Obed Wild and Scenic River encompasses Rock Creek Campground, the sole established camping facility within this National Park Service area. The campground features 11 tent-only sites arranged closely together along the Emory River, with vault toilets and no potable water available on-site.

Each site includes a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and designated tent pad. Sites 9, 10, and 11 share a single parking area, requiring campers to walk roughly 100 feet to reach their spots. [Katrin M.](https://thedyrt.com/camping/tennessee/rock-creek-tn/reviews/136624) notes that "campsite 11 was very spacious and was right on the creek," though she benefited from nearby sites remaining empty during her visit.

The Cumberland Trail begins directly from the campground, providing immediate access to hiking opportunities. Fishing proves popular along the adjacent river, with multiple reviewers highlighting easy water access. Rock climbing and bouldering opportunities exist nearby, though specific locations require local knowledge. "Good hiking trails and great fishing" consistently draw visitors, according to [Davina B.](https://thedyrt.com/camping/tennessee/rock-creek-tn/reviews/44836).

A public road runs adjacent to the campground, creating occasional traffic noise during commuting hours. The town of Wartburg sits about one mile away for supply runs. Vault toilets receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness and maintenance frequency. Summer months and weekends see higher occupancy levels, with sites filling up regularly during peak season.

For campers seeking additional options in the region, [Lilly Pad Campground](https://thedyrt.com/camping/lilly-pad-campground) provides an alternative with different amenities nearby.

## 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.

Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lancing. Lancing is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Lancing, reviewed by campers like you.

Lancing

The Best Camping Near Lancing, Tennessee

**Our friends who are avid whitewater paddlers took us here. It’s a small campground with simple amenities, amazing old growth forest. There are so many great hiking trails here, plus some rock climbing/bouldering. Note that there are some areas with similar names further east near the Appalachian Trail.**

**Yay: Simple and beautiful camping here! Rangers check in periodically and had great recommendations.**

**Nay: no potable water but plenty nearby to treat.**

**Surprise: Make sure to visit Lone Mountain State Forest as well. There are rafting tour companies nearby**

Great access to whitewater and nature 

Small private campground. Beautiful area. Couldnt ask for a nicer place to camp.

Private

Many beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. Bring extra shoes because the trails cross creeks and streams! Much fun. Spend the day or the weekend!

Remote and beautiful.

Trash, showers, restrooms. The spaces are pretty close together which isn’t my favorite. But the best part about this campground is the convenient location. Close to the recreation area. Just a short drive is the Obed boulder field and the Obed river.

Beautiful area

Rock Creek Campground is the only campground for the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat.

Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access. There is no camp store, but the town of Wartburg is about a mile away if you need anything.

Pros: Good hiking trails and great fishing. Easy access to the river. Restrooms available.

Cons: The sites are very close together and it gets quite crowded during the summer months and on weekends. A public road runs right next to the campground so there is traffic at times when people are coming and going from work. No camp store or potable water available. Bathrooms are not kept stocked.

Great Little Hiking and Fishing Spot

Well kept campground. Outhouse available. Easy water access. Cumberland trail access.  Good 14+ mile hike to great swimming at Devil's Breakfast Table


Great place

Awesome 

This campground had about 10 sites all very close together except site #1 which was right near the main parking lot the volt toilets stunk bad worse one I’ve been in we stayed for 2 nights and it wasn’t cleaned at all the iron bridge was pretty though! 

Compact place 

Nice, simple, quiet place. Many things to do from there- Nemo tunnel, Catoosa WMA, several hikes. 

This is a dark sky park, a neat thing to experience.

Great location for stargazing

We camped here for one night on a Saturday. 

The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet. The campsites are very close together. We were very lucky with campsite 11 bc nobody around us showed up. Probably due to the bad weather the first day. The campsite was very spacious and was right on the creek. 

There is no electricity or water at the campground. The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell. The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground. If you need an escape from the daily grind, that's your place.

Nice little primitive campground on the river

Comfy evening. Quiet even though it was full. Connected to good trails. 

One night stay

Overall great. Site 1 is open so a small pull behind can fit in parking area. Tents only on sites. Lots of shade. Toilet is vaulted, no water. Easy access to Obed River and trails. Don’t come in from north east, to bad of rd. Wartburg is paved. 

Photos of Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

Real photos from real campers