How much does camping cost at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

Camping fees at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) are $20 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) first-come first-served or reservation?

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) before I book?

Yes! Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) is open May 05 to October 24. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

Yes, Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

Cell phone service at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) have?

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

Fire policies at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn): 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.42

428 reviews

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Top 15% in TNSummer

B-Report Card

Great for Groups

Featured in:Mountain Camping Tennessee

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Season opens May 7, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Season opens May 7, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site: $50.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC - Double Site: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; Standard Nonelectric: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

423-638-4109

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Nearby places

Erwin (3.1 miles), Johnson City (25 minutes), Asheville (approximately an hour).

Weather at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

Current alerts(11)

All animals must be crated or on a leash not longer than 6 feet.
All users' equipment must be contained within the site. Sites must be kept neat and orderly.
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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

Best season: summer. Summer at Rock Creek is the best time to visit because the creek-fed swimming pond and warm, breezy days make it ideal for family swimming, hiking, and biking; daytime highs typically sit in the low to upper 70s°F (occasionally up to mid-80s) with cool nights in the 50s–60s. Trails, backcountry access into the Unaka Wilderness, and wildlife viewing are at their peak; the historic 1930s bathhouses and accessible, shaded campsites make it especially pleasant. Expect higher weekend and holiday use— Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in TN

Summer is best season: warm days, swimming pond and peak trail use; campground peak season noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 05 to October 24. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 7, 2025, and closes October 24, 2025.

About Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

Rock Creek Recreation Area sits in the foothills of Cherokee National Forest near Erwin, Tennessee, operated by the US Forest Service. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station, plus access to a creek-fed swimming pond and trailheads into the Unaka Wilderness. Campers hike to Rock Creek Falls, fish, bike forest roads, and watch wildlife during the seasonal operating window.

Rock Creek Recreation Area supports various camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. Sites are spacious and cater to both electric and non-electric needs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer at Rock Creek is the best time to visit because the creek-fed swimming pond and warm, breezy days make it ideal for family swimming, hiking, and biking; daytime highs typically sit in the low to upper 70s°F (occasionally up to mid-80s) with cool nights in the 50s–60s. Trails, backcountry access into the Unaka Wilderness, and wildlife viewing are at their peak; the historic 1930s bathhouses and accessible, shaded campsites make it especially pleasant. Expect higher weekend and holiday use— Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies classic Appalachian cove hardwood terrain, where oaks and maples create dense canopy cover over most sites. Rock Creek itself runs through the area, feeding the swimming pond. Just beyond the campground boundary, the Unaka Mountain Wilderness offers backcountry hiking to Rock Creek Falls and access to open mountain balds like Beauty Spot, where views stretch across the Blue Ridge. Black bears move through the rhododendron thickets regularly enough that visitors carry bear spray.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available on-site. The campground mainly supports tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesCampground programs are offered every Friday night in July at the amphitheater. Topics and activities vary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single site: Max of 5 people per site, including infants and children. Double site: Max of 10 people per site.

Groups

The group site allows for larger gatherings but lacks a dedicated water pump. Visitors noted its proximity to the creek and spacious design.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites, flush toilets, a playground, and paved walkways. Several reviews noted that the swimming hole and campsites were handicap accessible.

Site SizeSites are spacious, with many reviewers praising their size, privacy, and shading. Typical sites accommodate two tents and one canopy for single sites, and four tents and two canopies for double sites.

PrivacySites offer a high level of privacy, with foliage and trees separating them. This natural setup ensures a quiet and secluded experience for most visitors.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesSite C28 is noted for its challenging entry angle but provides great seclusion and shade. Loop C is ideal for larger RVs. Sites near the creek are preferred for ambiance.

Best CampsitesLoop C gets consistent praise for privacy and quiet. Reviewers specifically recommend sites 16, 18, 28, and 33. Cell service in Loop C works for some carriers (Straight Talk and T-Mobile mentioned), while other areas of the campground have spotty or no coverage.

Need help booking Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Rock Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of amenities including electric hookups at 27 single and 5 double campsites, three bathhouses with flush toilets and showers, and a concrete pond fed by a creek. The campground also features a dump station, an amphitheater, a playground, and accessible walkways and parking. Fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water spigots (shared between sites) are available. Accessibility features include accessible campsites and drinking water.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

Rock Creek Recreation Area offers a range of activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and seasonal campground programs. The creek-fed concrete pond is a highlight, along with proximity to the Appalachian Trail and scenic spots like Beauty Spot and Unaka Mountain.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple trailheads from campground; popular hike to Rock Creek Falls and access to Unaka Wilderness.

Swimming4.0/5

Concrete creek‑fed swimming pond is a campground highlight, popular in summer though water is cold.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Bike path inside campground plus forest roads suitable for a range of riders.

Fishing3.0/5

No pond fishery noted; nearby Nolichucky River offers river fishing/whitewater opportunities.

Water Sports2.5/5

No kayak access on the small concrete pond; nearby Nolichucky offers whitewater paddling.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Photogenic features: waterfall, creek, fall foliage and classic cove hardwood forests.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available but sometimes criticized for insufficient upkeep. Some users reported overflowing bins and the need for improved waste management, especially during peak times.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is mixed, with some users reporting good reception in Loop C (e.g., 'We have Straight Talk'), while others found coverage spotty or unavailable. One reviewer mentioned having signal with a T-Mobile phone at a specific site.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

428 reviews

Recommended

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with most visitors praising the spacious sites, natural beauty, and range of activities. However, maintenance issues with the bathhouses and occasional noise disturbances were common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 428 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praised the campground's spacious and private sites, natural surroundings, and variety of recreational activities. The swimming hole and hiking trails were standout features. 'The...

Based on 428 reviews

Common Concerns

Cleanliness and maintenance of bathhouses were recurring issues. 'The bathrooms are disgusting,' stated one reviewer. Other complaints included noisy neighbors, inconsistent enforcement of quiet...

Based on 428 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop C is noted for better cell phone coverage and quieter surroundings. Sites near the dump station may experience odor issues. Double sites (e.g., sites 6, 10) are spacious but excluded from...

Based on 428 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own soap and toilet paper, as bathhouses often lack these supplies. Early reservations are recommended during peak season. Wear proper shoes for hiking and pack bear spray for safety.

Based on 428 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time for camping, with activities like swimming and hiking in high demand. Fall offers beautiful foliage, but campers should prepare for colder temperatures. The campground...

Based on 428 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The sites are clean and spacious, separated by trees for privacy.' 'The Rock Creek Falls hike is worth every step.' 'The cold mountain water pond is refreshing on hot summer days.'

Based on 428 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground offers accessible sites and facilities, but some pathways may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The swimming hole and certain trails are handicap accessible.

Based on 428 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome on a leash. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly environment, while others noted disturbances from barking dogs.

Based on 428 reviews

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Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site: $50.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC - Double Site: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; Standard Nonelectric: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

423-638-4109

Go if

You want a base camp for Unaka Wilderness hiking and creek swimming with modern amenities like showers and electric hookups.

Skip if

You need spotless facilities, warm showers, or prefer campgrounds without alcohol restrictions and overnight gate closures.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.1

(108)

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Cherokee National Forest

Rock Creek Recreation Area sits at 2,323 feet in the Cherokee National Forest foothills near Erwin, offering 33 tent and RV sites beneath a dense canopy of oak, maple, and hemlock. Sites run $12-40 per night and include electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. The campground provides a quiet, family-friendly base for hiking, swimming in Rock Creek, and exploring the surrounding forest, though bathhouse cleanliness varies and there's no potable water on-site.

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

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Quick Facts

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