4.13108 reviewsPrice
$12 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
May 1st - October 24...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
$12 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
33 campsites
Season
May 1st - October 24...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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36.1371, -82.3521
Fall foliage campers and hikers will get the most from this place. The Rock Creek Falls trail is a legitimate 5-mile payoff, site C-27 delivers real shade and seclusion, and mid-to-late October brings crisp temps with zero mosquitoes. Erwin is only 3 miles for resupply.
Bathhouse cleanliness is a genuine recurring problem, not just one bad weekend. Restrooms have been reported closed due to water issues, there's no potable water anywhere on-site, and reviewers consistently flag missing soap and cold showers. Come with a full water supply and low
Reference information about Rock Creek Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p><img alt="View of Rock Creek Recreation Area in Cherokee National Forest" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5366828.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 15px 15px; width: 275px; height: 170px; float: right;" /></p><p>Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the creek that runs alongside this developed recreation site.</p><p>The picnic facilities, stream-fed swimming pool and bathhouse were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. Camping facilities were constructed by the US Forest Service in the early 1960s.</p><p> </p><p>Rock Creek is a welcome respite from the summer heat in the valley, cooled by cold air flowing down from Unaka Mountain and protected from the hot sun by large trees. Situated among tall oaks, maples, hemlocks and rhododendron, these sites give the feel of deep woods privacy while offering electric hookups, RV sites, double sites, walk-in tent sites, and multiple bathhouses.</p><p>A creek-fed swimming hole, seasonal campfire programs, a rugged hiking trail into Unaka Mountain Wilderness, an easy bicycle trail and short nature trails are among the activities you can choose during your visit.</p><p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5275541.pdf">Rock Creek Recreation Area Map</a></p><p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5275540.pdf">Rock Creek Recreation Area Guide</a></p>
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Fall delivers the best combination of crisp mountain air, vivid hardwood color, and excellent hiking conditions. Peak foliage at this elevation typically arrives in mid-to-late October. Expect daytime highs around 50-70°F and cool nights in the 30s-40s, making trail walks and creekside photography comfortable and mosquito-free. Weekends see moderate crowds through the October 24th closure. Summer brings humid conditions with afternoon showers, but the elevation and tree cover keep temperatures cooler than lower valleys. Bugs are present in warmer months.
Fall offers crisp air, vivid hardwood color and excellent hiking; peak foliage mid-late October at this elevation.
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Potable water is not available at this site.
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