Wartburg
Parking
Tennessee 37887
Wartburg is a city in and the county seat of Morgan County, Tennessee, United States. As of the 2020 census, Wartburg had a population of 848.
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Varies- See BelowTN
Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Use current NPS Nemo access, facilities and river-safety guidance, with bridge-jump restrictions, free entrance and separately reserved Rock Creek camping.
Swimming restriction
NPS recognizes Nemo swimming/wading but warns of Class II-III whitewater and changing conditions. Park bridge jumping/diving is prohibited, and attaching swings/slides is prohibited. Glass is prohibited within 100 feet of the named major park streams.
Water type
Varies- See Below
Access
Informal
Fee
NPS entrance is free with no entrance pass required. Current Rock Creek camping fee is $15 per night with separate reservation.
Best season
Choose a date only after checking access, weather and current notices
Nearby towns
Knoxville, Wartburg
Water body
Emory River At Nemo And The Wider Obed River System
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Knoxville, Wartburg
Place-name search
Nemo Picnic Area Obed Wild and Scenic River
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Nemo has named NPS recreation access, not blanket safe water
NPS identifies Nemo Picnic Area and Rock Creek Campground as Emory River access for swimming, wading, floating and paddling. That useful permission context should be retained. The manager also describes a Class II-III free-flowing whitewater stream, so it is not an all-condition promise or a clearance for every pool implied by the legacy aggregate.
Use the named destination's services
Nemo's page lists vault toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables/grills, bear-proof bins and dedicated parking, including accessible parking and picnic seating. These amenities belong to the developed area, not every river bank. Confirm the actual water approach; accessible parking does not establish a step-free bathing entry.
River conditions can change quickly
Current NPS safety guidance warns of flash flooding, undercut rocks, strainers, foot entrapment, hydraulics and cold water. There are no lifeguards. It advises a personal flotation device in moving water and closed-toe footwear. Warm weather does not establish a safe swim.
Follow rules beyond the parking entrance
No bridge jumps or installed swings
The park compendium prohibits jumping or diving from any bridge and attaching rope swings, slides or similar items. Glass containers are prohibited within 100 feet of its named major streams. The old Nemo rope-swing invitation cannot override these rules.
Separate entrance from overnight booking
NPS lists free park entrance and $15-per-night Rock Creek camping. Rock Creek is tent-only and reserved separately, with no electric/water hookups. Backcountry camping requires a free permit and location-specific restrictions; paying for a campsite does not make every bank a swimming entrance.
Getting There
For a named Nemo visit, use current NPS directions from Wartburg via Spring Street/Catoosa Road to the picnic entrance before Nemo Bridge. Confirm route and notices. Rock Creek Campground is across the concrete bridge with its separate entrance. Do not use an aggregate pin or old swing path as an exact swim entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use NPS Nemo public-access information and current park notices. Named swimming access is recognized, but current flow and exact safe water entry require a separate decision.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
NPS recognizes Nemo swimming/wading but warns of Class II-III whitewater and changing conditions. Park bridge jumping/diving is prohibited, and attaching swings/slides is prohibited. Glass is prohibited within 100 feet of the named major park streams. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Obed National Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.7 (405)
208 Maiden St, Wartburg, TN 37887
Visitor center in a river park with natural history exhibits, a bookstore & tips from rangers.
Restroom
Lilly Bluff
Hiking area
4.9 (264)
920 Ridge Rd, Lancing, TN 37770
Lilly Bridge, Obed Wild & Scenic River
Hiking area
4.9 (104)
Ridge Rd, Lancing, TN 37770
Rock Creek Campground
Campground
4.5 (73)
Wartburg, TN 37887
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Lone Mountain RV and Campground
Campground
5 (5)
157 Strunk Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887
Running water
Rocky Ridge Roost RV Campground
Campground
3.9 (7)
2413 Knoxville Hwy, Wartburg, TN 37887
Restroom
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
4.5 (2)
4P29+C5X, 113 Lovers Ln Rd, Burns, TN 37029
Frequently Asked Questions About Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes
Does NPS recognize swimming at Nemo?
Yes. Its Nemo page identifies Emory River swimming/wading access, while warning of Class II-III whitewater and changing conditions.
Are there lifeguards?
NPS river-safety guidance says there are none. A developed picnic area is not supervised bathing.
What facilities are listed at Nemo Picnic Area?
Vault toilets, changing rooms, tables/grills, bear-proof bins and dedicated parking are listed. They do not apply to every river pool.
Can I jump from a bridge or install a rope swing?
No. The compendium prohibits bridge jumping/diving and attaching swings, slides or similar items.
Does free entrance include camping?
No. Rock Creek costs $15 per night and needs a reservation. Backcountry camping has a separate free permit and location rules.
Can I plan a guaranteed summer swim?
No. NPS warns that weather, flow and cold-water conditions can change quickly; check current river and park information.
Highlights
Manager-supported Nemo swimming context retained
Named developed-area amenities
Bridge jumping and swing-installation restrictions
Entrance fee separated from camping
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- NPS warns of flash floods, undercut rocks, strainers, foot entrapment, hydraulics and cold water
- No lifeguards; wear a PFD in moving water and use closed-toe footwear
- Stop river recreation when conditions are unsuitable
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Current manager uses Obed Wild and Scenic River for the park and Emory River for Nemo water access. Historical aggregate naming remains for continuity.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use authorized picnic, bridge-walking and trail viewpoints. Do not stage prohibited jumps or attach swings; no exact-entry gallery approved.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect private boundaries and signs, use authorized paths and pack out waste.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a date only after checking access, weather and current notices.
Difficulty Level
Developed picnic access does not rate the river entry. Gorges and whitewater hazards require route-specific planning; no aggregate easy-swimming rating.
Fee
NPS entrance is free with no entrance pass required. Current Rock Creek camping fee is $15 per night with separate reservation.
Facilities
NPS Nemo page identifies accessible parking and picnic seating. These are specific developed-area amenities, not proof of step-free water entry or services at every river pool.
Activities
NPS-supported Nemo river recreation when conditions allow; permitted hiking, viewing and separately booked camping. No bridge jumps or unverified rope swings.
Phone
423-346-6294 (Obed NPS)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Rock Creek is reserved tent-only camping with no electric/water hookups. Backcountry camping requires a free permit and additional location rules; no camp-anywhere claim.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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