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Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
FSU.S. Forest Service — Greeneville · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cherokee National Forest |
| Location | Greeneville · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest · 36.13768, -82.34758 · Map |
| Sites | 32 public sites counted from the federal listing — 31 standard electric; 1 group standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 33 of 32 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 1 of 32 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 32 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 32 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 50 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 24 sites · 30 ft: 22 sites · 35 ft: 18 sites · 40 ft: 12 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 34 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 30 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 423-638-4109 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
9 mi straight-line · Johnson City TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceDennis Cove Campground
16 mi straight-line · Unicoi TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceHorse Creek Recreation Area
17 mi straight-line · Greeneville TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServicePaint Creek Campground
30 mi straight-line · Greeneville TennesseeFSU.S. Forest ServiceLittle Oak Campground
31 mi straight-line · Bristol Tennessee
Trip Card — Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
Greeneville · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Greeneville · Tennessee · Cherokee National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 33 |
| Max RV | Up to 50 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 32 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/267551 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.