The best camping near Rock Island State Park Tennessee

At the confluence of three rivers, Rock Island State Park offers a breezy getaway in the heart of Tennessee. Visitors can explore 883 acres of natural wonders that include the two-stepped cascades of Great Falls and Twin Falls, as well as the sheer walls and churning waters of the Caney Fork Gorge. Nine hiking trails lead visitors around the park and through verdant forest and limestone gorges, while a natural sand beach on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake is popular for swimming and boating. The park has two campgrounds—the main campground has 50 sites with RV hookups, while the tent-only campground has 10 sites.

1. Booking ahead is recommended. Both campsites can be easily reserved online and can be made up to one year in advance. 
2. To avoid wasting money, be sure of your dates before booking. A non-refundable reservation fee is applied to advance bookings.
3. Note that the tent-only campground is closed over the winter months, typically from early November through mid-March.

With sunny summers and mild winters, Rock Island State Park is a great destination for campers year-round. The spring and summer do get busy, however, so bookings should be made as far in advance as possible. During this time, you can expect temperatures in the 70s and 80s, while winter cools down all the way down to the 40s and 50s. If you don’t mind the chill, winter offers the advantage of far fewer visitors and a more peaceful experience.

• Bringing untreated wood into the park is prohibited. Heat-treated firewood is sold onsite when available.
• Swimmers should be cautious in the water as no lifeguards are on duty.
• A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for anyone wishing to fish.
• Before your visit, check the park's website for information on the status of the gorge. At times, unsafe conditions force the gorge to close.