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.
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 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…
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
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.
Wind Advisory issued May 22 at 1:46PM EDT until May 23 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Southeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Blount Smoky Mountains, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Greene, and Unicoi Counties. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 AM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
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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