WARTBURG, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Rock Creek Campground at the Obed Wild and Scenic River is set to reopen Friday morning after temporarily shutting down due to environmental concerns tied to a nearby train derailment.
The National Park Service announced the campground will reopen at 9 a.m., but cautions remain in place as agencies continue to monitor conditions in the area.
Officials closed the campground following a Norfolk Southern train derailment in Morgan County involving railcars carrying ethanol. The incident raised concerns about possible air and water contamination in and around the Obed River.
Even as the campground reopens, visitors are being urged to follow safety guidelines and avoid water activities.
“The National Park Service will continue to coordinate with TDEC, EPA, Morgan County Emergency Management, and incident command and will operate out of an abundance of caution until the water-contact order is lifted or modified,” the agency said in a statement.
Park officials emphasized that visitors should not enter or use the river until further notice and should follow all posted restrictions while in the area.
Multiple agencies, including the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), remain involved in assessing environmental conditions and overseeing response efforts.
The Norfolk Southern derailment that prompted the closure is still under investigation, and officials have not yet released final findings on the cause of the crash or the full environmental impact.
For now, campground access is being restored, but full use of the river remains restricted as a precaution to protect public health and safety.
Visitors planning trips to the Obed Wild and Scenic River are encouraged to stay updated on current conditions and follow all advisories issued by park officials.
