Rock Island State Park image

Rock Island State Park

Tourist attraction Campground State park Cabin rental agency

One of the Best Places To Visits in Warren County


Address

82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581

Website

tnstateparks.com

Contact

(888) 867-2757

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (4.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (29) area (25) waterfalls (20) parking (19) trail (18) beautiful (17) great (17) trails (16) falls (16) water (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jessica P. 2 years ago on Google
    Jan. 23, 2022 Made a quick stop while driving through. We’ll definitely be coming back to hike the trails, especially when there’s some greenery. The falls were beautiful. *Update Feb 25-27, 2002 Stayed at the cabins. Really nice place. Enough room for 10 couples. Would highly recommend. It had rained for a couple of days so the River had gotten really high. The hiking trails were well maintained.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dawn C. 7 months ago on Google • 238 reviews
    This is one special place! So much to do, and see! The rangers were on it when we hit the water in our kayak, he practically ran out to the waters edge to make sure we were safe, and had our life jackets on board. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of the park, and the people visiting ❤️ My only complaint is not towards the park services, but the trashholes (that's what my husband and I deemed people who don't carry out, what they carry in) clean up after yourselves! Take care of these beautiful gifts given to us, such as this park! We stayed in the campground, and enjoyed it. Paddled the beautiful waterfalls, took many trails, and loved it
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hailey V. 8 months ago on Google • 96 reviews
    10/10❤️Waterfalls are seriously insane!! So amazing. There is several ways to get to the most popular falls. Most GPSs will take you to the parking lot right by the gorge trail(by the fairy house). This is a nice spot to see the other smaller falls/rapids from the parking lot, can see the fairy house, abandoned building, read park info, and has bathrooms. HOWEVER… this is sometimes closed… there is another road that will take you right up to the falls… basically the end off the gorge trail. No hiking even necessary to see the falls from the other parking lot. (This is where my pictures are located, down the second parking lot). The visitor center has great information, bathrooms are clean, and staff is friendly. Park is kid and dog friendly. Note: getting right up to the falls is hard for a dog. Could’ve gotten closer up than the pic but my dog could get over the rocks.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jessica c. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place. I went to the twin falls. It felt amazing to be standing next to the water. It was loud and fast. Fast enough to make you dizzy, so be careful. I wish I could stay there forever. When you go, bring a blanket that can get wet on one side so you can sit next to the water. If I ever make it here again, I am definitely going to bring a blanket. I wish I could just lay next to the water all day listening to the waterfall.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Susan G. 8 months ago on Google • 371 reviews
    Hiking at the Blue Hole and the Eagle Trail were nice. The Blue Hole was a good 8yo+ hike and the Eagle Trail was fun for all ages. We saw lots of mushrooms and insects including some big millipedes. I wasn't impressed with the playground areas or the beach but they were nice for free activities. The playgrounds held water even after the rain was gone and the platforms were slick. The beach allowed fishing in the swimming area. Which worries me because no one wants to step on a fish hook. Thankfully the water seemed clean of such objects. It is super muddy and the water is brown river water. Most of the sand has washed away and the entire beach is clay-sand.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nichole S. 2 years ago on Google
    We stayed in one of the premier cabins and we were blown away with how nice it was. Pretty much everything you need is already there, bring the food and beverages and you are good to go. I love camping, my husband not as much, so staying in one of the cabins was a happy medium. I highly recommend staying in a cabin. The natural areas around the park are amazing. It was so awesome to see some of the waterfalls and the bluffs. We have a 7 year old son and there were a few trails that we didn't get to explore, but the ones we did get to do were amazing. It was pretty hot so it was nice to come back to an air conditioned cabin.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melanie W. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful state park in Tennessee. 10 waterfalls. Some are strenuous to get to but completely worth it if you are physically able. There is an observation area to see most falls from if you are not able to hike to them. Can swim at the base of the Great Falls or at the beach area.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Seth M. 10 months ago on Google
    Impressive waterfalls that spring out from the cliffs. Come early and on a week day for parking which is extremely limited. Access down into the gorge is restricted when the Dam right next to it is in use, you can't really plan for that so it's pretty hit or miss. Most of the trails to and around the waterfall are outside of the park. Trails are short and easy to walk, dog friendly when on-leash but there are ticks here so be mindful. Kayaks can also be launched from the park beach. I saw some fishing but don't get caught without a license for that. Now the waterfall itself isn't so impressive when it comes to height and power but it's unique that it springs out of the ground and cliffs allowing it to cascade off the rock. You'll find many springs throughout the area and form mini waterfalls as well. You won't have to hike at all to view the falls. It's just a five minute walk from the parking area (opposite side of the river from the abandoned mill). This is a pretty popular spot so come early to avoid the foot traffic.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Margaret E. 2 years ago on Google
    I've gone to this place when it's lush and green and then again while the trees are bare and the water is muddy. It's a nice park and has some serious power in the water. If your into lookey-lou then you'll like it. This isn't a swimming hole and can be prone to flash floods so there are advisory signs posted. This is a great view for someone that wants to see nature but can't necessarily hike. There are some stairs but you don't have to go down the few steps to see the scenery if you can't manage the steps.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debbie A. 6 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    Rock Island State Park in Warren/White County, TN is a stunning, well maintained, clean park. Nice cabins, campsites, sand beach, hiking trails and a great place for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and boating. There’s plenty of space to accommodate boats and the BlueHole is a popular fishing spot. The scenic overlooks and waterfalls are incredibly beautiful. Had a great time exploring the park and the area. Y’all should go visit, it’s purdy down yonder. 🥾🎣🏕️🛶🏖️☀️🏊🏼‍♀️🚤🚣‍♂️❤️ #SupportYourLocalStateParks #NeverStopExploring
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ella P. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful scenery everywhere. There's cabins, places for campers/trailers, and fishing. Many cool places to walk around and get great pictures. Very peaceful and quiet. If you love the outdoors, you'll love it here.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 * DREAM *. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute town! Really unique State Park. Came here as a quick stop but ended up spending the night in the campground. The waterfalls are beautiful. Unfortunately the area to swim was flooded from to much rain so we just drove over to the overlook spots for pictures.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adventure Q. 1 year ago on Google
    This is probably my favorite Tennessee State Park. There is so much to see and do at this beautiful place. The trails are well maintained. The swimming beach and facilities are outstanding. There are several places to fish as well as picnic. If you love waterfalls, this park is for you!!!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ray B. 8 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    I recently tent camped for a couple of days at the park and it was wonderful. The campsites are spacious with electricity and water at the front of each site. It's about 70 feet from the electrical to the tent area, so bring an extension cord if you're running devices in the tent. It was great sleeping with the fan on. There's plenty of room between campsites. The bath house was very clean. The rangers were friendly and knowledgeable. There are parking lot overlooks for both the Great Falls and Twin Falls. TVA was releasing water, so hiking in the Caney Fork River Gorge was unavailable. I highly recommend visiting and camping at the park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Summer Jones (. 8 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    Worth it!!!! The blue hole section has plenty of parking spaces, there's a restroom facility at the end of the parking lot, there's a couples of picnic tables to the side of the trails entrance as well, the signs are posted properly and in perfect view for directions, the trails here are very well kept, no trash ,or graffiti on any of the trails,the entrance of eagle trail and blue trail are combined and signs are posted within a few feet directing you in which trail you would like to take, the eagle trail has quite a few signs posted along the trail telling you inform about different trees, and it leads to a few small waterfalls, the views of these though are hard to see due to tree growth in this area, the blue hole trail, is constantly WET, so come prepared, there's a few stairs at the beginning of this trail,and the waterfalls here keep them very wet, so use caution, however totally safe due to the hand rails to hold onto, and metal spiked railing for non slip issues, in on section as well, this trail is ALL DOWN HILL,so you will be climbing up on the way back,to the parking lot,after the Steps of the entrance to the trail it leads to a staircase, then a metal bridge, and then a metal/wooden ladder ramp,then onto climbing nature to see the waterfalls on this area,the east part of climbing down or up ends very quickly after the metal/ wooden ramp, these are surrounded by waterfalls, this whole area is, from the first step to the staircases to the end of the trail, there's water everywhere, please wear proper foot protection, it is also a great place to explore and take great photos from start to finish, plenty of standing to view, places, climbing spots are endless, and at the end of the trail a beautiful river view with a mountain side view running along with the river, very beautiful!! Very worth coming to see, and explore, the waterfalls are at full flow in August, which is amazing !! ** NEXT ** we went traveled to the end of the state park, and discovered a beautiful picnic area ,grills and its seating is next to the edge of the river and mountain side, as well,but no bathroom in this section, still plenty of space for great views, and eating areas, and photos to be taken, **Next** we went to a location right beside this picnic area and Wow,a beautiful long ,very long beach front area ,a huge parking lot, two to be exact, one for those who brings boats, kayaks, surf boards, this parking lot is the first one to your right, the second park lot next to the first one is for normal traffic, due to the first parking lot having a loading and unloading boat dock, you will find all sorts of entertainment here, from the water to the beach, to the fire pits, to the volleyball area, there are 🚻 bathrooms here, and yes swimming is allowed even for your pets in river, the views are amazing, and you can also find art on the sand that people have left using, rocks, feathers, and twigs, most of the tourists are hanging out here, and still there's plenty room all-around to pitch a canopy, or throw a blanket for picnic reasons, or lay out and sun soak, or take pictures, you'll find people on boats, kayaks, paddle boats, surf boards, dogs swimming and people fishing, and people swimming,and skipping rocks lounging and playing music, all in and around the river as one...it's amazing and the space, is very spacious, even this location and restroom area is kept very nicely. Needless to say I will definitely be coming back to revisit this little yet big state park again !! Well-done TENNESSEE!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danette K. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing park! Well kept. There's couple overlooks one the drive further up to the beach where you can bring kayak/ canoe to paddle down the river. There are some places to stop along the way but be careful with slippery rocks. Take a swim. You can paddle up to the rapids. The beach was dog friendly (on leashes) & picnic tables throughout. Restrooms are clean. Hiking was closed when we went so not sure about trails.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sherry C. 6 months ago on Google • 164 reviews
    We have so much fun. The falls are AMAZING!! The trails are beautiful and there are so many things to see.

  • 5/5 Lolita A. 10 months ago on Google
    We stayed in the campground for 5 days. Wonderful trails to hike. My favorite was Blue Hole. It’s only a .5 hike but it is mostly on a creek bed with rocks to climb throughout. You’ll definitely get your feet wet and there are steep stairs, well worth it. I don’t recommend bringing the pups on that hike. Great Fall and Twin Falls are amazing also. Kayaking on the lake gives beautiful views. Spending five days there and would still go back tomorrow!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris P. 7 months ago on Google • 107 reviews
    This place was great. Our favorite trail was the Blue Hole Trail. It's not for the faint of heart and you definitely want footwear that can get wet but it was great. We also really liked the Great Falls Trail. We went down and walked behind some of the waterfalls which was awesome.

  • 4/5 tina l. 5 months ago on Google • 104 reviews
    We visited Twin Falls. I'm not sure how they intersect with Rock Island State Park. I was a little confused as if Twin Falls is located inside Rock Island Park or if they are two separate parks. We didn't hike anywhere other than where we could see the Falls. So I can't say about the other areas. But where we were, the parking is scarce. Maybe 10 spots at the most. There also wasn't any restrooms .

  • 5/5 Prabha S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice park with clean cabins , a nice twin falls , trails along the stream, carefully of water current May change anytime and swimming in the falls is not recommended. No pool in the waterfalls. Twin falls view is in other side of the park to have a full view. A very good park for either stay and enjoy or just visit for a day picnic. Cabins looks so nice and clean. We haven’t stayed at cabins , since we could not get for weekends for next 2 months. Price of weekend May be $175 ~ but you can check it in online anytime . Would recommend this to my friends.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Park, we were here during rainy season. It will be much nicer in the spring,summer and the fall Cabins to rent. Camping and camper spaces. Beach and play area. Hiking trails, kayaking, and other activities to do here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brandie 10 months ago on Google
    Its a good place to take the kids, especially in the summertime to Swim and they Also have playgrounds for the little ones. A great place to go and See Water Falls And take pictures. It's crowded on the Weekends, but there's Still plenty of room to Swim w/Out being really close to ppl. There are several different areas to go swimming, hike, Camp, Cookout, etc. Just be sure to pay attention to the signs that point in the direction of the designated area you are wanting to go to. Also they have clean Restrooms. We had my Son's b-day party there a Couple of times Which turned out Well. Overall it's a great place
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vicki E. 10 months ago on Google
    We could not have had a better experiencing camping at Rock Island State Park. We camped in the tent campsite in Site 56. It was a great spot. Spacious and neat and fairly private with the exception of site 57 being fairly close. But there are two parking spots for this site. We converted a small cargo trailer into a mini-camper and were able to park it in one of the parking spaces and the truck in the other with the truck offering more privacy between spaces. Probably the most private and best sites in our opinion is #55, #56, and #59. The only downside was the campsites were fairly close to the main road through the park which was not really a busy road. But you did get the occasional motorcycle or loud car to interrupt the quiet. But it was short lived and later at night there was next to no noise from traffic. We would definitely stay there again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kellina W. 11 months ago on Google
    To use the word awe inspiring isn't grand enough to describe how I felt when I pulled in and saw these Falls. There is an easy walking trail to get pictures and views, the lower parking lot only allows for 15 minute visits though so you might want to park at the first (bigger) lot and walk down, you will absolutely want more than 15 minutes. I just walked down the steps but I believe there are other paths to get down to the falls. Must visit if you are in the area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tony s. 2 months ago on Google • 36 reviews New
    This is such a magical place. To see the waterfall flowing out of the side of that ridge is breathtaking. What makes it even better is that you drive 6 miles to the other side of the river and see Great Falls. Twin Falls has more height, but Great Falls is so powerful. You get a Twofur in one trip.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Becky H. 6 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    We were hiking down to the falls, and these amazing small waterfalls kept popping up as we went down the trail. *Warning- we parked at the Historic Cotton Mill and walked to the trail at the end of the parking lot. We took our pup, and it was very difficult in some areas- rocky and uneven ground. We also went over to the Downstream Trail, and it was much more pet and ankle friendly. Can't wait to camp here again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashlie D. 8 months ago on Google
    It's an amazing place to go hiking! The swimming, kayaking, biking and camping are on point as well! It's a great area to see waterfalls and get in some history lessons!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica my l. 9 months ago on Google
    Took my son here for a day of Homeschooling. Wow did we learn so much! The park is amazing, educational, and just beautiful! Pack hiking boots, binoculars, swim suit, snacks and your resusable waterbottles because you in for a day of amazing trails, waterfalls, plant education, mushroom identification, rich history of the area and end the day with a swim! Check out the train coffee shop at the entrance of Rock Island you won't regret it. :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynne Napier R. 4 years ago on Google
    Federal Road needs to be preserved every where ..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carrie C. 2 months ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    Beautiful park with great amenities! RV camping is great, the bathhouse is wonderful and always clean and the laundry facility is a fantastic bonus!! Would highly recommend!!

  • 5/5 Rhonda R. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice easy hike back to a really beautiful view of the river.

  • 5/5 Montana K. 4 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful area. There's many things to do/explore. 10/10 recommend taking you're family here for the day.

  • 5/5 Nancy B. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful and unique waterfalls and parks I have visited. Very well taken care of and lots of options for enjoying the park.

  • 5/5 Jeanette L. 2 years ago on Google
    Went here for an off grid camping trip. Absolutely loved it!!! Kayaking from campground to Rock Island is amazing! Beautiful waterfalls, can’t wait to visit again!

  • 4/5 timothy c. 5 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 4/5 B ?. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 R J. 6 years ago on Google
    Short flat hike to the TN River...Native American historic site...Civil War historic site...small parking area.

  • 5/5 jessica t. 6 years ago on Google
    Lovely flat path that is partially lined with wood chips. It is clean and manicured.

  • 5/5 Shane C. 5 years ago on Google
    Very historical area to visit. Beautiful!

  • 2/5 Bob J. 5 years ago on Google
    Mostly you're just following the trail cut out from the power lines. :/

  • 5/5 Steven J. 4 years ago on Google
    Nps park guide Chris was awesome

  • 5/5 Rebecca Lee McClary P. 4 years ago on Google
    So cool! I never even knew this was here. A hidden jewel.

  • 5/5 Sherry C. 9 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    This was my first time visiting this park. I was blown away by the beauty of these magnificent falls. Tucked in the middle of nowhere, but easy to find and easy to view. We also visited the beach area and found it to be just as beautiful with the rock walls as a backdrop. Plenty of shade if needed and loved the giant pavilion. All restrooms were clean and maintained which is always a plus for me.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍


Call (888) 867-2757 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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