Big Ridge State Park was one of five demonstration parks developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in cooperation with the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps as an example of public recreation development along TVA lakeshores. The heavily forested, 3,687-acre park lies on the southern shore of TVA's Norris Lake in Union County, Tennessee.

Big Ridge State Park was one of five demonstration parks developed in the 1930's by the Tennessee Valley Authority in cooperation with the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corp as an example of public recreation development along TVA's Norris Lake. Before the park was created, the area was heavily populated and used for agriculture.

Other notable features of the park include the Norton Gristmill built in 1825, remnants of Sharp's Station Fort construction in the late 1700's, and Indian Rock where a plaque commemorates the death of Peter Graves, a settler of Sharp's Station. Graves was attacked by Indians at this spot. Also, the park has several notable structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

The 22-foot x 40-foot recreation hall can hold up to 70 people depending on seating arrangement. The hall has a small kitchen with a stove/oven and a refrigerator.

The park has 19 one-bedroom rustic cabins available from April 1 through October 31 capable of accommodating six persons. Bedrooms contain two double beds and a sofa sleeper in the living room. Cabins have hardwood floors and screened-in porches. There is no air-conditioning. Five cabins are located on the lakeside. Fourteen sit on the ridge. Cabins are fully equipped with linens stove, refrigerator kitchen hardware and grill. Fireplace is available and firewood is provided seasonally. There are no televisions or phones. Please call for our pet policy. Reservations may be made up to two years in advance and should be made through the park office.

Big Ridge has 50 campsites on or near Norris Lake to accommodate RV's, trailers, and tent campers. RV campsites have a soft gravel pad will accommodate a unit up to 35 feet. Each site has water and 30-amp electrical hookups, picnic table and grill. A dumping station is provided, as well as two bathhouses with restrooms and hot shower facilities. Bathhouses are closed during the off season from November 1 to March 31.