Rocky Fork State Park Campground

About

Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park preserves 2,076 acres of rugged Appalachian wilderness in Unicoi County near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. The park's three primitive backcountry campsites offer a true wilderness experience, each requiring a hike of 1.4 to 3.2 miles from the main parking lot to reach. Sites are limited to 4 people and feature designated 6x6 tent pads, fire rings, and metal bear-proof containers for food storage. This is pack-in, pack-out backcountry camping with no developed facilities at the sites. There are no toilets at the campsites, and campers must dig catholes at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Water must be carried in or filtered from creeks and streams. The parking area has portable toilets and a ranger station with a small gift shop. With nearly 20 miles of marked trails and direct access to the legendary Appalachian Trail, Rocky Fork is ideal for backpackers seeking solitude in an old-growth Southern Appalachian forest. The park also offers fishing opportunities and rock climbing. High bear activity is reported on some trails, and free bear spray is available at the Ranger Station.

Directions

GPS address: 501 Rocky Fork Road, Flag Pond, TN 37604. The park is accessed via a narrow one-lane paved road between Rocky Fork Creek and steep embankments. Backcountry campsites require hiking 1.4 to 3.2 miles from the main parking lot.