How much does camping cost at Rock Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Rock Creek Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rock Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rock Creek Campground 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 Campground before I book?

Yes! Rock Creek Campground 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 Campground?

Rock Creek Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Campground?

Rock Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Rock Creek Campground have?

Rock Creek Campground has 11 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 Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Creek Campground. 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 Campground?

Rock Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rock Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Rock Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

4.36

195 reviews

PO Box 429, Wartburg, TN, 37887, USA

C+Report Card

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

Quick Facts

984 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

984 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

(423) 346-6294obri_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 429, Wartburg, TN, 37887, USA

Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

PO Box 429, Wartburg, TN, 37887, USA

Nearby places

Frozen Head State Park is a few miles away

Lone Mountain State Forest is approximately 15 miles.

Driving directionsFrom the East: Take State Route 62 West, then veer to the right onto State Route 27. Make a left onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground. From the West: Take State Route 62 East, then make a right onto State Route 27 South. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground. From the North: Follow State Route 27 South into Wartburg. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground. From the South: Follow State Route 27 North into Wartburg. Make a left onto Kingston Street, then follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground.

Weather at Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

Best Time to Camp at Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid foliage, and low insect pressure — daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (45–65°F) with cool nights, making hiking and riverside camping very pleasant. Leaf color on the Cumberland Plateau peaks in October, turning the Emory River gorge into a spectacular backdrop for photography, fishing, and paddling; trails are at their most scenic and water levels are often stable for boating. Crowds are generally moderate (weekends Peak months: October, September, November, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Overview cites fall as the best season: comfortable temps, vivid foliage, lower insects and quieter trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

Rock Creek Campground sits along the Emory River within Obed Wild & Scenic River, a National Park Service unit on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau near Wartburg. This small, budget-friendly campground offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, paddling, and rock climbing in the surrounding gorge. Reviewers praise the riverside scenery and trail access but note occasional noise from nearby off-road vehicles and trains.

Rock Creek Campground is a primitive, tent-only camping facility within the Obed Wild and Scenic River area. It caters to campers seeking a rustic, back-to-nature experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid foliage, and low insect pressure — daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (45–65°F) with cool nights, making hiking and riverside camping very pleasant. Leaf color on the Cumberland Plateau peaks in October, turning the Emory River gorge into a spectacular backdrop for photography, fishing, and paddling; trails are at their most scenic and water levels are often stable for boating. Crowds are generally moderate (weekends Peak months: October, September, November, May

Elevation984 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Emory River has carved deep gorges through ancient sandstone layers here on the Cumberland Plateau, creating dramatic cliffs and boulder-strewn banks. Dense hardwood forests cover the plateau at 984 feet elevation, with the river winding below through exposed rock faces. The gorge walls reveal millions of years of geological history, from prehistoric seas to continental shifts. Wildlife includes deer, river otters, and abundant songbirds. Trails lead to swimming holes and overlooks above the river.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, are available. The campground is exclusively for tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground is part of the Obed Wild and Scenic River, which occasionally hosts interpretive programs. One camper fondly recalled a nighttime hike led by Ranger Rick.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limited to 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests allowed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible vault toilets and parking areas. However, some reviewers with disabilities noted challenges due to terrain and parking layouts.

Site SizeSites accommodate tents only, with each having tent pads, fire rings, and parking for a single vehicle.

PrivacyCampsites are described as relatively close together, offering limited privacy. However, Site 1 is noted for being more secluded from the main loop.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 1 is noted for seclusion and ample space; Site 11 is highlighted for proximity to the river. Sites 9-11 offer unique settings but are harder to locate.

Best CampsitesSite 1 sits away from the main loop and offers more seclusion than other sites. Site 11 is also recommended for privacy and river views. Most sites are relatively close together, so don't expect much separation from neighbors. Arrive early to claim your reserved spot, as enforcement can be inconsistent and confusion over assigned sites happens.

Need help booking Rock Creek Campground (Tn)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Rock Creek Campground within the Obed Wild and Scenic River offers 11 campsites, each equipped with essential amenities: picnic tables, food storage lockers, fire rings with grills, lantern hooks, and paved parking spaces. A centrally located vault toilet is available for use. However, campers should bring their own potable water as it is not provided. The campground caters to tents only, with no RV accommodations, and emphasizes a rustic camping experience.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Rock Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities due to its proximity to the Emory River and the surrounding natural features. Activities include hiking, fishing, climbing, wildlife viewing, and water-based activities such as kayaking and canoeing. Several hiking trails, including the Cumberland Trail, are accessible from the campground.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground has no flush toilets. Vault toilets are the only restroom facilities, and opinions on their cleanliness vary widely among users.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes a food storage locker measuring 29" deep x 38" wide x 43" tall.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

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From Booking Sources

4.4

195 reviews

Recommended

Rock Creek Campground (Tn) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Rock Creek Campground receives a mix of praise and criticism. It is widely regarded as a beautiful, peaceful location, ideal for nature enthusiasts, but recurring issues include noise from locals, spot-taking controversies, and minimal ranger presence.

Review Summaries

Based on 195 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 195 reviews.

Site 11Loved
Site 11 is mentioned several times as spacious and scenic.
Site 1Mentioned
Site 1 is noted for seclusion, while Sites 9-11 are described as hard to find but worth it.

What Campers Love

Campers love the scenic location along the Emory River, the variety of activities available, and the peaceful ambiance. Many reviews highlight the well-maintained campsites and proximity to hiking...

Based on 195 reviews

Common Concerns

Key issues include lack of ranger presence, leading to campsite disputes and disruptive behavior. Other recurring complaints are related to the vault toilets running out of supplies and no cell phone...

Based on 195 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all essential supplies, including water, a flashlight for the vault toilets, and a lock for the bear boxes. Arrive early to claim your reserved site as there can be confusion about assigned...

Based on 195 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for swimming and hiking, though noise complaints from locals on ATVs are more frequent. Fall offers quieter experiences and better trail conditions. Winter sees fewer visitors but...

Based on 195 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful, beautiful campsite." - MCKENZIE P; "The vault toilet is one of the cleaner I’ve ever used!" - PHILLIP B; "Noisy ATV's going up and down the road bothered me." - JUNE R

Based on 195 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground features accessible vault toilets and some trails suitable for those with disabilities, though terrain challenges are mentioned.

Based on 195 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground and welcomed by many users, but there are no specific pet-related complaints or highlights.

Based on 195 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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

256,000+ 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) 346-6294obri_information@nps.gov

Go if

You want affordable access to the Obed Wild & Scenic River corridor for hiking, climbing, or paddling in a quiet national park setting.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, hookups, or guaranteed quiet from nearby off-road vehicle and train noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Frozen Head State Park's campground sits along Flat Fork Creek in the Tennessee mountains, offering spacious tent and primitive sites at 1,388 feet elevation. The park maintains 24,000 acres of forest with trails to waterfalls and high overlooks. Free hot showers, a playground, and friendly rangers make this a comfortable base for families and hikers.

Cumberland Mountain State Park

Cumberland Mountain State Park sits at 1,762 feet in Tennessee's wooded highlands near Crossville, offering campers a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins spread across five distinct camping areas. The park centers on a scenic lake and a waterfall bridge that visitors return to again and again. With 230 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, campers consistently mention clean bathhouses with hot showers, well-maintained trails, and enough on-site activities (pool, boat rentals, restaurant) to keep families busy for days.

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Frank Gross Campground sits along Rock Creek in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Blue Ridge, Georgia. This U.S. Forest Service site offers primitive tent and RV camping in the foothills with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Anglers fish for trout in Rock Creek while fall visitors come for peak leaf color against the ridgelines.

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Campgrounds

Obed Wild & Scenic River

Rock Creek Campground (Tn)

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 45% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 136 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Scenery
Grade B+.Value
Grade B+.Bugs & weather

Watch-outs

Grade D.Getting there
Grade D.Booking
Grade C-.Facilities

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Tennessee grades overall

About Obed Wild & Scenic River

Context for the broader area surrounding Rock Creek Campground (Tn), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The Obed Wild and Scenic River looks much the same today as it did when the first white settlers strolled its banks in the late 1700s. While meagerly populated due to poor farming soil, the river was a hospitable fishing and hunting area for trappers and pioneers. Today, the Obed stretches along the Cumberland Plateau and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Directions

The Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center is located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg, Tennessee. Please use the link for more information.

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