## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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.

## Facilities

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) ****

## Natural Features

Campsites are nestled in a cove hardwood forest. Adjacent to the campground is Unaka Mountain Wilderness area, a rugged and undeveloped area. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Cardens Bluff Campground is open for the 2020 season. At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. There are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided. Day use areas are located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to answer questions and assist with your visit. Recreation Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff. Watauga Lake provides notably clean water for recreating. Facilities There are 43 campsites within Cardens Bluff Campground. Each section of the campground has flush toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with eight showers for use by registed campers only. Natural Features Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area, a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic Trail within its boundaries. Nearby Attractions The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry hiking. ADA Access: N

Cardens Bluff Campground

Blackberry Blossom Campground

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Searching for a walk-in campsite in Tennessee? You can pitch your tent with no one else around, so you have the chance to create the most magic camping experience of your life. Check out some of the best walk-in camping spots in Tennessee.

Tennessee

The Best Walk-In Camping in Tennessee

If you enjoy the outdoors, it's time to embrace the wild and go with a walk-in camping experience near Johnson City. You'll be sleeping under the stars in your own private paradise when you stay at these campsites. You're sure to find the perfect walk-in campsite for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Johnson City

The Best Walk-In Camping Near Johnson City, Tennessee

Lakeview RV Park

Boots Off Hostel & Campground

## Overview

Little Oak Campground has closed for the 2021 season. Big Oak and Hemlock loops will open on 4/4/22, and Lone Pine and Poplar loops will open on 4/25/22. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions. 

## Recreation

Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.

## Facilities

There are 69 universally accessible campsites for tents or RVs within four loops at Little Oak Campground. Each loop has a pair of vault toilets. In addition, there is an accessible shower house with 8 showers for the campground. There is a boat launch within the campground with an additional single vault toilet.

## Natural Features

South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear. 

## Nearby Attractions

Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.

Little Oak Campground

- Lowest rates of ANY park that touches Bristol Motor Speedway
- Campground, Villas, and Event Parking
- Brand new fully furnished air-conditioned villas
- 14 stall bath houses. 4 DUMP STATIONS. 2 WATER STATIONS
- 120 acres to hike, bike, and explore
- 1 mile of BEAVER creek to fish, swim, and wade
- Only 4/10 mile to Bristol Motor Speedway (no road to cross!)
- 1 mile to Walmart and Restaurants
- Full security guard protection
- Gated and restricted for your protection
- All campsites level
- Friendly and helpful campground staff
- Full hookups with water, sewer (limited), and electricity
- 15 acres of open camping for tents, bedrolls, and economy
- 10 acres of display or parade area
- Very convenient and quiet with trees/creek setting
- Open year round upon request
- May be rented entirely for special events
- Year-round camper storage
- Winterizing and camper repair available
- 1 mile to 80 mile Boone Lake shoreline
- 7 miles to 85 mile Holston Lake shoreline

Thunder Mountain Campground 

David Crockett Birthplace

Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

The picnic pavilion has three tables and a paved parking area nearby. A large grill and water source is located at the pavilion. Additional tables are located nearby, as are trash containers and a pit toilet. The walkways and many of the sites are accessible; however the restroom has limited accessibility. Horse Creek Pavilion is located close to Horse Creek and adjacent to Sampson Mountain Wilderness. It is located at the base of the Bald Mountains at an elevation of 1,720 feet. Hiking, water-play and fishing are popular activities. Scarlet Oak Trail (#181) is a .2 mile leg-stretcher through the forest bordering the recreation area. A more primitive hiking experience is available on three trails located in the nearby Sampson Mountain Wilderness. A small campground and more picnic sites are located in Horse Creek Recreation Area.

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Nashville, TN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Nashville is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Nashville. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Nashville

The Best Camping Near Nashville, Tennessee

Camping near Memphis, TN, offers your pick of settings, whether you want to stay in a neighborhood, by a lake, or close to the forests. The area offers some of the best camping in Tennessee with great biking and hiking on wooded trails. RV campers won't have a problem finding campsites to accommodate their vehicles, with campgrounds near the former home of Elvis Presley and out in nature. There are single and group tent campsites in historic T.O. Fuller State Park just outside the city. The park hosts events, has a pool and is a great spot for hiking and birding.

Memphis

The Best Camping Near Memphis, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee is the closest major city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is only about an hour away if you’re looking for comfortable accommodations when traveling to the park.

Knoxville has capitalized on comfortable camping with plenty of glamping and RV resorts to choose from in the area. The best camping near Knoxville is in the Norris Dam State Park and surrounding area. Another good option for campgrounds is Big Ridge State Park near Ridenour, TN. It’s worth noting that for an extra 30 minutes of driving, you can get to Great Smoky, where admission is free and the campsites are more abundant.

Knoxville

Looking for the best campgrounds near Knoxville, TN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping Near Knoxville, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee is often seen as a place you pass through on your way to Great Smoky National Park. If you just drive through this Tennessee town, you’ll be missing out on all it has to offer!

The best camping near Chattanooga is located on the banks of the Tennessee River, with plenty of campgrounds to choose from. With a handful of tent and RV campgrounds to choose from in the area, you’ll be able to enjoy the riverfront views in peace. The Cherokee National Forest by Benton, TN is another excellent camping opportunity if you're willing to make the drive. Not only are there great campsites to choose from, but you can miss a lot of the crowds of the national parks by exploring this forest that’s 100,000 acres larger than Great Smoky!

Chattanooga

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Chattanooga, TN has a lot to offer. Chattanooga is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Chattanooga, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Chattanooga Camping | Tennessee Campgrounds

Join the fun near Clarksville. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Clarksville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Clarksville

The Best Camping Near Clarksville, Tennessee

Looking for the best campgrounds near Murfreesboro, TN? Murfreesboro is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Murfreesboro

The Best Camping Near Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Join the fun near Franklin. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Franklin. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Franklin. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Franklin

The Best Camping Near Franklin, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jackson. Jackson is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jackson

The Best Camping Near Jackson, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Johnson City. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Johnson City, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping Near Johnson City, Tennessee

Join the fun near Bartlett. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Bartlett, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Bartlett, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Bartlett

The Best Camping Near Bartlett, Tennessee

Cherokee National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cherokee National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Cherokee National Forest, TN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Cherokee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Natchez Trace Parkway, TN has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Natchez Trace Parkway is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Best Camping Near Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Old Hickory Lake, TN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Old Hickory Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Old Hickory Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Old Hickory Lake

The Best Camping Near Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee

Join the fun near Stillhouse Hollow Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, TN. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Stillhouse Hollow Lake

The Best Camping Near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Tennessee

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near J Percy Priest Lake. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near J Percy Priest Lake, TN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

J Percy Priest Lake

The Best Camping Near J Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Center Hill Lake, TN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Center Hill Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Center Hill Lake

The Best Camping Near Center Hill Lake, Tennessee

Obed Wild and Scenic River is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Obed Wild and Scenic River. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Obed Wild and Scenic River camping trip.

Obed Wild and Scenic River

The Best Camping Near Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee

Looking for the best campgrounds near Wagontrain Lake, TN? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Wagontrain Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Tennessee camping adventure.

The Best Camping in Johnson City, Tennessee

Top Johnson City Campgrounds

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Cardens Bluff Campground

Blackberry Blossom Campground

Lakeview RV Park

Boots Off Hostel & Campground

Little Oak Campground

Thunder Mountain Campground

David Crockett Birthplace

Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

Horse Creek Recreation Area

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Rock Creek Recreation Area

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Blackberry Blossom Campground

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Rock Creek Recreation Area

Cardens Bluff Campground

Blackberry Blossom Campground

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