Rock Creek Campground
Open for the 2026 season as of May 5th. Gate hours are 7 AM to 10 PM. Check-in is 2 PM, check-out is 12 PM. Walk-in tent sites are first-come, first-served; electric sites are reservable through Recreation.gov.
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…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Closure Continues
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
About
Rock Creek Recreation Area sits at 2,300 feet elevation just 3.5 miles from Erwin, Tennessee, offering a cool mountain escape with cold air flowing down from Unaka Mountain. The campground features 27 single and double electric sites that are fully accessible, plus five walk-in tent sites available first-come, first-served. Three bathhouses provide flush toilets and showers, and a dump station serves RV campers. The site's history adds character: the Civilian Conservation Corps built the picnic facilities, stream-fed concrete swimming pool, and original bathhouse in the early 1930s, while the Forest Service added camping facilities in the 1960s. Recreation options include the swimming hole, seasonal campfire programs at the amphitheater, a rugged hiking trail into Unaka Mountain Wilderness, an easy bicycle trail, and short nature walks. Sites are shaded by large trees and offer a deep-woods feel despite the developed amenities.
Directions
From I-26, take exit 36 to Main Street in Erwin. Turn right onto Main Street, then turn left on TN 395 east for 3.5 miles to Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $12 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 638-4109 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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