hiked the connector trail between them and the Twin Arches loop. I have heard it is fine, just a series of switchbacks that descend along Mill Creek until you get to Jakes Place where you meet up with the Twin Arches loop trail and from there continue onto Charit Creek.

If you want to read about Slave Falls/ Needle Arch, head to the blog 12 Of Our Favorite Trails in Big South Fork. Lots more pictures and information about this and other trails in the park.

Reservations at Charit Creek Lodge Big South Fork

Okay, you’re in and ready to book your stay at this amazing place. Now, how do you do that? Let’s breakdown the process for reservations at Charit Creek Lodge.

First go to the website and click on Book Your Stay which will take you to the Reservations page. There you pick the accommodation type you want (lodge cabin, field cabin, corn crib, etc) and hit Book Now. Keep in mind that there are minimum people requirements for the larger cabins on weekends (4 for the 12 person field cabins and 2 for the 6 person lodge cabins).

Once you pick your accommodation, up will pop a window where you choose how many adults, kids, and/ or dogs are in your party. The next window after you fill in how many people are coming is very important.

Once you fill in your numbers, the website will ask you name and contact info but also for Notes about your party, such as couples, single adults in the party, kid ages, etc. Charit Creek needs this info so they can make sure the cabins are set up correctly for you or if they need to move parties around, they can put you in a cabin that will still work for you.

Some cabins only have bunk beds, some have double beds, etc. So if you are a couple but don’t care if you sleep in bunk beds for the night – say that. If you have Mom and Dad and 7 year-old kid coming with grandma and 2 aunts – say that.

• Also if you have dietary restrictions, add those to the Notes. They can accommodate some specialty diets, e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free ($25 extra) but not others – vegan, dairy-free, etc. Remember, all the food has to be packed in.

Cancellation Policy

Also, in this same contact info window, you have to check a box agreeing to the cancellation policy. Make sure you read it! You pay up front when you book.

The cancellation fee varies between 25% and 50% of the total depending on whether you cancel at least 7 days in advance. If you don’t show up or call to tell them you aren’t coming, you forfeit all the money.

The staff have to buy supplies in advance and arrange logistics of getting them to the lodge so be nice and let them know if you aren’t coming. Also, then someone else can come. Charit Creek can frequently be sold out, especially on weekends.

You can reschedule your stay at no charge so definitely pick that option if your kid wakes up with vomiting like the Exorcist. Call the lodge or email them as soon as you can and then you have 6 months to reschedule your stay (you can stay anytime within a year of your original date, you just have to schedule it within 6 months).

The Negatives In My Review Of Charit Creek Lodge

It isn’t really a full review unless you talk about the things you don’t like right?

1) It is a little expensive.

At $130 per adult, $80 per kid 8-11, $55 per kid 3-7, and $10 per dog, it can definitely add up for a family of 4 (plus Rover). I think the experience justifies the investment, though. The combination of amazing food, the unique atmosphere, and the opportunity to disconnect digitally and reconnect with nature and family makes it a worthwhile escape. Maintaining the historic cabins does not come cheap, nor does running the linens out for laundry or convincing staff to live in the woods without electricity.

You can opt to stay in the cabins without dinner/ breakfast service. That drops it to $75 a night per guest flat rate. I would pay the extra for the food though, it is part of the experience and well worth it.

2) The cabins can get very hot at night in the summer.

In late July/ early August, the cabins can be a little stifling to sleep in. I guess the settlers worried more about cold than heat. Plus, glass was expensive back then so you don’t find nice big windows that can be opened in these historic cabins.

And without electricity, no fans obviously. So I don’t love staying at Charit Creek when it is hot out. Be sure to open all the windows and doors you can (there are screens) and hope for a breeze if you are staying here then.

3) The woodstoves are charming but take a minute to get the hang of.

This isn’t a huge negative as I really do like the woodstoves and man, do they work. I have stayed in freezing temperatures at Charit Creek and the woodstoves kept the cabins snug and warm. But make sure you know how to keep them fired up (it’s basically just adding wood so it isn’t hard), but get some tips from the staff on how much to add and how often if this is your first time with a woodstove.

And appoint someone to add wood overnight, this is important lest you wake up to a freezing cabin. True story – camped with a huge group of friends in the 2 field cabins and split into boys and girls cabins for fun.

Well, the boys were organized and made sure someone was on woodstove duty overnight whilst we girls slept right through. Guess whose cabin was frosty on the inside come morning and whose cabin had steam coming off of it? Not a mistake we made twice.

Make sure someone is on wood duty at least once overnight if you are staying during freezing temperatures – just open the wood stove door and add some more logs to the fire.

Packing Tips For Charit Creek Lodge

What Is Provided For You

Bed linens (sheets, pillow, and a very warm wool blanket), flush bathrooms with toilet paper and hand soap, wood stove and enough wood for the night, 2 solar powered lanterns for your cabin, potable water spigot

What You Should Bring

Bug spray – in every season but winter. Put it on before the hike in as the woods can be the worst sometimes with ankle biters.

Toiletries – toothbrush, face soap, shampoo

Headlamps/ flashlight – get a red- filtered headlamp if you don’t have one already. It is so much less annoying for your cabin mates when you get up for the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Towel for the shower – you can rent one for $5 too.

Sandals/ Water shoes – I always like to take my hiking shoes off once I am settled in and the kids aim straight for the creek, hence the water shoes.

Change of clothes – I like to sleep in different clothes than the ones I hiked in. It’s not something I get to do backcountry camping so why not take advantage?

Water bottle – there is a water spigot on the porch of the main building.

Cash/ Check/ Credit Card – for purchasing beer/ wine/ snacks/ soft drinks/ super comfy CCL long-sleeved T-shirts (I have 3. I may have a problem.) You will also need to purchase wood for the fire pit and a s’mores package if you didn’t bring those with you.

Your own pillow – personal decision, I find the ones provided are fine.

Warm clothes for night if here in the fall – the temperature can drop quickly, even around the campfire, and I always find myself digging out my hat and gloves.

Book/ cards/ other favorite game – they have a selection at the lodge but always good to bring your own too

First Aid Kit– CCL does have one but best to have your own as theirs may not have been restocked lately. Kids do manage to find loose nails on log walls, sharp rocks in the stream, or adults twist ankles on the hike in. (All things that have happened to me at Charit Creek – an ACE bandage, large rectangular band-aids, and neosporin are musts in your first aid kit.)

Glow sticks for the kids/ adults – this is a super fun activity at night. The kids love to run around with these. We have also done glow stick necklaces and a glow-in-the-dark ball (It was basically a beach ball that had glow sticks inside and it was so fun).

Other Helpful Tips For Your Charit Creek Lodge Stay

Dinner is at 6pm sharp so don’t be late.

They close the kitchen at 7pm. Allow at least an hour to hike- in, drop your stuff in the cabin, and be ready to chow down. Check-in starts at 3 pm but you can show up earlier and just hang out on the porches.

Once more for the people in the back, the lodge operates on Eastern Standard Time so make sure you have your watch set correctly if you are coming in from Central time. That would be such a bummer to miss dinner for that reason.

Stay 2 nights if you can

There are so many great hikes in the area around Charit Creek, from the Twin Arches Loop, Slave Falls/ Needle Arch, and the nearby Station Camp Overlook, that it is well worth it to stay and explore. They will send you out with a pack lunch if you are staying 2 nights (make sure to ask about this, it may be an extra charge now). Check out their 3 Favorite Trails which has nice descriptions and maps as well as our blog ****Favorite Hikes in Big South Fork.

If Greg is around, ask him for a history tour

Greg is the guy who runs Charit Creek for the NPS. His tour is short but interesting. Fun fact – the main cabin building (where the dining room and 2 lodge cabins are located) was built prior to 1817 so it is one of the oldest cabins used to house guests in the entire park service. He is full of trivia and knowledge about Big South Fork.

Use the cooler provided in your cabin if you have foodstuffs in your backpack

I have forgotten to do this before and haven’t had issues but I usually keep my food in tupperware in my backpack anyway. I have never noticed mice in the cabins but there is a reason they provide the coolers.

If you bring your dog, obey the dog rules

It needs to be on a leash and it can’t come into the dining room or sleep on the bed with you. CCL will provide a dog bed though.

Help out Booger!

There is a resident dog named Booger. He is old and friendly but you will still hear him barking at creatures in the night- the staff says he keeps the bears and coyotes away. But don’t give him more work to do, be bear- wise and don’t leave food outside as well as cleaning up your trash.

Check-out is at 11am

They will watch your stuff for you if you want to go on a hike and come back for it later. Just let them know.

Our Typical Stay At Charit Creek

We roll in around 3 pm after hiking in on the Twin Arches trail or the shorter Charit Creek Trail, drop- our stuff at our cabin and relax on the porch with a beer and soft drinks (no lie this might be my favorite part -just the wave of relaxation that overtakes me once I am in that rocking chair….)

We might walk through the meadow looking at the flowers or head down to the creek to wade and rock hop until dinner is ready at 6. After stuffing ourselves silly (and enjoying another beer), it is time to light the campfire. That is basically the plan for the night – campfire stories, s’mores, and star-gazing.

The breakfast bell will go off at 8am but coffee will be served from 7am onwards. I love getting my coffee and watching the sun rise over Charit Creek (this doesn’t work in summer as the sun rises before 7 am while I am still snoozing in my comfy bunk).

If we are staying another night, then we head out for a hike or maybe just set up on the porch with a good book. If not, then we pack up and head out at 11am, happy and relaxed after another awesome stay at Charit Creek Lodge.