Tennessee / Unicoi County / Cherokee National Forest

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the 2025 season. The campground typically operates from early May through late October. The day-use area remains open year-round.

About

Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the small creek that runs alongside this developed recreation site in Cherokee National Forest. The picnic facilities, stream-fed swimming pool, and bathhouse were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s, with camping facilities added by the US Forest Service in the early 1960s. Located just outside Erwin, Tennessee at an elevation of 2,300 feet, Rock Creek is a welcome respite from the summer heat, cooled by cold air flowing down from Unaka Mountain and protected by large trees. Campsites are situated among tall oaks, maples, hemlocks, and rhododendron, giving the feel of deep woods privacy while offering modern amenities. The campground offers 27 single sites and 5 double sites with electric hookups, plus 5 walk-in tent sites available first-come, first-served. Three bathhouses are located throughout the recreation area, including a historic CCC-era bathhouse by the swimming pool that has been adapted for modern use. Recreation opportunities include cooling off in the creek-fed concrete swimming pool, hiking trails adjacent to the campground including access to the rugged Unaka Mountain Wilderness, an easy bicycle trail, and short nature trails. Campground programs are offered every Friday night in July at the amphitheater. The Appalachian Trail crosses TN 395 at Indian Grave Gap just 3.1 miles east of Rock Creek, and nearby attractions include Beauty Spot, Unaka Mountain Overlook, and whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River.

Directions

From I-26 take exit 36 to Main Street in Erwin. Turn right onto Main Street, then take a left on TN 395 east for 3.5 miles to Rock Creek Recreation Area.

Nearby Campgrounds