Rocky Fork Camping

  • Sunny forest campground with a wooden
  • Camping at Rocky Fork

    Rocky Fork State Park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest on three sides. The park protects a rugged, forested landscape of steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and clear mountain streams. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the park. 

    Camping is limited to four backcountry campsites accessible only by hiking.

    Explore Our Campsites

    Rocky Fork Headwaters Backcountry Campsite

    Backcountry Camping
    • 36˚03’17.1” N, 82˚34’49.3” W or 36.05476,-82.58036
    • 2.3 miles from Main Parking Lot
    • Campsite is 0.6 miles from Rocky Fork Creek

    Rocky Fork Blockstand Creek Backcountry Campsite

    Backcountry Camping
    • 36˚03’11.0 N, 82˚35’16.2 W or 36.05306,-82.58782
    • 3.23 miles from Main Parking Lot
    • Campsite is 2.1 miles from Rocky Fork Creek and 0.6 miles from Blockstand Creek

    Rocky Fork Flint Creek Backcountry Campsite

    Backcountry Camping
    • Location: 36˚02’53.0 N,  82˚34’37.5 W or 36.04805,-82.57707
    • 1.37 miles from Main Parking Lot; 1.86 miles from Blockstand Creek Backcountry Campsite

    Rocky Fork Hatchery Flatts Backcountry Campsite

    Backcountry Camping
    • Located 0.8 miles down the Flint Creek Trail, accessed via a short approach trail that includes a boardwalk and measures approximately 0.10 miles.
    • This backcountry site has wheelchair accessible features, including 

      • A bear-resistant food storage box
      • A privy with a vault toilet designed for off-road wheelchairs, equipped with handrails.
      • 10 ft x 10 ft tent pad with an accessible ramp and a rolled-path connection.
      • A Stone fire pit located within the campsite.

      An adaptive wheelchair may be available for use upon request.

       

    All rates subject to change. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.

    Details You Should Know

    • Capacity

      Rocky Fork has four, primitive backcountry campsites. Each site is limited to 4 people. Please contact park to make arrangements for special circumstances (ie. 3 children with 2 adults).  

    • Dimensions

      Tents and sleeping pads must be contained in the designated 6'x6' tent pad area. Sites are in the wooded, and quite shaded.  

    • Water

      Water must be packed in or filtered from the creeks and streams, such as Rocky Fork Creek. Hiking is required to reach the creek.

    • Leave No Trace

      Sites do not have a privy or outhouse at this time, so please follow Leave No Trace. Campers must deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. 

    • Hiking In

      Please allow enough time to reach your destination in daylight; there is no hiking allowed after dark. Your printed reservation receipt is the backcountry permit you must have on your person. Remember, follow all park rules and be prepared to have a rewarding backcountry experience. Reservations are required.

    Firewood Policy 

    Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park.  

    • Protect Tennessee Forests 

      To learn more about the pests that threaten Tennessee and what you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests, click the link below.

      Learn More (Opens in a new tab)
    • Don’t Move Firewood 

      To learn more about Don’t Move Firewood, click the link below.

      Learn More (Opens in a new tab)
    • Find Firewood Vendors 

      Find firewood vendors near you, when you are at the park, or on the way.

    Accessibility at Rocky Fork

    Visit the park’s accessibility page to see detailed accessibility information.

    Ranger Station Gift Shop

    The Rocky Fork Ranger Station Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

    Address:
    280 Jennie Moore Rd, Flag Pond TN, 37657

    Hours
    Seasonal

    Explore the Park

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    Inspiration

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