Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is open, but the following alert is important for all 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.  

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO: Please note 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.

Please read the text below about the Caney Fork River Gorge and Safety Information prior to visiting the park. 

Camping

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Main Campground

Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.

Rock Island has two campgrounds, with 20 campsites available year-round.

The main campground has 50 sites, (#1-#50), to accommodate RVs and trailers. Some of these sites will also accommodate tents. Each site is equipped with 20, 30, 50-amp electrical and water hookups, charcoal grill, fire ring, lantern hanger, and picnic table. Sites #1 - #4 have sewer hookups as well as Sites #31- #34. Sites #31 and #32 are accessible. There are two bathhouses with hot showers and accessible restrooms. There is a dump station at the far end of the campground. Wi-Fi is available. A picnic pavilion and playground are nearby.

The main campground (sites 1-50) are open year-round.

Tent Only campsites

Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.

The tent only campground has 10 sites (#51-#60), each with 20-amp electrical service, water hookups, lantern hanger, fire ring, charcoal grill and picnic table. A bathhouse with hot water is conveniently located nearby. Most are partially shaded and have a grass surface. The tent only campground is closed from Nov. 2 through March 15, each year.

Policies & Disclaimers

Firewood Policy

Tennessee State Parks asks that all campfires be made with certified heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please do not bring untreated wood into the park. Heat treated firewood is sold on site when available.Please call the park office before your visit to ensure availability of firewood.

To learn more about invasive pests, visit www.protecttnforests.org.
To learn more about Don’t Move Firewood, visit www.dontmovefirewood.org.
To find wood vendors visit www.firewoodscout.org/s/Tennessee.