The best camping in Rock Island State Park Tennessee, TN

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Camper favorites near Rock Island State Park Tennessee

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

The Falls at Sewanee Creek

98%
(681)
36mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tracy City, TN
45 private acres on our homestead for you to roam. Eight eclectic sites to choose from ranging from primitive camping to a lovely log cabin. All except the log cabin lovingly built by the owner, loaded with creative touches from up-purposed materials. Featuring: * Two gorgeous waterfalls. Each of our stay-sites are located within about 100 yards of Fifty-foot tall Miller’s Falls. * Two large caves at the end of a short, but rugged hike. * A fairy Village filled with Hollow Oak Tree Fairy cottages and bio-luminescent trees that glow after dark. Magical. * Three acres for group camping centered on a well-equipped, covered outdoor kitchen. * Peaceful Meditation Retreats at the Outdoor Kitchen under brain-wave enhancing satellite dishes. * Certified Hypnotherapy Disclaimer: The flow of the waterfall is subject to fluctuations in temperature, seasonal droughts, & rain fall. The most favorable seasons for waterfall flow are fall, winter & early spring. We came to this magical place to found a self-reliant, homesteading eco-community when I retired from corporate life in 2006. It's called the Village on Sewanee Creek, named for the creek 800 feet below the bluff where we are located. I traveled the world as a senior executive for Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Papa Johns, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and other retail franchises, making the world safe for Pizza, Ice Cream, Pancakes Video Rentals and American convenience. And I was ready for something more fufilling. I scouted for a place of exquisite natural beauty and I found it here. I bought way too much land just before the real estate bust and learned how to turn a nice fortune into a very small one. I faced challenges and had lots of fun. Now I want to share our experience. If you love nature and the outdoors, this is the best place to celebrate it.
Pets
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from 
$36
 / night

Fireside Camp + Lodge

97%
(256)
47mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sequatchie, TN
Tucked away on Sequatchie Mountain, this little campground and hostel invites you to experience some of East Tennessee's best parks for climbing and hiking. Cliffs and waterfalls are minutes away at near by Foster Falls, Denny Cove and Castle Rock. The hostel offers 3 bedrooms, fast internet, complete kitchen, comfortable beds, smart TV, fire pit, and laundry. The campground offers dispersed sites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as clean bathrooms and a communal barn with a microwave, fridge, games, tables and chairs. You can walk our 22 acres and even take a short hike out to our bluff. Make sure to say "Hi" to our chickens and our barn cat, Strawberry, on the way. Add in the view of the stars and that makes this the perfect basecamp after a long day out.
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$10
 / night

Elk Head Overlook

95%
(317)
32mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Pelham, TN
**Please note the address is 9665 SR 50, Pelham, TN 37301** The best part about this site are the views! Relax on the side of the Cumberland Plateau while overlooking Burroughs Cove and the Elk River. You can see the camp sites from the main road, so there will be some road noise. Sites 1/2 are hard/large graveled, tent camping will be very challenging, heavy duty tent stakes are highly recommended with mats/padding. There is an electrical box at each end of the hard graveled parking areas (Sites 1 and 2) with 20- and 30-amp plugs, plus 110v. If the power is not working, please check the panel and turn on/reset the breakers, many of our guests turn them off when departing. If you are at Site #2 and the steps above do not work, please check/do the same at the Site #1 panel (it is the master power source). Water is NOT available on site. NOTE: Depending on the time of year (warmer months only) a water container with a limited amount of NON-POTABLE water is on site for your use. Please plan on filling your water reservoir(s) PRIOR to arriving. There is an outhouse for all guests, picnic tables and fire rings for Sites 1 and 2. The camping area is fairly close to SR-50 so please expect to hear some road noise, more so in the winter months. The entrance/driveway is on a small incline, if you are traveling in a light vehicle and a heavy camper, it's best to maintain a slow and steady speed to the camp site (for almost everyone, this is not an issue). If you are towing a camper, we recommend the total length of the vehicle and the trailer not exceeding 30ft, There is not a significant place to "turn around" at the sites and novice drivers (not used to backing out of tight spots with longer rigs) may find this very challenging. There is a double gate that is usually closed, and latched so it stays closed, it is not "locked". The site is self-serve (not manned), Site #1 is to the left, Site #2 is to the right, and Site #3 is down the path past the outhouse at the bottom of the path. It is recommended that campers set up early for Site 3 (still daylight) to get an idea of the layout. Parking for Site #3 is by the shed at the main entrance and power is not available at the site.
Pets
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from 
$38
 / night

Hammock’Sway Private Off Grid Camp

98%
(533)
17mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rock Island, TN
Get Lost or Find Yourself. Sway Camping is a private, Off Grid camping experience in Rock Island TN. Situated between Isha Yoga center, Fall Creek Falls, and Rock Island state park, this property is something special. Each campsite offers a private space perfect for getting away, or large enough for family and groups. Pet Friendly property with lots of room to be a part of nature along the beautiful Rocky River. Camp along the river or up in your own private forest. One of the darkest skies around so be ready for some stargazing at night by the fire. This is a property I purchased in 2018 to create a camping experience that reflected the image of camping as a kid. This isn’t a "hotel without walls" like state parks and KOA's/ This is real camping. No neighbors. No electric wires. Just nature and beauty in a quiet environment. Clothing optional sites available and great space for small events and large groups. Get lost or find yourself relaxing along the Rocky River. Stay in a hammock, a tent, camper, RV, or one of our cabins. Privacy and freedom is what we are about. Pet friendly camping that should be shared, but please don't tell everyone you know. Only your favorite people.. Then come camp!
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from 
$25
 / night

The Private Reserve Cabin + RV Pad

98%
(27)
37mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 2 sites · Lodging · Tracy City, TN
New to HipCamp? Use this code for $10 off your stay with us: https://www.hipcamp.com/i/elisabethc3462c9 **HIGHLIGHTS** OUTDOORSY LOCATION - Paved roads all the way to the cabin - 3 Mins → Grundy Lakes at South Cumberland State Park - 4 Mins → downtown Tracy City - 10 Mins → Fiery Gizzard Trail - 15 Mins → The Caverns (Caves and Music Venue) - 45 Mins → Chattanooga - 50 Mins → McMinnville & the Cumberland Caverns - Guidebook with nearby recommendations provided WELCOMING ENTRY - Driveway gate, can be locked for added security - Lighted and covered entryway - Smart lock for convenient and secure access - Local guidebook with recommendations provided STOCKED MAIN LEVEL (no stairs required) - Kitchen: cooking & dining essentials: stainless steel appliances, countertop dishwasher, Keurig coffee maker - Living Room: Queen-sized pull-out sleeper sofa, reclining/rocking armchair (a second armchair is available in the entryway for additional seating), smart TV - Entry/Mudroom: ideal for leaving shoes and hanging jackets - Laundry: stacked washer and dryer - Bathroom: full bathroom with walk-in shower COZY LOFT (separated with a door for privacy) - Bedroom: queen sized bed, small dresser, and smart TV SOAK IN THE OUTDOORS - Hot tub deck with inflatable hot tub and Adirondack chairs - Covered front porch with swing and rocking chair - Large fire pit - Rocking bench and circular picnic table - Roped-off meditation area with Adirondack chairs (yoga mats provided inside) - 8 acres of nature, surrounded by trees and natural rock formations FAMILY FRIENDLY - Waterproof mattress and pillow covers on in all bedrooms - TVs in all sleeping areas - Blackout window treatments - Full sized laundry PETS LOVE IT TOO - Extra cleaning & sanitation provided - Pet essentials: Poop bags and enzymatic spray RV PAD AVAILABLE AS WELL - Gravel pad: 82” (6.83’) wide x 528” (44’) long - 50ft+ of driveway/gravel clearance for maneuvering - FULL hookups: grey/black water dump, potable water via city hose connection, 30amp electric outlet, and 4 outdoor outlets (please bring 20ft hoses and extension cord to ensure access) - WiFi - trash cans - small deck https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/tennessee-rv-pad-w-wifi-full-hookups-deck-r57h5qjd?
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from 
$80
 / night

Greeter Falls Campground

98%
(327)
25mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 51 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Altamont, TN
Welcome to Greeter Falls Campground! Come to Greeter Falls Campground to Retreat, Relax, Be Refreshed and Get Renewed. Greeter Falls Campground is located less than a half mile from the Greeter Falls Trailhead, adjacent to the Sixteen Thousand Acre Savage Gulf State Park offering over Sixty miles of well-marked trails for every skill level. The Two mile Greeter Falls Trail loop connects you to three awe inspiring waterfalls as well as the nearby Blue Hole swimming area. We offer many recreational options to help you enjoy the area including Primitive Tent spots, Furnished Cabins and Yurts (Military Tents) and RV/Travel Trailer sites (each with electrical and water hook-ups). We offer Seventy campsites: Thirty RV Sites: - Eight Premium RV and Travel Trailer Sites - FHU with Septic and "Pull Thru". - Three Regular Pull-Thru Sites (without Septic) - Seven Regular RV Sites with 30/50 Amp Power and Water Hook-Ups - Seven Back-in FHU RV Sites with Septic connection - Five Small FHU Pull-in Sites with 30 Amp Power *Five of the above RV Sites also have Small Private Dog Parks (call for more info). We also have an RV Dump Station on premises, available 24/7. Twenty Lodging Options: -Six Furnished Cabins: 16' x 16' with 8' x 16' porch. Sleeps Four. Bathroom and Kitchenette. Heat & AC, High-Speed Wi-Fi and Television. -Fourteen Furnished Yurts (Glamping) Sites– on Wooden Platforms with Porches: --- Four 11' x 11' Square Military Style Command Tents --- Ten 16' x 16' Square Military Style Squad Tents Twenty Primitive Tent Sites: - Five Primitive Tent Spots – Solo/Duo - Five Primitive Tent Spots – Group/Family - Ten Primitive Tent Spots - Deluxe Group/Family with Water/Power, (Four on Main Campus, 3 with wooden platforms) Each and every one of our camp sites are unique. So, whether you’re looking for a furnished cabin or yurt or want to find THE perfect RV or tenting site, it’s best to reach out to one of our reservation specialists. They will do their best to match your preferences with one of our available sites. out with any questions you may have, we’ll be happy to • Call: 800-MTN-CAMP (800-686-2267) • Text: 931-800-4376 • Email: Camp@GreeterFalls.com Check Our Camper Reviews.
Pets
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from 
$36
 / night

Belle and Beau Acres

100%
(1255)
22mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Baxter, TN
Whether you're looking for peace, relaxation, or riverside adventure, Belle and Beau Acres hits the mark for any nature enthusiast. Location, location! BBA has taken the guess work out of rustic camping. Consistently ranked as a Best of Tennessee Hipcamp and situated in a convenient spot for Upper Cumberland waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, lake life and more. A short list of what to expect on site includes: PRIVACY - ADVENTURE - GETAWAY Quick response time/Clear communication Spacious, shady, leaf-bed campsites 360 degree views of relaxing nature 27 Foot Waterfall (365 days of flow except during severe drought) Rock shelter under Ledge Waterfall Two shallow lazy rivers for soaking Hiking trails onsite Multiple spring-fed creeks Countless water cascades for exploring Star gazing over wide pastures Old forests for ample shade and hammock hanging Cellular reception at campsites (usually at least 1 bar) Please read the site descriptions carefully to match your style of camping with the appropriate campsite. BBA guests frequently camp with a tent, vehicle, smaller camper, hammock tent, roof top tent, pop-up camper and similar styles.  Most photos in this listing are taken onsite. Please keep in mind this is primitive and wild Tennessee landscape that may also contain poisonous plants and wildlife in or around camp. Access to fresh water fun is a short down-hill hike for all guests, with the exception of our hike-in campsites which are positioned alongside the river. Each spot has been strategically selected to provide as much privacy as possible, and comfortably accommodates groups with two vehicles. We provide a rock fire pit and heavy-duty, cast-iron grill grate. You provide everything else, including drinking water and personal toilet waste bags if you plan to use our system. The hike-in sites come with extra seating.  Every guest must be included on your reservation, and adult guests may be required to provide identification. Thank you! COMMUNITY COMFORT STATION: There is a comfort station with an outdoor shower stall for hanging your own solar shower bag. The comfort station also includes a changing room which doubles as a private place to use your portable camping toilet. A toilet seat and bucket system is provided but guests will need to use their own waste disposal bags, available at most camping supply stores. The backside of the comfort station has a rain barrel (not potable) collection system for extinguishing fires. OFF-ROAD CONDITIONS:  Due to the primitive nature of our location, all reservations should expect hilly terrain and potential bumpy or some muddy road access, especially after heavy rain. We ask all guests to help us minimize impacts by driving with care. Vehicles with low ground clearance or low-profile tires are no longer permitted to use the off-road drive and must park at the entrance. If you want a campsite with the shortest walk from the entrance parking area, you will want to select campsite 5, 9 or 6. When the road is open during unusually wet periods, we recommend AWD or 4WD as a precaution. We are continuously working on improvements for our off-road drive. Belle and Beau Acres is a farm homestead with a personal campground, conveniently located less than five minutes from I40.  Expect nothing short of 360 degree views of relaxing nature, privacy, and spontaneous adventure when recreating at this agritourism location. Central to the most beautiful middle Tennessee destinations, BBA is the perfect home base for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing excursions to at least 10 nearby state parks and lakes. Conveniently located on the Eastern Highland Rim between Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga in the lower Appalachian mountains, this area sits at the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is part of Tennessee's largest micropolitan area of Cookeville. Visit popular nearby attractions such as Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Fancher Falls, Greeter Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Blue Hole, Rock Island, Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Caney Fork River, Standing Stone State Park, Virgin Falls, Rock Island, Cordell Hull, and Edgar Evins State Park. The choices are endless!
Pets
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from 
$45
 / night

Beech Hollow Hideout

100%
(313)
19mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 2 sites · Lodging · Dowelltown, TN
Peaceful healing property. We do organic gardening and have animals that you can visit with as well. I have a sculpture studio and art sales gallery that you can come check out. We've been living off the grid for over 30 years. Come visit us and learn about our way of life! Enjoy complete privacy in a cozy forest retreat hut in a beautiful hollow in Middle Tennessee. Accommodates 2. Pretty steep 200 yd uphill hike to hut. Perfect for relationship getaway, spiritual retreat, or writing - planning intensive. Nationally-known spelunking (Indian Grave Point Cave) within 1/2 mile. 3 miles from Center Hill Lake. Hiking trails. Experience our alternative lifestyle with owner built solar log home, organic gardens and sculpture studio. Guests must arrive before dark to ensure finding correct address (GPS errs at last moment) and to facilitate hike up to hut. Potable water, trash disposal, and a toilet are available on site. Pets are permitted, as well as campfires (outside of burn bans). Guests love staying here: "Wow! This place is amazing, beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and super cozy on cold nights. I can not recommend this place enough. William is a gracious host. He made sure I had enough wood for the wood stove and spring water to drink. If you are anywhere close and want a totally unique experience check this place out."
Pets
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from 
$60
 / night

Rock Creek Wooded Campground

98%
(118)
47mi from Rock Island State Park Tennessee · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tullahoma, TN
Faye's place is located on Rock Creek Road, ten minutes from the amenities of Tullahoma, Tn. The area is agricultural, but maintains a majority of natural beauty. Our property is 90 acres, consisting of fields, hardwood forests, and Rock Creek. The campsite is next to small waterfalls that flow past soft grassy banks, under the shade of oak trees. The creek is wide and shallow and the waterfalls create a tranquil ambiance. We have chickens (no roosters), cats (only 3), and an abundance of natural wildlife. Feel at home at our home, where rural hospitality is our standard. Learn more about this land: The Rock Creek campground is located in a secluded wooden area by a flowing creek. The creek area is great for wading, exploring nature, and relaxing. The creek also includes small waterfalls.
Pets
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from 
$60
 / night

Other options near Rock Island State Park Tennessee

The best camping in Rock Island State Park Tennessee, TN guide

Overview

About

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.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  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.

When to go

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.

Know before you go

  • 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.
100%
10 ratings · 0 reviews