Campground

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

Cherokee National Forest
Near Erwin, Tennessee

Facilities

There are 27 fully accessible single and five double campsites in Rock Creek Recreation Area; all with electric hook-ups. In addition, there are five walk-in tent sites without electric hookups, which are available first-come, first served only. Three bathhouses are located within the recreation area; one in Loop A, one in Loop C, and one located by the concrete pond - it is a Civilian Conservation Corps-era bathhouse adapted for modern use. Each bathhouse has flush toilets and shower facilities. A dump station is located on site. An on-site host is located in the campground.

Rock Creek Recreation Area Map

Natural Features

Campsites are nestled in a cove hardwood forest. Adjacent to the campground is Unaka Mountain Wilderness area, a rugged and undeveloped area.

Recreation

Hike on one (or all) of the trails adjacent to Rock Creek Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy cooling off in the creek-fed concrete pond. Younger children can enjoy the playground located in the day use area of the recreation area. Campground programs are offered every Friday night in July at the amphitheater.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Electric
  • Management
  • Group Standard Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Swimming
  • Fish Hatchery
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Emergency Services
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Museum
  • Canoeing
  • Mountain Biking
  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Evening Programs
  • Rafting
  • River Trips
  • Scenic Drive
  • Star Gazing
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Day Use Area
  • Picnicking
  • Recreation Programs
  • Playground Park Specialized Sport Site
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Wilderness
  • Lookout Tower

Amenities

  • Accessible Campsites
  • Accessible Drinking Water
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Accessible Grills
  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Playground
  • Accessible Showers
  • Accessible Sites
  • Accessible Trails
  • Accessible Vault Toilets
  • Accessible Walkways
  • Amphitheater
  • Campfire Programs
  • Creek Access
  • Drinking Water
  • Educational Programs
  • Electric Hookups
  • Electricity
  • Host
  • Parking Area
  • Paved Parking
  • Paved Pathways
  • Paved Roads
  • Pets Allowed
  • Playgroiund
  • Recycling
  • Self Pay Station
  • Shade
  • Showers
  • Tables
  • Tent Pads
  • Trailhead Parking
  • Trash Collection
  • Water Spigot
  • Campfire Rings
  • Lantern Posts
  • Picnic Tables
  • Accessible Picnic Area
  • Privacy
  • Lantern Pole
  • Accessibility
  • Picnic Table
  • Electricity Hookup
  • Grills/Fire Ring
  • Tent Pad
  • BBQ
  • Drinking Water (peak season)

Nearby Attractions

The Appalachian Trail crosses TN 395 at Indian Grave Gap, 3.1 miles east of Rock Creek. Mountain Balds, Beauty Spot and Unaka Mountain Overlook are located nearby along Forest Service Road #230. Whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River is provided by private companies located in Erwin, TN.

Getting Here

Latitude
36° 8' 15.6599" N
Longitude
82° 20' 51.2700" W
From I-26 take exit 34 to Main Street (TN107) in Erwin, take TN 395 east for 3.5 miles to Rock Creek Recreation Area.

Need to Know

  • It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all specific rules and regulations which are also posted at the campground.

  • Be Bear Wise: Food storage compliance is strictly enforced. Store all food and trash in hard-sided containers and vehicles while not in use. Never have attractants in your tent. Violations of the food storage order are ticketable offenses and subject to fines. Food and trash left unattended will be impounded by campground staff. A copy of the Food Storage Order can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd574347.pdf

  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
  • The following items are expressly prohibited:

    o Firearms and fireworks

    o Alcohol and illegal drugs

    o Public nudity

  • Gates to the campground are closed from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Guests of campers must leave before 10:00 p.m.

  • Use designated fire rings for all fires. Do not build additional fire rings. No burning plastic or other non-wood materials except local wood in fire pits and charcoal in grills.

  • All vehicles must be parked within the driveway or designated parking area of the site and no part of the vehicle may extend onto the road or into the woods.

  • All users' equipment must be contained within the site. Sites must be kept neat and orderly.

  • All animals must be crated or on a leash not longer than 6 feet.

  • Water spigots are shared between sites.
  • Check-out time is 12:00PM. Check-in time is 2:00PM. If you arrive earlier, you may have to wait for a campsite.

  • Single Site: Max of 5 people per site, including infants and children. Max of 2 tents and 1 canopy.

    Double Site: Max of 10 people per site, including infants and children. Max of 4 tents and 2 canopies.

  • Sites 6, 10, 17, 20, and 21 are double sites and do not qualify for interagency pass discounts (Access, Military, Senior, Golden Age).

  • Contact Information

    4900 Asheville Highway
    Greeneville, TN 37743

    For campground inquiries, please call: 423-638-4109

    Additional Information