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Obed Wild & Scenic River: fees, hours, camping and when to visit

Updated October 29, 2026. Based on National Park Service data. Published by Humblebee.

Entrance fee
None[1]
Campgrounds
1[2]
Visitor centers
1[3]

Obed Wild & Scenic River is a unit of the National Park System in Tennessee[4]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].

Entrance fees and passes

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for Obed Wild & Scenic River[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.

When to visit and hours

NPS says the park is open every day[5]. NPS describes the weather along the Cumberland Plateau as unpredictable[6]. Summers are generally hot and humid, and highs can pass 90 degrees[6]. Winter nights often fall below freezing[6]. NPS notes that spring brings the most precipitation, though rain can fall in any season[6]. Hours and conditions can change, so confirm on the official park page before you go.

Camping

NPS and Recreation.gov list one campground here, Rock Creek Campground, with 11 sites[2]. NPS lists the nightly fee for individual sites at $15[2]. NPS also lists canoe or kayak camping among the park activities[7].

Pets and dogs

Under the national NPS pet rule, pets must be kept in a crate or cage, or on a leash of six feet or less, where they are allowed[8]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings or on designated swimming beaches, and service animals are excepted[8]. A park can close more areas to pets, so check the official page[8].

Before you go

Questions people ask

Is there an entrance fee at Obed Wild & Scenic River?
NPS lists the park as fee-free, so there is no entrance fee[1]. Fees can change, so confirm on the official park page.
Are dogs allowed at Obed Wild & Scenic River?
Where pets are allowed, they must be kept in a crate or cage, or on a leash of six feet or less[8]. The park can close more areas to pets[8].
Can you camp at Obed Wild & Scenic River?
NPS and Recreation.gov list Rock Creek Campground with 11 sites[2]. NPS lists the individual-site fee at $15 per night[2].
What is the weather like at Obed Wild & Scenic River?
NPS calls the weather unpredictable[6]. Summers are generally hot and humid, and winter lows often drop below freezing[6].

Facts and sources

  1. NPS lists Obed Wild & Scenic River as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
  2. Campgrounds in Obed Wild & Scenic River (list on this page). National Park Service
  3. Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (Obed Visitor Center). National Park Service
  4. Obed Wild & Scenic River is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: Wild & Scenic River) in Tennessee. National Park Service
  5. Operating hours, The park is open every day.: The park is open every day. National Park Service
  6. NPS weather and seasons overview for Obed Wild & Scenic River. National Park Service
  7. Activities NPS lists for Obed Wild & Scenic River: Astronomy, Stargazing, Camping, Climbing, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Hiking, Hunting and Gathering, Paddling, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching,... National Park Service
  8. National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15

Fees and hours are what NPS lists in its data at the snapshot date. They change: tell readers to confirm on the official park page before a trip. Visits are NPS recreation visits (counted entries, not unique people). Use them only for this park's own months and years, never to rank parks. Campground list and site counts come from NPS and Recreation.gov records. Count fields can differ slightly between the two. The pet rule is the national baseline (36 CFR 2.15). The park may close more areas to pets. Do not claim specific trails allow dogs unless a fact says so.