Rock Island State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Rock Island State Park offers spectacular RV camping across two campgrounds with 60 sites total, featuring Tennessee's most photogenic waterfalls, including the iconic Twin Falls and Great Falls. Located at the convergence of three rivers on Center Hill Lake, this 883-acre park delivers year-round camping options with 20 sites open through winter, full hookups at select sites, and easy access to swimming holes, hiking trails, and breathtaking gorge views just 90 minutes from Nashville.
What Makes Rock Island State Park the Perfect RV Destination?
With mystifying waterways and wondrous gorges, Rock Island State Park in Tennessee is a stunning destination you won't want to miss on your next RV adventure. You can explore 883 acres of untamed natural beauty that surrounds Center Hill Lake, which sits at the convergence of three roaring waterways—the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers. There are many natural wonders to discover at this incredible state park, including Great Falls and Twin Falls. These grand, stair-step cascades are easily two of the most spectacular and photogenic waterfalls in Tennessee. The sheer walls and churning waters of the Caney Fork Gorge are a similarly dramatic site—make sure you bring your camera along!
Beyond the rustic beauty of waterfalls that flow over rocky landscapes, you can enjoy many fun-filled outdoor activities during your stay at Rock Island State Park. If you enjoy boating, you'll be in for a treat, as paddlers can coast along scenic Center Hill Lake, Caney Fork, and the Collins River. The park became a Tennessee State Park in 1969 and has since welcomed outdoor enthusiasts year-round to experience its rugged beauty and natural swimming holes like the Cold Hole and Warm Hole.
The park sits conveniently between Tennessee's major cities—McMinnville is just 20 minutes away, while Cookeville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville are all within a two-hour drive. This central location makes Rock Island an ideal base camp or stopover for exploring Middle Tennessee's natural wonders.
Twin Falls presents a unique spectacle among Tennessee waterfalls. Created unintentionally during the construction of Great Falls Dam in 1917, these 80-foot cascades emerge from openings in the limestone gorge wall rather than flowing over it. As water pressure increased behind the dam, the Caney Fork found escape routes through cracks in the gorge's limestone, eventually creating the dramatic falls that seep out from the cliff face today.
Important Safety Note: The TVA Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse release water on irregular schedules that can change hourly. All river gorge areas downstream of the dam close when water discharge is active or likely. Before planning your visit, check the TVA's website for Great Falls Dam discharge schedules. Water releases may occur without warning—be prepared for quick exits if you hear sirens or notice rising water.
RV Rentals in Rock Island State Park
Transportation
Driving
Rock Island State Park is located in Warren and White counties, just off Route 70S. From McMinnville, head east on U.S. 70S for 13 miles, then turn south onto Highway 287 and follow signs into the park. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 40—take Exit 273 at Smithville and follow signs approximately 15 miles to the park entrance.
Local roads within the park will take you anywhere you want to go, from the campground and beach to the Nature Center and picnic areas. There is no restriction for driving RVs or trailers within the park, although some of the smaller roads may be narrow and slightly winding. All roads are paved, and there are no steep hills to contend with. Winter visitors should take extra precautions while driving. Though the area doesn't get much snow, freezing rain and slick roads are not uncommon.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Cookeville Access: Cookeville RV rentals position you approximately 35 miles from Rock Island State Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the entire Cumberland Plateau region. Cookeville offers full services, dining, and shopping, plus easy access to nearby Burgess Falls State Park and Cummins Falls State Park for multi-park adventures.
McMinnville Gateway: McMinnville RV rentals offer the closest access to Rock Island, with the park entrance just 20 minutes east on Route 70S. This charming small town provides essential services and positions you perfectly for exploring Cumberland Caverns and Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Parking
Parking is easy to find within the park, with parking areas located at key spots including the Visitor Center, campgrounds, beach, and picnic areas. You can park your RV or vehicle at parking lots near major attractions such as Twin Falls Overlook, Old Mill Picnic Area, and the Blue Hole. The Twin Falls Overlook parking area features two lots—a smaller one at the very end of Powerhouse Road with limited spaces, and a larger lot just before it. Parking for large RVs and trailers may be limited at certain trailheads and can fill up quickly during peak season, particularly on summer weekends.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Rock Island State Park
Campsites in Rock Island State Park
Reservations camping
Main Campground (Sites 1-50)
The Main Campground is located at the heart of the park, offering easy access to the nature center, trailheads, overlooks, and more. Spots are partially or mostly shaded by tall oaks, hickories, maples, and other hardwoods that comprise the rich forests of eastern Tennessee. In total, there are 50 sites that can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Each site has hookups for 20, 30, or 50-amp electricity and water, giving you everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Sites #1-#4 and Sites #31-#34 offer full sewer hookups in addition to electric and water—these premium sites book quickly. Sites #31 and #32 are ADA-accessible. Fire rings, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and lantern hangers are standard at every site, perfect for evening picnics among the greenery and fireflies. You'll also have access to two bathhouses with restrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi connectivity, a dump station, and a playground nearby. A picnic pavilion is also conveniently located near the campground.
Sites 1-30 are open from March through November, while sites 31-50 remain open year-round for winter camping adventures. Visitors can stay up to two weeks. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance through the Tennessee State Parks reservation system. If you're planning on coming during the busy summer season, reservations are highly recommended. All unreserved spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alternate camping
Private Campgrounds
If the park campgrounds are full or you're looking for additional amenities, several private campgrounds operate near Rock Island State Park:
Belle Ridge Campground in Monterey (approximately 45 minutes from Rock Island) offers spacious full hookup RV sites accommodating rigs of all sizes, plus natural attractions including waterfalls, caves, swimming holes, and miles of hiking trails. The campground features modern amenities, including laundry facilities, a convenience store, and Wi-Fi.
Floating Mill Park sits on the shores of Center Hill Lake along Tennessee's Highland Rim. This Corps of Engineers campground offers RV sites with hookups, a boat ramp, and access to 64 miles of lake stretching up the Caney Fork River—perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts.
Old Mill Camp at Cummins Falls provides full hookup RV sites with kayaking, a barbecue area with fire pit, restrooms and showers, Wi-Fi, and a general store featuring an old-fashioned soda fountain and snack bar. Located near Cummins Falls State Park, it's an excellent alternative base for exploring multiple Middle Tennessee waterfalls.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across Tennessee and beyond for your next adventure.
Tent-Only Campground (Sites 51-60)
If you prefer to leave your rig and pitch a tent, Rock Island also offers a dedicated tent-only campground. This peaceful area features 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 showers is conveniently located nearby. Most sites are partially shaded with grass surfaces, providing a comfortable camping experience. The tent-only campground is closed from November 2 through March 15 each year, reopening in spring when wildflowers begin to bloom across the forest floor.
Rock Island State Park Cabins
For those seeking more comfort without sacrificing proximity to nature, the park features 10 three-bedroom cabins located a half-mile from the natural sand beach along the Caney Fork River. Each cabin sleeps up to 10 people and comes completely equipped for housekeeping, including appliances, a coffee pot, a microwave, cooking utensils, dishes, and linens. Amenities include a fireplace with seasonal gas logs, a television, a DVD player, and a charcoal grill. Cabin rates start at $164 per night, with pet-friendly options available for an additional $20 per night per pet.
Tent-Only Campground
If you prefer to leave your rig and pitch a tent, Rock Island State Park features a tent-only campground. This small campground sports ten sites, which each feature electric service, water hookups, charcoal grills, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hangers. You’ll enjoy a shady spot on a serene grassy knoll. You’ll also have access to a bathhouse with hot water nearby. This campground is open from March until November. If you stay at this campground you’ll be close to picnic areas and a hiking trail.
Seasonal activities in Rock Island State Park
In-Season
Swimming
Park your RV and head on over to the natural sandy beach at Center Hill Lake. With summer temperatures at the park routinely reaching the 80s and beyond, there's no better way to beat the heat than a dip in the lake's cool waters. You can swim at your leisure and then get changed at the modern bathhouse on-site.
Hiking
Rock Island State Park, with an extensive trail network winding its way across ridges and through gorges, is a mecca for hikers. Catch majestic views of the Caney Fork Gorge, Great Falls Dam, and Twin Falls, which are all easily accessible via short trails. For a three-mile moderate hike, take the Collins River Nature Trail, which follows the riverbank and offers great wildlife viewing. If you’re up for a more strenuous hike, take a trek on the steep but rewarding .5-mile Blue Hole Trail, which extends along a waterfall where you can see lovely wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.
Fishing
You’ll want to make sure you pack your fishing gear in your trailer if you're heading to Rock Island. With its diverse fishery and fantastic surroundings, this state park is undoubtedly one of the best spots in the area for angling. Among the many fish you can catch here include catfish, walleye, bluegill, crappie, bass, and muskellunge.
Wildlife Viewing and Birding
Don’t forget to pack your binoculars in your RV since the wildlife at Rock Island is plentiful and diverse. White-tailed deer are common throughout the park, while patient or lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a red fox, a coyote, or even a bobcat. Birders can spot a number of avian species including pileated woodpeckers, osprey, belted kingfisher, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, yellow-throated warblers, and great blue herons.
Boating
If you are into boating or kayaking, you can hardly beat a trip to Rock Island State Park! Cruise across the park's wondrous waterways by taking one of the boat launches located on Center Hill Lake, Caney Fork River, or the Collins River. Rock Island State Park is particularly well-known for its whitewater rapids, drawing skilled kayakers from far and wide. Whether you enjoy a placid float on the lake or a harrowing ride through stunning gorges, you'll be sure to bring some great memories home from Rock Island!
For more waterfall adventures in the region, check out our Fall Creek Falls State Park guide and Burgess Falls State Park guide.
Boating
If you are into boating or kayaking, you can hardly beat a trip to to Rock Island State Park! Cruise across the park's wondrous waterways by taking one of the boat launches located on Center Hill Lake, Caney Fork River, or the Collins River. Rock Island State Park is particularly well-known for its whitewater rapids, drawing skilled kayakers from far and wide. Whether you enjoy a placid float on the lake or a harrowing ride through stunning gorges, you'll be sure to bring some great memories home from Rock Island!
Off-Season
Visitor Center and Nature Center
If you want to learn more about the amazing natural history and rich cultural heritage of the park, be sure to drive over to the Visitor Center or the Nature Center. You can see fascinating exhibits or talk with expert rangers to learn about everything from how the park's waterfalls were formed to what species of birds call the park home.
Guided Hikes
If you make an RV trip to Rock Island State Park during the off-season, you can still take a guided hike, as they are regularly scheduled throughout the year. These guided hikes will take you through some of the most picturesque spots in the park, such as the dramatic Twin Falls. You’ll learn about the inspiring nature all around you as you take a trek through some of Tennessee’s most scenic sites.
Photography
Rock Island State Park is a perfect spot for photographers thanks to its rugged beauty and amazing natural features. The Caney Fork River Gorge, Twin Falls, and Great Falls are excellent spots to take some one-of-a-kind pictures of cascading waterways over jagged rocks. Spring sees wildflowers pop up across the forest floor, and fall brings a burst of color that sweep across the leaves of towering oaks, maples, and beeches. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll want to make sure you bring your camera in your motorhome so you don’t miss the chance to capture this memorable landscape.
Picnicking
Once you’ve enjoyed a long day of adventures during your RV vacation to this serene state park, enjoy a quiet picnic at one of the park’s four picnic areas. All of these picnic areas feature tables, grills, drinking water, and restrooms. Enjoying some delicious camp food while taking in the tranquil sites all around you - what could be better?
Exploring the Waterfalls and Gorges
Rock Island State Park is full of natural wonders, so once you park your rig you’ll want to explore the over 800 acres of rugged beauty. The Caney Fork River Gorge, with scenic overlooks where you can see amazing waterfalls and deep pools, is a must-visit. Great Falls and Twin Falls are two more enchanting sites that you won’t want to miss. Both feature massive cascades that tumble over imposing limestone bluffs. Winter and spring - times of high runoff - are the best seasons to see the falls at their mightiest, but the waters remain impressive through summer and fall.
