Rock Island State Park
Rock Island, TN
The Caney Fork gorge with Twin Falls pouring from the rock wall below a dam. Water levels change quickly with dam releases, so obey the warning horns.
Rock Island State Park is a state park of about 883 acres (roughly 357 hectares) in Warren and White counties, Tennessee. It sits on a peninsula where the Caney Fork and the Collins River meet. The land belongs to the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the park is managed by the state.
At Great Falls Dam (construction began in 1915, in operation in 1917, listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Great Falls form a series of cascades in the gorge between the dam and the powerhouse. They are visible at low water and submerged at high water; a short trail leads from the parking area to the foot of the gorge. Twin Falls spills from a cavern into the Caney Fork just beyond the powerhouse.
The park offers 60 campsites, 10 cabins, a boat ramp and a natural sand beach on Center Hill Lake. Because water levels can change, heed warning signs on site and check current conditions in advance.
- Nearest town
- Rock Island, TN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.8079, -85.6390
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Floating Mill CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Rock Island State Park · 115 pitches
- CAMPGROUND DCampsite19 mi from Rock Island State Park
- CAMPGROUND CCampsite19 mi from Rock Island State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Rock Island State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
- CAMPGROUND ACampsite19 mi from Rock Island State Park
- Pleasure LakeMotorhome stopover19 mi from Rock Island State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Tennessee · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rock Island State Park?
Rock Island State Park is in Rock Island, TN, at GPS 35.8079, -85.6390. It is about 24 mi from Beersheba Springs.
Can you camp near Rock Island State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Floating Mill Campground, about 18 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rock Island State Park?
Rock Island State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cumberland Plateau waterfalls.
What is there to see near Rock Island State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Burgess Falls State Park (17 mi), Fall Creek Falls State Park (19 mi), Stone Door, Savage Gulf (26 mi) and Cummins Falls State Park (31 mi).
When is the best time to visit Rock Island State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)