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Rock Creek Recreation Area
Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the creek that runs alongside this developed recreation site.
The picnic facilities, stream-fed swimming pool and bathhouse were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. Camping facilities were constructed by the US Forest Service in the early 1960s.
Rock Creek is a welcome respite from the summer heat in the valley, cooled by cold air flowing down from Unaka Mountain and protected from the hot sun by large trees. Situated among tall oaks, maples, hemlocks and rhododendron, these sites give the feel of deep woods privacy while offering electric hookups, RV sites, double sites, walk-in tent sites, and multiple bathhouses.
A creek-fed swimming hole, seasonal campfire programs, a rugged hiking trail into Unaka Mountain Wilderness, an easy bicycle trail and short nature trails are among the activities you can choose during your visit.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Entrance gate opens at 7 AM and closes at 10 PM. 2024 Season Dates: May 1st - October 24th |
|---|---|
| Reservations: |  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/267551
Campsites are available for reservations for the 2024 season starting January 15th, 2024 (primitive tent, walk-in only section is not available to reserve online) |
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: | Regular Fees
|
| Open Season: | 5/1/2024 - 10/24/2024 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | June, July and Holiday Weekends |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Erwin, TN |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | Flush and Vault Toilets, Showers, Dump Station |
| Passes: | America the Beautiful Pass only discounts the basic site fees. The electric fees are not discounted.  |
| Operated By: | Forest Service Volunteer Campground Hosts help manage the area and can provide visitor information. |
General Information
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.
Activities
Campground Camping
Rock Creek offers camping opportunities for tents and RVs. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, firering and lantern post. All sites except the 5 walk-in sites have electricity.
| No. of Sites | 27 single sites, 5 double sites, and 5 walk-in tent sites. |
| Reservation Info | Campsites in Loop A, B and C can be reserved. Reservations can be made online by visiting https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/267551 or by calling 1-877-444-6777. |
| Fire Information | There is a grill/fire ring at each campsite. |
RV Camping
Rock Creek offers excellent camping opportunities for both trailers and RVs.| No. of Sites | 27 single sites, 5 double sites, |
| Reservation Info | All sites are on the reservation system. |
| Dump Stations | There is a dumpstation onsite at Rock Creek Campground. |
| Fire Information | There are accessible fire rings at each campsite. |
| Hookups - Electric | Yes. Loop A and B have 30 amp breakers. Loop C has a 50 amp breaker. |
Day Hiking
The moderate Rock Creek Falls trail is accessed through Rock Creek Campground.Picnicking
The day-use area includes shady picnic sites, a group picnic area, a playground, and a historic CCC-era bathhouse.| No. of Sites | There are 23 picnic tables. |
Group Picnicking
The day-use area includes shady picnic sites, a group picnic area, a playground, and a historic CCC-era bathhouse.| No. of Sites | There are 23 picnic tables. |