Rock Creek Recreation Area
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
Rock Creek Recreation Area
Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the creek that runs alongside this developed recreation site. The picnic facilities, stream-fed swimming pool and bathhouse were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. Camping facilities were constructed by the US Forest Service in the early 1960s. Rock Creek is a welcome respite from the summer heat in the valley, cooled by cold air flowing down from Unaka Mountain and protected from the hot sun by large trees. 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. A creek-fed swimming hole, seasonal campfire programs, a rugged hiking trail into Unaka Mountain Wilderness, an easy bicycle trail and short nature trails are among the activities you can choose during your visit. Rock Creek Recreation Area Map Rock Creek Recreation Area Guide
Before you go
Season
5/1/2024 – 10/24/2024
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Fees
Regular Fees • Non-electric, Tent Sites - $12/site/day. • Basic Single Site with electric hook-up - $20/site/day. • Basic Double Site with electric hook-ups - $40/site/day. • Day use area fee is $2/day/car. With America the Beautiful Passes (50% discount off basic camping fees, does not include electric hookup fee): • Non-electric, Tent sites - $6/night • Basic Single Electric Hookup - $15/night • NOTE : The America the Beautiful Pass can not be used on group/double sites.
Hours
Entrance gate opens at 7 AM and closes at 10 PM. 2024 Season Dates: May 1st - October 24th
Restrictions
Single sites are limited to a single family or not more than 5 people, and 10 people for double sites. Vehicle limits is 2 vehicles per campsite. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the area. • Food storage restrictions apply at all areas on the Cherokee National Forest. All food and beverages must be stored in an approved bear-proof container, your locked vehicle or hard-sided camper at all times unless being eaten, prepared, or transported.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.