Rock Island State Park
Warning Alert
Safety Closures in Effect at Rock Island State Park
The following alert is important for all Rock Island State Park visitors
TVA Great Falls Dam and/or the TVA Great Falls Powerhouse may release water on an irregular schedule. Water discharge may change day to day or even hour to hour. All river gorge areas downstream of the TVA Dam are closed when the dam is in Active water spill mode or a discharge is likely for the day. Before planning your visit, please check TVA's website for Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse for the most current water discharge schedule. Visitors are encouraged to check the discharge schedule often. Discharge schedules can change rapidly based on lake levels, rainfall forecasts, etc. Water releases may occur with or without warning any time you are near a TVA dam or powerhouse. Visitors should be prepared for a quick exit should they hear warning sirens or notice water rising. Life jackets and hiking shoes are strongly encouraged in this area.
The park has also seen very high visitation over the last year. Please do not park on roadsides or in non-designated areas. If the park is full, please consider visiting another state park in the area.
Please check the park’s Facebook page for updates before your visit.
Know Before You Go
The park often experiences high visitation. Please do not park on roadsides or in non-designated areas. If the park is full, please consider visiting another state park in the area.
Also, please check the status of the Caney Fork River Gorge section of the park before visiting, as access is dependent on approval from TVA based on hourly water release predictions. Gorge closures may occur without notice and can be in place for varying lengths of time. Learn more on our safety information page.
Rock Island Gorge Safety
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO: Please note that swimming or wading is not permitted downstream of the Powerhouse at any time, regardless of water releases. Check TVA’s website for water release information and dam safety data at: www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Great-Falls.
Rock Island State Park
Geolocation
Downloads
Phone Reservations
1-888-867-2757Explore the Park
Caney Fork River Gorge Safety Information
Safety and Accessibility
Want to Stay Overnight?
Don’t-Miss Attractions
Park Amenities
- Beach
- Bike Trails
- Birding
- Boat Ramp
- Boat Access
- Cabins
- Campground
- Canoe Access
- Fishing
- Gift Shop
- Trails
- Playground
- Swimming
- Visitor Center
- Waterfalls
- Wheelchair-Friendly Overlooks
Inspiration
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Fishing at Rock Island
The Blue Hole on Center Hill Lake lies adjacent to the park shore and is the spawning ground for the walleye in Center Hill Lake. It is considered one of the finest fishing places in the state. The Blue Hole is just upstream of the Sandbar launch ramp and is accessible by boat of the year depending on water level. There are several areas within the park that offer fishing from shoreline.
Fishing is best in the spring, but visitors enjoy boating and skiing well into the fall. Catches include bass, muskellunge, bluegill, walleye, crappie, and catfish.
A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.
Due to renovation construction at Center Hill Dam and resulting lowered lake levels, please call the park office for most current status and availability of the boat ramps at the park.
Pavilions
Rock Island State Park has six picnic pavilions that may be reserved. Pavilions may be reserved online up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee.
There is a $5 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled eight days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled seven days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees.
Full-day shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park.
Capacity: 50 - 75
Amenities: picnic tables, grills, access to restrooms
Rates: $42 - $84
Energy Efficiency
Track park-wide energy use to identify areas for improvement. Illuminate park signage with solar lights. Participate in the TVA Green Power Switch program.
Remove Invasive Species
Contract exotic invasive removal to enhance native species habitat.
Nurture Native Habitats
Enhanced the ecosystem by planting butterfly-attracting plants. Maintain pollinator gardens. Maintain large-scale pollinator habitat and meadow in a powerline corridor.
Reduce Erosion
Utilize tent pads in the campground to reduce erosion. Improved campground drainage to minimize stormwater runoff damage.
Recycling Programs
Installed strategically placed trash and recycling dumpsters in the campground. Encourage volunteer days for sorting, recycling, and discussing its importance.
Composting
Maintain a compost at the park office.
Water Bottle Filling Station
Provide a water bottle filling station to reduce plastic waste.