Rock Island Camping
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.
Camping at Rock Island
Rock Island State Park is located in Middle Tennessee at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake, about 30 minutes southwest of Cookeville, where the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers meet. The park is known for its dramatic river gorges, waterfalls, and rugged natural scenery. The park offers easy access to hiking trails, fishing, boating, swimming areas, and wildlife viewing.
Camping options include a main campground with sites for tents and RVs offering water and electric hookups, with some sites also providing sewer connections. A separate tent-only campground is available with water and electric hookups.
Rock Island Main Campground
The Main Campground has RV- and trailer-friendly campsites. Some of these sites will also accommodate tents. Each site is equipped with 20, 30, 50-amp electrical and water hookups, a charcoal grill, a fire ring, a lantern hanger, and a picnic table.
Some sites have sewer hookups available. There are two bathhouses with hot showers and accessible restrooms. A dump station is available at the far end of the campground. Wi-Fi is available. A picnic pavilion and playground are nearby. The Main Campground is open year-round.
Rock Island Tent Camping Area
The Tent Camping Area campsites feature 20-amp electrical service, water hookups, a lantern hanger, a fire ring, a charcoal grill, and a picnic table. A bathhouse with hot water is conveniently located nearby. Most are partially shaded and have a grass surface.
These campsites are closed seasonally, from November 2 through March 15 each year.
Firewood Policy
Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park.
Discover More at Rock Island
Explore the Park
Inspiration
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