Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)

4900 Asheville Highway
Greeneville, TN 37743

Overview

Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the small creek that runs alongside this recreation site. The facilities, creek-fed concrete pond and bathhouse were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. It is located just outside the town of Erwin, TN at an elevation of 2,300 feet - a welcome respite from the summer heat.

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.

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.

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.

Natural Features

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

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.

Camp site features

Across 32 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 31 of 32 sites
Fire pit: 4 of 32 sites
Picnic table: 20 of 32 sites
Pets allowed: all 32 sites
ADA accessible: 29 of 32 sites
Group sites: 1 of 32 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 40 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, RV/MOTORHOME, Tent, Trailer

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

330 reviews

5 stars

217

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Jennifer Y

Loop:B Loop

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Amazing campground, great hiking, clean bathrooms.

Amy S

Loop:B Loop

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Campsite 13 was perfect. Good separation from sites next to it and clean and clear. A fun flock of chickens came by each morning to visit. Only complaint is bathrooms were not heated.

Charlie M

Loop:B Loop

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Facilities were older but maintained pretty well. Great area and the sites are good size and separated nicely.

Jose A

Loop:B Loop

Site:

Reviewed 11 days ago

Spacious lot and very private! Close to the restrooms and would book again for sure!!

Samantha H

Loop:A Loop

Site:

Reviewed 13 days ago

My family and I had a great weekend camping trip. The site was level and spacious. There was plenty of room to park our pop-up camper and two vehicles.

Martin W

Loop:C Loop

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

This is a wonderful campground. We stayed 3 days, hiked several very nice trails, one to a Falls, a second to a Ridge. The ridge hike was the longer, more demanding but the reward made it worth the effort. The campground hosts were so hospitable, able to answer all of our questions. We will definitely be camping there again very soon.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve