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Places › Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park is a Tennessee state park in Rock Island, Warren County, in our Upper Cumberland & Plateau region. Entry to every Tennessee state park is free, per the state parks FAQ. The park page lists birding, camping, hiking and paddling. Overnight options on its page: camping and cabins. Read from the official page on October 30, 2026.
- EntryFreeper the state parks FAQ
- Activities5listed on its page
- Stay OvernightCamping and cabinson the park page
- DogsOn a leashstatewide policy, see below
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 . Pause Play
Closures change. Check the official park page the day you go.
What to Do at Rock Island State Park
The park page lists these activities: birding, camping, hiking, paddling and swimming. The page shows a short list with a Show More button, so the park may offer more.
Amenities on the park page: beach, bike trails, birding, boat ramp, boat access, cabins, campground, canoe access, ev charging, fishing, gift shop, trails, playground, swimming, visitor center, waterfalls and wheelchair-friendly overlooks.
Plan It in Three Lines
Getting In
Entry is free; camping, cabins, reservations and some programs cost extra.
Free to enterBring the Dog?
Leashed dogs are allowed in most of the park; not in lodges, cabins or swim areas.
Rules belowMake It a Trip
Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park is about 8 miles away (straight line).
6 places within 25 miles
Coming Up Near Rock Island State Park
None of the events on our checked calendar name Rock Island State Park right now. The official site lists everything that is on. See every Tennessee event we have checked.
Also see Upper Cumberland & Plateau Events.
Fees
Tennessee state parks do not charge an entry fee: the state parks FAQ says all state parks are free to enter. Camping, cabins, shelters, tours and some programs are booked and paid for separately.
Planning several parks? Our State Parks Passport guide lists every park side by side.
Dogs and Strollers
- Dogs: Tennessee State Parks allow dogs and cats on a leash or otherwise restrained. They are not allowed in lodges and cabins (except designated pet rooms), public eating places, food stores or designated swimming beaches and pools. A park may post trails closed to pets. This is the statewide policy. This park page does not state a different rule.
- Strollers: Not published. The park page does not say whether strollers are allowed; call the park (931-686-2471) before you go.
Accessibility, as The Park Prints It
All Accessibility Plan Accessible Trips Accessible Paddling Adult-Sized Changing Tables
Directions and Contact
- Address82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN 38581
- Park phone931-686-2471
- Reservations phone1-888-867-2757 (state parks reservations line, printed on the park page)
- Map point35.81150,-85.63802. Latitude and longitude printed on the park’s own page. Directions in Google Maps
- Official pagetnstateparks.com/parks/rock-island
Places Near Rock Island State Park
- 1Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological ParkState Archaeological Parkabout 8 mi
- 2Cumberland CavernsAttractionabout 10 mi
- 3Burgess Falls State ParkState Parkabout 17 mi
- 4Scotts Gulf WildernessState Park Unitabout 17 mi
- 5Fall Creek Falls State ParkState Parkabout 19 mi
- 6Edgar Evins State ParkState Parkabout 21 mi
Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Rock Island State Park?
Entering is free: the Tennessee State Parks FAQ says there is no access fee at any state park. Camping, cabins, shelters, tours and reservations cost extra where the park offers them.
Are dogs allowed at Rock Island State Park?
Dogs on a leash are allowed under the statewide policy, except in lodges and cabins (outside designated pet rooms), eating places, food stores and swim areas. The park may post trails closed to pets.
What time does Rock Island State Park close?
The text of the park page does not print day-use hours, so we cannot state them (a linked FAQ PDF may; check it). Call the park (931-686-2471) or check the official page.
Can I camp at Rock Island State Park?
The park page lists camping and cabins. Reserve on the official page or by phone at 1-888-867-2757.
Are strollers allowed at Rock Island State Park?
Not published. The park page does not mention strollers, so call before you go.
What We Could Not Verify
- Day-use hours are not printed in the text of the park page. Some parks link a FAQ PDF that may list them; check those PDFs.
- Stroller rules are not stated on the park page.
- Closures and alerts change at short notice; the notice above is a snapshot.
- The county (Warren) is not stated on the park page; we added it from the town and have not confirmed it.
Sources
- Rock Island State Park on Tennessee State Parks (read 2026-10-30)
- Tennessee State Parks FAQ: entry is free (read 2026-10-30)
- Tennessee State Parks policies: pets (read 2026-10-30)
Last checked October 30, 2026 by the It’s Tennessee editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's Tennessee, “Rock Island State Park”, itstennessee.com/places/rock-island/ (updated ). By the It's Tennessee editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.