Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Obed Wild & Scenic River
The Obed Wild and Scenic River looks much the same today as it did when the first white settlers strolled its banks in the late 1700s. While meagerly populated due to poor farming soil, the river was a hospitable fishing and hunting area for trappers and pioneers. Today, the Obed stretches along the Cumberland Plateau and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Camping & reservations
The booking button opens the official provider or park-specific camping instructions published by the NPS. Select the named campground and verify its dates, access and site rules.
Rock Creek Campground ↗
The Rock Creek Campground, located adjacent to the Nemo area of the Obed Wild & Scenic River, offers 11 spots for campers. Physical Address: 1674 Catoosa Rd., Wartburg, TN 37887 A $15 per night fee is charged, and reservations are required. You may obtain your reservation by visiting www.recreation.gov and searching for "Rock Creek Campground - TN". Reservations are site-specific. The campground has grills and primitive toilet facilities, but no running water.
Reservations: This campground is on the reservation system through Recreation.gov.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: Due to steep grade of road into the campground, RVs and trailers are not permitted. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather.
Fires: Firewood must be purchased and/or collected from the local vicinity; to learn more visit http://dontmovefirewood.org/.
Site rules: Various public documents help guide the further management of natural and cultural resources, and the recreational opportunities within the park. Please click on the link to find out more.
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
NPS states that the steep campground approach does not permit RVs or trailers. Plan a permitted camping setup at Rock Creek and confirm vehicle access with park staff before arrival.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Astronomy, Stargazing, Camping, Climbing, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Hiking, Hunting and Gathering, Paddling, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Park Film.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
The Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center is located at 208 North Maiden Street in downtown Wartburg, Tennessee. Please use the link for more information. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees. The low temperatures in winter often dip below freezing. Spring sees the most amount of precipitation, but rainfall can occur in various amounts throughout the year.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Obed WSR in Fall
Obed in Fall
Credit: NPS Photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Aurora Over Lilly Bluff
Aurora over Lilly Bluff Overlook.
Credit: NPS Photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.