Rock Creek Recreation Area

4.28

94 reviews

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee

Quick Facts

2,323 ft

Price

$12 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

May 1st - October 24...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,323 ft

Price

$12 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

May 1st - October 24...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Rock Creek Recreation Area

$12.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $12/day for non-electric tent sites to $40/day for double sites with electric hookups. Basic single sites with electric hookups cost...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$20.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 94 reviews

355 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietshadehikingfriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Rock Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with many praising the campground's natural beauty, spacious and private sites, and outdoor activities. However, recurring complaints focus on the cleanliness of bathhouses and the lack of potable water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Rock Creek Recreation Area

36.1371, -82.3521

Driving directionsFrom I-26 take exit 36 to Main Street in Erwin. Turn right onto Main Street, then take a left on TN 395 east for 3.5 miles to Rock Creek Recreation Area.

Road access is paved and suitable for cars and RVs. The campground is located 3.5 miles off TN 395 East from Erwin; roads may be narrow in some areas.

Nearby places

Erwin (3 miles)

Nearby supplies

The town of Erwin (3 miles away) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Creek Recreation Area

Experience nature's perfect climate control as mountain elevations deliver refreshingly cool summers while valley temperatures soar. Morning mists often dance through the trees, and afternoon showers bring the forest alive with the sound of raindrops on leaves. The humid mountain air carries the scent of rich earth and wildflowers. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a potential wonderland of frost and occasional snow, creating a dramatically different but equally beautiful camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Cool mountain summers but reviews note high humidity, frequent rain; swimming is a plus.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is repeatedly praised for beautiful foliage and cooler, pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 1; rhododendron blooms and cool mornings are positives, but spring window is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Oct 24; winter camping/activities not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1st - October 24th. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 1st - October 24th
Current Alerts: Restrooms were reported closed due to water issues, as noted in some user reviews.

About Rock Creek Recreation Area

Nestled beneath towering old-growth forests, Rock Creek Recreation Area offers an enchanting escape where nature's canopy provides natural air conditioning. Choose from traditional tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, spacious double sites for group camping, or secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more intimate wilderness experience. Modern bathhouses ensure comfort while you explore miles of hiking and biking trails, take refreshing dips in the historic swimming area, or gather around evening campfires during ranger-led programs that bring the forest's stories to life.

Rock Creek Recreation Area accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including RV sites with electric hookups, walk-in tent sites, and double sites. RV access is noted to be tight due to narrow roads.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the 1930s when young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps carved this recreational haven from the wilderness, building the charming picnic areas and the unique stream-fed swimming pool that still delights visitors today. Three decades later, the U.S. Forest Service expanded on this legacy by adding camping facilities in the 1960s, creating the beloved destination that has welcomed generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect climate control as mountain elevations deliver refreshingly cool summers while valley temperatures soar. Morning mists often dance through the trees, and afternoon showers bring the forest alive with the sound of raindrops on leaves. The humid mountain air carries the scent of rich earth and wildflowers. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a potential wonderland of frost and occasional snow, creating a dramatically different but equally beautiful camping experience.

ElevationPerched at an elevation that acts as nature's air conditioner, this mountain refuge offers a refreshing escape when summer heat grips the lowlands. The higher altitude creates a microclimate where temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys, making it an ideal retreat for hot-weather camping.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of ancient trees where mighty oaks and maples stretch skyward, their branches intertwining with graceful hemlocks to create a living green ceiling. Native rhododendrons paint the understory with seasonal blooms, while the melodic babbling of Rock Creek provides a constant natural soundtrack. This old-growth sanctuary offers the kind of deep woods privacy that's increasingly rare, where cool mountain breezes flowing down from Unaka Mountain whisper through the leaves and provide natural relief from summer's heat.

Geological RegionDiscover the natural splendor of Cherokee National Forest, where Rock Creek Recreation Area sits cradled in the protective embrace of Unaka Mountain's foothills. This verdant landscape showcases the Southern Appalachian ecosystem at its finest, with ancient forests of oak, maple, and hemlock creating a lush tapestry punctuated by native rhododendron groves. The crystal-clear waters of Rock Creek have carved their path through this green paradise over millennia, creating the perfect setting for your outdoor adventure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

7:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 PM

Stay Limit

Limited to single families or up to 5 people for single sites and 10 people for double sites with a maximum of 2 vehicles per campsite.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to single families or up to 5 people for single sites and up to 10 people for double sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops, with Loop C noted for cell service.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through official U.S. Forest Service channels.

Walk-in AvailabilityBased on user reviews, walk-up availability is limited, especially during peak season, with reviews suggesting reservations should be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy rules are provided.

AccessibilitySome amenities, such as the swimming hole and campsites, are described as handicap accessible. Multiple users have confirmed accessibility features, making the campground suitable for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and level, with gravel surfaces. Many are shaded and separated by foliage, providing privacy.

PrivacySites offer privacy due to the surrounding trees and foliage, which 'keep things cool' and ensure campers are not clustered together.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop C is recommended for cell service and privacy. Walk-in tent sites near the trailhead to Rock Creek Falls are praised. Site recommendations suggest choosing spots based on shade and proximity to trails.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Rock Creek Recreation Area offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The spring-fed swimming hole is a major attraction, along with trails leading into the Unaka Mountain Wilderness, including the moderate 5-mile Rock Creek Falls trail.

HikingSeveral hiking trails are available, including a rugged trail to Rock Creek Falls, which is described as moderately difficult with creek crossings and rocky terrain. Reviews praise the beauty of the falls and the trail, but some hikers note the need for proper footwear and bear spray.

SwimmingThe creek-fed swimming hole is a popular feature, described as 'cold and refreshing.' Some users mentioned trout swimming in the pool, but others raised concerns about algae growth and low water flow during hot weather.

BikingAn easy bicycle trail is available, suitable for all levels of riders. Quiet streets within the campground also allow children to ride bikes safely.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include small game sightings and birdwatching. Fall foliage is particularly noted as a stunning visual experience.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsSeasonal campfire programs are offered at the amphitheater during summer months. Some users also appreciated the availability of these educational activities.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires proper food storage practices. Rocky terrain along trails may pose tripping hazards, and rattlesnakes have been sighted.

Active AlertsRestrooms were reported closed due to water issues, as noted in some user reviews.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are not explicitly mentioned, but bear-proof containers, vehicles, and hard-sided campers are required for food storage.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in the nearby town of Erwin, TN, approximately 3 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present, but some reviews mention visitors improperly disposing of trash in bathroom garbage cans. Inmates from a local jail assist in trash collection and other maintenance tasks.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Rock Creek and featuring a creek-fed swimming pool. Trails lead to nearby waterfalls.

Camp HostCamp hosts are available and generally rated positively, although one review mentioned rudeness.

Weather at Rock Creek Recreation Area

Reviews

4.3

94 reviews

Satisfactory

Rock Creek Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Rock Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with many praising the campground's natural beauty, spacious and private sites, and outdoor activities. However, recurring complaints focus on the cleanliness of bathhouses and the lack of potable water.

Review Summaries

Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include private and shaded campsites, well-maintained hiking trails, a refreshing swimming hole, and family-friendly amenities such as a playground. Several users highlighted the...

Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained bathhouses, lack of soap and toilet paper, cold showers, and spotty cell phone service. Issues with trash disposal and crowded roads are also noted.

Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing drinking water, proper hiking shoes, bear spray, and cash for self-service payment. Early arrival is suggested during peak season for better campsite options. Users also...

Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is praised for beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures, while summer is noted for high humidity and frequent rain. Winter months offer quiet walks but limited camping opportunities as the...

Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes include: 'This place is a hidden gem,' 'Wonderful campground but the nastiest bathhouses I have ever seen,' 'Sites are large and positioned for a private feel,' and 'The trail takes you...

Based on 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites mentioned include site #36 for good cell service and site C-27, which is noted for its shaded and private location but criticized for poor bathhouse conditions.

Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are positively reviewed, particularly the swimming hole and campsites. Users appreciated the handicap accessibility of key amenities.

Based on 94 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on a leash, and users described meeting friendly fellow campers with pets. However, barking dogs were noted as a disturbance by some.

Based on 94 reviews

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