Rock Creek Campground in Unicoi, TN
Guide to Amenities and Activities
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ADDRESS |
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TN 395 Unicoi, TN GPS: 36.137059, -82.352114 Elevation: 2292′ |
MANAGEMENT |
Public – Forest Service (Official) The price is $20/night or more |
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Previous Reviews:
Rock Creek Campground: Rock Creek Recreation Area is open May to Nov. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. Camping in a developed campground near Rock Creek. Situated among tall oaks, maples, hemlocks and rhododendron, these sites give the feel of deep woods privacy while offering electric hookups, RV sites, double sites, walk-in tent sites, and multiple bathhouses.
About This Location
Rock Creek Campground in Unicoi, TN, gives you a peaceful camping option with sites for tents, RVs, and trailers. There are 36 campsites, some with electric hookups, and the campground can fit vehicles up to 35 feet long. That flexibility is a big plus for a lot of campers.
Tucked inside the Cherokee National Forest, the campground sits in a quiet setting surrounded by woods. The vibe is calm and perfect for unwinding, though don’t expect a ton of hiking trails or big attractions nearby. It’s better for short stays or if you just want to get away from it all.
Pulling in with an RV or just rolling up in your car is simple enough, and the rates are fair—so it’s a solid spot for a peaceful night or a quick weekend reset.
Key Takeways
- Several sites have electricity and space for bigger vehicles.
- It’s quiet and natural, great for short trips.
- Getting in is easy, and it won’t break the bank.
Rock Creek Campground In Unicoi, TN
Rock Creek Campground sits in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It’s a mellow spot for camping with direct access to the Cherokee National Forest. If you’re after something quiet and peaceful, this place fits the bill.
You’ll find 36 campsites available. Some are meant for groups, others fit vehicles up to 35 feet. Fourteen sites offer electrical hookups, which is handy for RVs or camper vans.
The sites have level gravel pads, which makes pitching a tent or parking a trailer pretty straightforward. The bathrooms stay clean and well-kept—always a relief, honestly.
There are a few trails nearby, but hiking options don’t go on forever. Rock Creek works best for a short visit. With no big attractions close by, it’s mostly a base for relaxing and not much else.
Nightly rates run from $20 to $50, including electrical hookups if you snag one.
Key Features:
Feature | Details |
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Total Campsites | 36 |
Group Camping | Available |
Electrical Hookups | 14 sites |
Vehicle Length Limit | Up to 35 feet |
Surface Type | Gravel pads |
Price Range | $20 – $50 per night |
Rock Creek Campground keeps things simple and peaceful in the Tennessee woods. If you want calm surroundings and don’t need a ton of extras, it’s a good fit.
Things To Do
When you’re at Rock Creek Campground, there’s a handful of outdoor stuff to try. The park has short hiking trails—good for a quick walk or just soaking in the woods.
Picnic tables are scattered around, so it’s easy to grab lunch outside. There’s a swimming pool too, which is a welcome break on a hot day.
Camping here works for tents or smaller RVs, and you can have a fire as long as you use the fire rings and stick to the rules.
If you’ve got fishing gear, give the creek a shot—there are a few spots that look promising.
There’s a bike trail winding through the park, which is a fun way to see more of the area and get some fresh air.
The amphitheater is there for events or just hanging out. Keep in mind, though, campground gates lock at 10 p.m., so plan ahead if you’re not staying the night.
Here’s a quick list of things to do:
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Camping
- Fishing
- Bicycling
- Watching events at the amphitheater
It’s a good mix for a short visit or, if you’re content with the basics, a longer stay.
Directions
Getting to Rock Creek Campground is pretty straightforward. From Interstate 26, take exit 34 for Main Street (TN 107) in Erwin.
Drive east on TN 395 for about 3.5 miles. That’ll take you right to the campground area.
When you get near the town center, look for local signs pointing to Rock Creek Recreation Area. The signs are clear, so you shouldn’t have any trouble.
If you’re using GPS, plug in the address for Rock Creek Recreation Area, Erwin, TN 37650. That should get you to the entrance without any weird detours.
Once you’re in, remember the campground gates close from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. If you don’t have a campsite, make sure you’re out before 10:00 p.m.
Coming from the visitor center? Turn right onto Maiden Street, then keep going to Main Street and follow the signs for Rock Creek.
It’s always smart to check local traffic and weather before you leave, just in case.
Vehicle Access
Vehicle access at Rock Creek Campground is pretty convenient. With 36 campsites, most can handle vehicles up to 35 feet—so bringing a smaller RV, travel trailer, or camper isn’t a hassle.
Some spots have electrical hookups, but only for vehicles within that size limit. If you’re rolling in with something bigger, you’ll want to double-check availability or look at nearby spots in the Rock Creek Recreation Area, which can handle vehicles up to 50 feet (but that’s not the same as the campground itself).
The roads and parking here are in good shape, so getting around isn’t stressful. You can park right by your site, making setup less of a chore.
If you’ve got a bigger rig or you’re towing, check the campsite details before you show up. Saves some headaches and keeps you within the rules.
Key vehicle access points at Rock Creek Campground:
- Maximum vehicle length: ~35 feet
- Electrical hookups on select sites
- Well-kept roads for driving and parking
- Larger vehicles might need to use nearby areas with different limits
A little planning goes a long way, and you’ll have a smooth stay.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
The sites at Rock Creek Campground are roomy and mostly level, so parking your RV or trailer shouldn’t be a pain. Some of the turns can get tight if you’re driving a bigger rig, but with a little patience, it’s doable.
You’ll find electric hookups offering 20, 30, and 50 amps. There’s no water hookup at the sites themselves, though, so you’ll need to bring your own or fill up at a central spot if it’s available.
Each site has a designated fire ring, which is a must for safety. The gates shut from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and you need to be out before 10:00 p.m. if you’re not camping overnight.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Feature | Details |
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Site Size | Spacious, mostly level |
Electric Hookups | 20, 30, and 50 amp available |
Water | No onsite water hookup |
Fire Policy | Use designated fire rings only |
Gate Hours | Closed 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. |
If you’re towing or driving a big RV, take it slow on the campground roads. Parking is manageable once you’re at your site, at least from what we’ve seen.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Rock Creek Campground in Unicoi, TN, you’ll find both paid campsites and some that need permits. Most spots come with electric hook-ups—definitely ups the comfort level.
A basic double site with electric hook-ups runs $40 per night. For day use, you’ll pay $2 per day, per car. If you carry an America the Beautiful Pass, you’ll snag a 50% discount on basic camping fees.
You have to book all camping spots ahead of time through the official website—no buying a site once you get there. This way, you know you’ve got a spot before you even pack the car.
There are 27 single campsites (fully accessible) and 5 double sites. Each one has electricity and is close to the facilities. There’s usually a host on-site if you need a hand with anything.
Thinking about backcountry or special use camping? You might need an extra permit. That could mean hunting, fishing, or even filming. Always double-check what’s required before you go—rules can catch you off guard.
Site Type | Price | Notes |
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Single electric site | $40 per night | Reserve online, limited spots |
Double electric site | $40 per night | Suitable for larger groups |
Day use | $2 per car/day | For visitors without camping |
It’s honestly smart to book early, especially when things get busy. That way, you don’t miss out on your favorite spot.
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AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
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BBQ Grill Drinking Water Dump Station Fire Ring Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms Showers Trash Cans |
RV Camping Tent Camping Fishing Boating Hiking Swimming Nature Walks Wildlife Viewing |
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