Established Camping
Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River
Rock Creek Campground, near Wartburg, Tennessee, is a primitive camping area that offers a peaceful escape right by the Obed Wild and Scenic River. With designated tent sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hooks, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Visitors appreciate the easy access to the river and nearby trails, making it perfect for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. One camper mentioned, “The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing,” highlighting the outdoor opportunities right at your fingertips.
The campground is known for its quiet atmosphere, even when full, allowing for a comfy evening under the stars. While there are no electric hookups or potable water, the vault toilets are clean and well-maintained, ensuring a decent level of comfort. As one reviewer noted, “The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell.”
If you’re looking to explore, the Cumberland Trail begins right at the campground, offering fantastic hiking options. Just a short drive away, the town of Wartburg has what you need if you run out of supplies. Whether you’re here for a night or a weekend, Rock Creek Campground provides a great base for outdoor adventures.
Description
National Park Service
Obed Wild & Scenic River
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.
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.
Location
Rock 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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TFair
- T-MobileGood
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
- 1 hr 41 min from Cleveland
- 1 hr 42 min from Morristown
- 1 hr 55 min from Chattanooga
