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Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the small creek that runs alongside this recreation site. The facilities, creek-fed concrete pond and bathhouse were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. It is located just outside the town of Erwin, TN at an elevation of 2,300 feet - a welcome respite from the summer heat.
Hike on one (or all) of the trails adjacent to Rock Creek Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy cooling off in the creek-fed concrete pond. Younger children can enjoy the playground located in the day use area of the recreation area. Campground programs are offered every Friday night in July at the amphitheater.
There are 27 fully accessible single and five double campsites in Rock Creek Recreation Area; all with electric hook-ups. In addition, there are five walk-in tent sites without electric hookups, which are available first-come, first served only. Three bathhouses are located within the recreation area; one in Loop A, one in Loop C, and one located by the concrete pond - it is a Civilian Conservation Corps-era bathhouse adapted for modern use. Each bathhouse has flush toilets and shower facilities. A dump station is located on site. An on-site host is located in the campground.
[**Rock Creek Recreation Area Map**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5275541.pdf) ****
Campsites are nestled in a cove hardwood forest. Adjacent to the campground is Unaka Mountain Wilderness area, a rugged and undeveloped area.
The Appalachian Trail crosses TN 395 at Indian Grave Gap, 3.1 miles east of Rock Creek. Mountain Balds, Beauty Spot and Unaka Mountain Overlook are located nearby along Forest Service Road #230. Whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River is provided by private companies located in Erwin, TN.
From I-26 take exit 34 to Main Street (TN107) in Erwin, take TN 395 east for 3.5 miles to Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Beautiful place. Tent sites are pretty large. But are gravel & if you have to stake a tent, bring a hammer. Ground is HARD & it was difficult to stake down. Bathrooms are clean, but NO hand soap in any. So make sure to bring that with you. Other than that, it's a great spot. Also, if you have a T-mobile service VERY spotty.
Great campground and great trails, early August 2022. We were in Loop C #24, nice level site, plenty of trees. Trail to the falls is not terribly difficult, but is uphill most of the way. Several crossings of the creek, again not bad, but pay attention! A little over 5 miles round trip, trail was well marked. Lots of little rapids and falls, lovely. Campground was quiet. It was humid and stormy while we were there, got soaked coming back from the falls, but it was worth it.
I haven't camped here yet but the day access is nice. It cost $2 for day pass. I was here to see the Swainson's warbler. Then went hiking to the rock Creek falls. Nice hike.
The creek-fed pool is rather chilly, but it's very clean and fun to play in. There were some friendly trout swimming in it too. The campsites are well-maintained and have a nice amount of spacing and foliage between them. We enjoyed the hike to the falls, but it is mostly uphill on the way there. There is a smaller waterfall before you get to the real falls.
Absolutely gorgeous US Park. Great camping with bath houses, dump station and electric hookups but I came for the hike to the waterfall! From the camping area entrance/swimming area parking lot it is 2.5 miles up to the waterfall. You will cross over the creek a few times so wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. The trail is rocky, wet and steep in some places. Your legs will get a workout but it’s worth it. The trail take you to the top of the falls but there is a steep trail that cuts down and to the left at the falls that will take you to the base of the falls. The water is crystal clear and a great place to cool off.
