Rock Creek Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 season. The campground opened May 5, 2026 and operates daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. Gate is closed 10 PM to 7 AM. Check-in is 2 PM, checkout is noon. Walk-in tent sites are first-come, first-served; other sites are reservable via Recreation.gov. Potable water is not currently available. Bear food storage is strictly enforced.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 12:00AM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, East Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
About
Rock Creek Recreation Area is a historic campground nestled in a cove hardwood forest in the Cherokee National Forest, just 3.5 miles east of Erwin, Tennessee. Originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s, the recreation area preserves its historic character while offering modern amenities including three bathhouses with flush toilets and showers, electric hookups at most sites, and an RV dump station. The campground offers 27 single campsites and 5 double campsites with electric hookups, plus 5 walk-in tent sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites designated as accessible are ADA-compliant. At 2,300 feet elevation, Rock Creek provides welcome relief from summer heat. The creek-fed concrete swimming pool and bathhouse are highlights from the CCC era. Adjacent to the campground is the Unaka Mountain Wilderness, offering rugged backcountry exploration. The Appalachian Trail crosses TN 395 at Indian Grave Gap just 3.1 miles east. Nearby attractions include Beauty Spot, Unaka Mountain Overlook, and whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River. Strict bear food storage is enforced: all food and trash must be stored in hard-sided containers or vehicles.
Directions
From I-26, take exit 36 to Main Street in Erwin. Turn left onto TN 395 east and continue 3.5 miles to Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 476-9700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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