The vault toilets sit clean but basic, while eleven tent-only sites cluster together along Rock Creek within Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. This National Park Service campground charges $15 per night and serves as the sole overnight option for exploring the wild and scenic river system. Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern hooks, and bear-proof food lockers, though campers must bring their own water or treat what flows nearby.
Rock Creek runs directly alongside the camping area, providing easy water access for fishing and cooling off during warmer months. Davina B. notes the campground offers "good hiking trails and great fishing" with "easy access to the river." The Cumberland Trail begins at the campground, connecting to longer hiking routes and rock climbing areas. Site 11 sits closest to the creek, while sites 9, 10, and 11 share a single parking area requiring a 100-foot walk to reach the actual camping spots.
Campers consistently mention the close proximity between sites, particularly during summer weekends when the campground fills completely. A public road runs adjacent to the camping area, creating occasional traffic noise from local commuters. Katrin M. found her creekside site "very spacious" when neighboring sites remained empty, highlighting how crowding affects the experience. The town of Wartburg sits about one mile away for supply runs.
Access requires careful route planning, as several reviewers warn against approaching from the northeast due to rough road conditions. The paved route through Wartburg provides the most reliable access year-round. Reservations are available through the National Park Service, and the campground operates as a designated dark sky area for stargazing. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore places to camp near Lancing.
Description
Overview
Rock Creek Campground is located near the Emory River in the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Recreation
Whitewater paddling is available seasonally in the Obed WSR. Rock climbing is another challenging activity, as is boulder climbing. The Obed WSR sports several unique trails for hikers, most notably the Point Trail and a portion of the Cumberland Trail. Those who like to fish will enjoy the Obed WSR, as a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish and other fish populate the river. Birdwatching is also a fun activity, particularly during the migratory seasons.
Facilities
Rock Creek Campground has 11 campsites. Each site has a picnic table, food storage locker, fire ring with grill, lantern hook and paved parking. A vault toilet is also centrally located in the campground.
Natural Features
The Obed River winds through the Cumberland Plateau offering a variety of recreational activities for everyone.
Nearby Attractions
Just a few miles from the park is Frozen Head State Park which encompasses more than 24,000 acres of forest with mountainous terrain at an elevation from 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet. Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is an 82,000 acre preserve with a focus on hunting and fishing but offering a wealth of other recreational activities as well. Lone Mountain State Forest is 3,600 acres and has 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River is located in Tennessee
Directions
From the East: Take State Route 62 West, then veer to the right onto State Route 27. Make a left onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground. From the West: Take State Route 62 East, then make a right onto State Route 27 South. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground. From the North: Follow State Route 27 South into Wartburg. Make a right onto Kingston Street, and follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground. From the South: Follow State Route 27 North into Wartburg. Make a left onto Kingston Street, then follow the brown Obed road signs to the visitor center on North Maiden Street. To continue on to the campground, stay on North Maiden Street until reaching an intersection. Stay straight on North Maiden Street crossing Main Street/Old Hwy 27 until you reach Spring Street. Turn right onto Spring Street and continue on to the sharp left-handed curve where the road becomes Catoosa Road. Stay on Catoosa Road for approximately 5.5 miles until reaching the entrance of the campground.
Address
PO Box 429
Wartburg, TN 37887
Coordinates
36.070204 N
84.663308 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Knoxville, TN
- 1 hr 41 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 42 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 55 min from Chattanooga, TN
