Obed Wild & Scenic River

Show on map(423) 346-6294obri_information@nps.gov
208 N. Maiden Street
Wartburg, TN 37887
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.

Reviews

Obed Wild & Scenic River offers a primitive and secluded camping experience with well-maintained sites, close river access, and clean facilities. The campground is popular for stargazing due to its dark skies and proximity to hiking trails and water activities. Park rangers are appreciated for maintaining a peaceful environment. Some visitors noted issues with site reservation management, ATV noise, and limited lighting in restrooms.

Well-maintained campsites
Close access to river and hiking trails
Clean and peaceful environment
Dark sky ideal for stargazing
Bear-proof food storage boxes
No cell service or WiFi
Site reservation confusion and occasional squatters
Limited restroom lighting and facilities
ATV and dirt bike noise
Some sites close to parking or day-use areas reducing privacy
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

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Obed Wild & Scenic River.

Popularity: Very quiet

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

Campgrounds

Obed Wild & Scenic River has 2 campgrounds, 11 campsites in total.

2 of 2 campgrounds match