Rock Creek Campground (TN)

$15.00/night

Overview

Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.

Recreation

Whitewater paddling is available seasonally in the Obed WSR. Rock climbing is another challenging activity, as is boulder climbing. The Obed WSR sports several unique trails for hikers, most notably the Point Trail and a portion of the Cumberland Trail. Those who like to fish will enjoy the Obed WSR, as a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish and other fish populate the river. Birdwatching is also a fun activity, particularly during the migratory seasons.

Facilities

Rock Creek Campground has 11 campsites. Each site has a picnic table, food storage locker, fire ring with grill, lantern hook and paved parking. A vault toilet is also centrally located in the campground.

Natural Features

The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau offering a variety of recreational activities for everyone.

Nearby Attractions

Just a few miles from the park is Frozen Head State Park which encompasses more than 24,000 acres of forest with mountainous terrain at an elevation from 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet.

Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is an 82,000 acre preserve with a focus on hunting and fishing but offering a wealth of other recreational activities as well.

Lone Mountain State Forest is 3,600 acres and has 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Camp site features

Across 11 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 11 sites
  • Picnic table: all 11 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 11 sites
  • ADA accessible: 1 of 11 sites
  • Longest RV: 20 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Directions

From 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.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

80 reviews
5 stars
47
4 stars
20
3 stars
7
2 stars
2
1 stars
4
Daniel K
Loop:Rock Creek Campground (TN)
Site:
Reviewed 17 days ago
The entrance is very tough to hit, even at slow speeds, and especially at night. The limited number of campsites are a benefit but also a curse. I was approached by park rangers first thing in the morning after coming in late and setting up in the dark. They were responding to a report of "someone using a chainsaw to cut down trees late last night". I believe it was a neighboring complaint that was related to me chopping wood with a hand axe at my campsite after quiet hours had ended that morning. As with a lot of places you are not allowed to bring in firewood and have to scavenge for dead or fallen wood, so I was chopping wood with a hand axe. I camp with two large dogs so I chose the campsite furthest away from the others (site 2). Unfortunately it didn't prevent another uncomfortable interaction with an older hiker coming off the trail at dusk next to my vehicle parking area. He muttered what seemed to question my right to choose the site based on my dogs, when I asked him directly if there was anything I could do for him he stayed silent and continued in to the campground. Usual large animal/fear bias. As I shared with the rangers I don't leave my dogs unattended unless they are secured in their crate in the tent and they are limited in access on tie-outs when I'm with them at the site. One of the rangers, I believe it was Andy was a bit more conversational and approachable than the other. But it was two unneccessary and awkward intereactions I could have done without when trying to enjoy the peace, beauty and serenity of the river. I had a very helpful neighbor that came in and helped me figure out the rainfly on my tent, turned in early with the dogs and packed up and loaded out the following morning. Some of the approaches to the river while well cleared are rocky and steep, be especially aware when at the river's edge as I did encounter a somewhat grumpy king snake.
michael m
Loop:Rock Creek Campground (TN)
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Great little campground right on a beautiful creek. Not many sites keeps it from overcrowding
Madeleine S
Loop:Rock Creek Campground (TN)
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
It was absolutely beautiful, but the outhouse smelled so bad. I have never in my life smelled anything as bad as that outhouse, and I've worked with livestock. I loved my campsite, however, and really enjoyed the nature.
Mason R
Loop:Rock Creek Campground (TN)
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
This was an excellent campsite! It has bear boxes at every campsite, trash cans, and a bathroom and is lightly trafficked so there are no crowds
Michele M
Loop:Rock Creek Campground (TN)
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
We always have a nice time here. The rangers are nice and do a good job of keeping folks from getting too rowdy. I’m glad the train derailment was finally dealt with so we can enjoy one of our favorite spots again.
Mike P
Loop:Rock Creek Campground (TN)
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Other than no lighting in the restrooms the facilities were excellent. We did have campers driving around the park drive loop and the park rangers did seem to care. These were unlicensed vehicles. All in all had a great time
Availability

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

Reserve
Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 0% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 1 years of reservations.

Season dates

Peak season

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

No availability

We don't have availability data yet for camp sites at .

Interested in seeing what camp sites you can reserve here? Check it now, or watch this campground so we keep checking it for you.

Nearby Campgrounds