Cabin camping is an amazing way to experience Rock Island, while still enjoying a little rustic luxury. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect cabin rental for your Rock Island camping adventure.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30.
In 1937, the federal government began purchasing the badly eroded land around Fall Creek Falls. The following year, the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the forest and constructing park facilities. A few years later in 1944, the National Park Service transferred ownership of the park to the State of Tennessee.
Fall Creek Falls features 30 cabins, 222 campsites, and the 85-room Lodge Fall Creek Falls. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit.
The park is home to a variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to the base of Fall Creek Falls. There are two long-distance overnight trails for adventure-seeking visitors while the day-use trails are designed to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages. More than 56 miles of trails can be explored.
$8 - $32 / night
This recreation area is part of Center Hill Lake
This recreation area is part of Center Hill Lake
$25 - $30 / night
$15 - $85 / night
Spacious Skies Belle Ridge Campground is part RV park, part campground, part glamping retreat, and part expansive adventure property akin to a state park. We specialize in large open sites to easily accommodate large RVs and group camping. There are hiking trails going to two different ponds, and another going to a 100' water fall. If you love the outdoors, we're sure you'll love the Cumberland Plateau and all Spacious Skies Belle Ridge has to offer!
Between Knoxville and Nashville and only 0.3 miles off of I40, we are an easy stop for anyone visiting Tennessee or driving through on the main highway. Easy in/easy out for those RVers that just need a place to rest!
We are proud to announce our partnership with Black Folks Camp Too and are now the first “unity blaze certified” collection of private campgrounds!
Being Unity Blaze Certified confirms that all 15 of our campgrounds and our team are committed to making sure all campers know “You are Invited and Welcomed” — the Unity Blaze motto. While Spacious Skies has always firmly held this belief, we wanted to go one step further in partnering with BFCT to make sure all campground staff completed the Unity Blaze training program.
Please navigate to our website for up to date information regarding our amenities.
$29 - $249 / night
Same RV park and campground you love but with a new name!
You'll say WOW - Come see why! With so many ways to stay, from cabins, to teepee's and safari tents, plus campsites for your RV, trailer or tent, we are a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or an over-night stop as you pass through! We are 1/2 way between Nashville and Chattanooga on I-24, at exit 114, in the Heart of the beautiful Tennessee. Once you are here, enjoy our swimming pool, splash park, fishing pond and lawn games, or make a campfire and and get your fill of s'mores and hot dogs!
If you want to explore the area, The Broken Banjo RV Park is near what we like to call "The Secret Smokies". You'll see caves, waterfalls, nature trails, a natural bridge arch and bountiful wildlife. We are at the beginning of the Cumberland Plateau, which extends all the way past the Great Smoky Mountains.
$31 - $999 / night
The picturesque Deer Camp offers a tree house nestled in the woods. Inside, you'll find a cozy queen bed with cotton percale sheets. You're welcome to make coffee with the percolator or pour over and enjoy it on the picnic table outside around a fire. You can enjoy watching your favorite movies or browse the internet with the high speed wifi.
The Deer Camp is 11 miles from Fall Creek Falls State Park, a great place to ride a bike or hike.
$109 - $139 / night
Traveler
Deer Creek properties is located in a secure gated community just minutes from fall Creek Falls State Park. All cabins are fully furnished, provide hall linens and towels, fire pits and many other amenities. We have a community pool and hot tub that is open from memorial day to Labor Day. Our grounds are very spacious and have three ponds available to our guest for fishing. We have a beautiful pasture with horses to pay it and feed.
Legend
This is a regular stop for our travels between Georgia and Illinois. Quiet campground with a pool and hot tub. Easy access to the interstate. Level, pull through sites.
Traveler
Glamping at Deer Camp is a unique experience. I don't know that Webster or google has enough words to describe it. Even if you're rained out and can't enjoy a campfire, it's the most peaceful sleep. It's quiet, peaceful, and you just don't want to leave.
The only thing you have to pack is your phone charger, clothes, and food. Even ice is provided in the Coleman cooler in the outdoor kitchen.
This space was so intentionally thought out and there are so many details, you'll likely miss some on your first visit.
It's cozy and comfortable and private. The season doesn't matter. For the camping season, when it's a bit cooler, screened windows open up for an outdoor feel. In the summer, there is air conditioning. And in Winter, there is a gas log fireplace in the cabin and in the bathhouse.
It is so secluded, but yet centrally located. 9 miles from Savage Gulf Natural Area, 16 miles from Fall Creek Falls, and 32 miles from Rock Island.
Guide
This was a great little campsite. They had several activities for kids, a nice little fishing pond, a restaurant where they hosted bingo games and other activities, and a hot tub. The food at the restaurant was good and the staff were all very friendly. They even let me sit in their restaurant really early in the morning to teach some classes online. If you go in fall, there is a nice farm with loads of fun fall activities.
GuidePremium site, fairly level, back in with crushed stone. Nice morning sun & afternoon shade. 50 amp with excellent voltage. Super nice wood deck/patio at the back of the site. Nice but small store with pretty good prices. Nice playground for the kids. The pool looked pretty good though we didnt use it. Also they have an older style, hot tub in a separate building, it looked very clean and well maintained. We were very happy with our stay. It was quiet, and staff & other campers were very friendly. We will stay here again in the future.
Legend
The park offers several campgrounds than can accommodate RV's, tent camping and primitive campsites. There are water and electrical hookups at all sites except the primitive. There are bathhouses and even cabin rentals for those who prefer that. You can purchase ice, firewood and food at the camp store on property and there is also a place to do your laundry for a small fee. Each site offers a table and grill. All are drive up except the primitive sites. This park has the highest free falling waterfall (256 feet) East of the Mississippi River! There are plenty of activities and hiking to explore just visit the parks website for more information!
Ranger
This is a larger state park that includes a restaurant, golf course, pool, etc. but also some nice trails to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Cumberland State Scenic Trail is the local long trail, which can be access from the park. This park is close to town, the highway, and some other natural areas. The campground includes a number of similar loops, all wooded, nice and modern with the typical state park amenities. Cabins are available too They also have a moderate backpacking trail that we didn’t try, but would be perfect for first-time backpackers (since you can shower and eat at a buffet afterwards).
Yay: kayak and boat rentals. Something for everyone. Love the bridge over the water.
Nay: parts can be a little crowded, a little expensive.
Surprise: the on site restaurant is quite fancy---we went to an elegant wedding here and stayed for camping. They have a weekend buffet with rather fancy food and great quality. Also check out nearby Rock Island State Park for surreal waterfall swimming.
GuideSeveral of the good reviews are for the state park with the same name, make sure to read the full reviews and look at the photos. Lesson learned.
I'm going to start with the good, it's short and sweet.
Good Beautiful grounds Clean-ish bathroom Clean laundry Trash can at each site Deb at the office the only one who was friendly That's it.
Now the not so good, (here me out)
Sewage the leach fields for these two sites are right next to the sites, not good if you want to spend anytime outside or sit with your windows open. Everytime someone uphill from us drained their lines it just floated our way.
The smell of sewage was so overwhelming in a two week span ( stayed only because we couldn't find anything elsewhere). That we basically stayed in the trailer all two weeks. Except for the quick walk to the water and grassy area to break our dog. Which you could smell sewage through the whole area.
Animals Dogs tied to trees and bumpers of peoples RVs, and left alone all day( mostly fill time rivers) camper's dogs wandering, had to call nothing really changed, kept happening but didn't want to be that person who called daily. No enforcement of rules that are clearly stated in the the email. Non stop barking from surrounding properties ( yes not the campsite fault) but very very noisy.
Long term residents Not the most friendly people they seem to be bothered by those who are temporary.
Did I mention the smell of sewage???
Check-in Digital check-in, some may appreciate this, but we had sever older people ask us to help them check in while we walked/ drove past the office. Offers discount for military/ Sam goody, but not online reservations, and good luck getting them on the phone to make a reservation. Asked for a adjustment on our reservation and they gave us a "campground" credit. We could use in the office for items. (They said if we don't use it, it will be refunded to our account after we leave, I'll report back on if this actually happens) Seems like they cater to long term mostly, lots of long term spots available once we got here that you couldn't see online.
Most facility closed Restaurant permanently closed, Hot tub was drained (which is inside) Pool drained ( understandable for time of year)
WiFi they say on their site that there is WiFi, there isn't.. unless you want to hang out in the office only. 😶
Light pollution Big streetlights near campsite, hard to even imagine what sitting in the woods under the stars is like.
Traffic noise Also you can really hear the noise from the highway all night long..
The reason I gave it a 3 star.. The grounds are beautiful, the laundry is clean, shower isn't to bad.
We probably won't ever stay here or recommend, which is to bad, because there is so much potential. If you decide to venture here and get one of the spots open stay away from W 17/18
Legend
Just got back from an AWESOME, WET, weekend at Rock Island State Park. I stayed at the RV camping area and participated in the Tennessee State Park Rock and Row Triathlon. (Which ended up being a duathlon due to the rain) The campgrounds were recently (w/i a few years) renovated, are well landscaped and easyisly accessed. The bathrooms are in good shape, and clean. The falls are the thing to see and depending on the season you go you can get reasonably close or see them from above. Several moderate trails , water sports and cycling. The town of Rock Island sports several antique shops with good deals if that's your thing and other local small businesses which keep it interesting .
LegendRock Island State park is a great place to camp. The campground is large and the campsites are spacious and far enough apart that you feel secluded, even when it’s full. It’s heavily wooded, so you don’t feel like your neighbors on right on top of you. The sites are paved and have water and electric, no septic where I was, however and they have a dump station that was large enough for two people to use at the same time. There are so many things to do at the campground, or the park, you will not be bored. Rock Island has some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee, and you can get right up to some them, if you are brave enough to kayak close to them. They also have a swimming area, and sand volleyball. Great biking in the park also. The area has lots of little shops and antique stores, if you’re into that, and Calf Killer Brewery is a short drive, and I highly recommend visiting there. Overall, this is a great park to visit, and a great place to camp.
TravelerRock Island State Park is situated in the middle of Tennessee. The park itself is surrounded by beautiful forest and some pretty great and easy hiking trails. The falls themselves are a sight to see. The main waterfall is beautiful and looks dramatic against the rocks and fauna.
When we went, the trail to the falls was closed. So I advise being ready to do other activities - the park offers a lot of sights to see other than the falls. There is a great sandy beach which you could spend time skipping stones into the water.
All around, the staff is nice and helpful!
GuideRock Island has some great spots. There's a few waterfalls, a swimming area, and some picnic areas. However, the camping is just ok, especially the tent camping. It's small, right off the road and not super close to the trails. The RV camping parts looked a little better when I drove by. There's a pavilion, a better bathhouse, and it just looked nicer. I'm all for rustic camping, but it felt like it was trying to be a better campground.
Anyways, Rock Island has a few hiking trails and a pretty awesome swimming hole beneath Twin Falls. I hiked the Blue Hole trial, which basically descends to the river via a waterfall. It's pretty difficult and you are ensured to get wet feet, but it's great!
In my opinion, there are better places to camp in the area and I would just make a day trip here to see some of the waterfalls and the huge dam that creates Center Hill Lake.
GuideWe enjoyed our trip to Rock Island St Park Campground. We stayed on site 50. The park was clean and probably the quietest ewe’ve ever been to. The bath house was nice and clean. We hiked all the trails at the park. The waterfalls are a short drive. We loved getting ice cream at the train cars after leaving the waterfalls.
LegendWe camped here over the weekend. Our campsite was perfect. Very private and enough space for 2 tents. Not all campsites are made for tents, some have just a concrete driveway. We had the usual amenities, like a picnic table with a bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was clean and well stocked. Rock Island offers a lot hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. There is a little coffee/icecream shop just outside the park, which was awesome. We would camp here anytime again.
TravelerWe really enjoyed Rock Island State Park. The campgrounds are easily accessible and roomy. We were there only couple days but would love to go back and visit some of the cute shops and ice cream trailer at the entrance later. It is probably lots of fun in the summer with the huge beach. We plan to visit again soon. FYI there are some sites with sewer. I didn’t realize this when I reserved. They have great dump station but prefer to have that taken care of before we pull out.
GuideThis is our first trip (it won’t be our last) to Rock Island State Park. We are very fortunate to have a campsite with full shade. From what I can tell most of the sites are partial shade. It’s 90• and muggy but we haven’t needed our AC at all. We’ve actually gotten a little cool during the night. The park is very quiet. I love that the sites have a good amount of space between them. They all appear to be fairly level too. Some of the sites have a step down to get to the grill, fire pit & picnic table. Because of that it limits the space you have to sit under your awning. So I would look @ the pictures of the individual sites carefully before picking one, if that’s important to you. The bathhouse is very clean & the showers have plenty of hot water. McMinnvile is only a 15 drive if you want groceries or If you’d like to go out to eat. Although there is a nice store with a good little restaurant just outside the park. My husband & I ate there once & it was very good. They have a menu with the usual stuff on it as well as a meat & 3. There is a lot to see here. And old textile mill, waterfalls & an old pump house that was used for the small town of Rock Island as well as for the textile mill in case of fire. My husband & I highly recommend this park.....just don’t get our spot ;)
TravelerWe totally just stumbled upon this park, and we are so glad we did. We came to the area to visit Rock Island SP, but their campground was full, so we looked for the next closest option. The park itself is beautiful, and the campground was really nice. They have multiple campgrounds. We stayed in B at site 78 and loved that it was on the backside with no one behind us. The sites were large with nice fire rings and picnic tables. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well-maintained. We would definitely camp here again.
LegendThis park is huge! Friends and family encouraged us to visit this park numerous times and finally we found a weekend to get away. The large waterfall was impressive. There were lots of lodging choices- camping, a lodge, cabins, and backcountry camping. The nature center had really impressive programs that a family would love. This park had a lot of visitors when we were there, but due to it's size it didnt seem too busy.
GuideOur family just took a 3 night trip to Rock Island State Park. As a mama, I felt totally safe and comfortable at this park with 10 year old twin girls. The playground and restrooms were a short bike ride so they were never too far from camp. We were also VERY impressed with the cleanliness of the camp. Park rangers could be seen cleaning the restrooms and grounds every hour. With all the craziness going on, it was really comforting to see them going above and beyond to keep everyone safe. We took time to hike a few of the trails in the park. The trail that goes by the bluff was nice and easy. Our favorite was the Eagle trail. The views and trail itself were stunning! We will definitely be back!
GuideGorgeous waterfalls (pictures don’t do it justice) close by and hiking. Campsites are very small and on top of each other. Gravel pad. The trees provide partial shade. Glad we anchored our tents well, as their was a tornado warning on our first night with down limbs. Rangers were friendly and came by to check on everyone just before the storm hit, as well as after.
Bathhouse was pretty standard, nothing special, but at least it was clean.
Hiking trails are not well marked, and due to the terrain; I would not recommend taking small children. I mean, it IS named Rock Island after all.
The swimming area had very stagnant water and it was not appealing whatsoever.
Nice play area and some really cool things to look at on your way in. Dollar general 10 mins away.
LegendCumberland Mountain state park was a great place to visit. Located in. Crossville, not too far from I40, and really close to town so if you need to get anything, it’s an easy trip. The park was larger than I expected. I brought my bike and I was glad, as it made exploring the park easier. There’s several playground throughout, plus the lake has kayak, paddle boat, canoe, and paddle board rentals, so there’s a lot to do! There’s also a small aviary, and most of the birds were visible when I stopped by. My site was in loop 3, #86, and it was perfect! Plenty of space, and we didn’t feel like we were on top of each other. We had water and electric, but no sewer hookups. I noticed the sites in loop 1 had sewer hookups, but loop 3 did not. They have really nice looking cabins for rent also. The section for cabins is near the lake. They had multiple sizes too. The campground was full, but surprisingly quiet, except for the cicadas at night! Very peaceful. We really enjoyed our time at Cumberland mountain, and will definitely return!
RangerReally neat geology throughout. Waterfalls cascade down gorges surrounded by grey layered rocks (shale?). Tons of hiking options (some moderate) and lots of accessible overlook areas too, something for everyone. Good water activities (rentals on site), mountain biking, wildlife. This is a pretty popular area so some of it is kind of touristy (like the zip line and gift shops). Also a hotel and cabins on site. Camping sites are not too large nor private and pretty kid friendly. I've only been in the fall when it's less crowded, I'd probably avoid it in the summer! Nice basic amenities at the camp site, as expected with a State Park.
Guide
This site has some really nice cabins. You can drive right up to the cabin and park. You will have full amenities and lots of room, depending on which cabin you choose. There are big lodging cabins for large groups. There are great trails all around the lake, dam, and old historic sites. Generally very well kept. Most notable part of the campsite is the staff. They are sooooo friendly and knowledgeable. Great to talk to and helpful all the time.
Guide
Hobbs Cabin itself is a primitive shelter, with six wood bunks. Maximum occupancy is six people. Features a wood fireplace and fire ring. Spring is located approximately 50 yards south of Hobbs Cabin. Spring is located approximately 50 yards south of Hobbs cabin. Spring water may not be available during dry conditions. The cabin can be accessed via the North Rim Trail or the North Plateau Trail, which can be combined as a loop for an overnight trip.
The weather was less than ideal on our trip (rain) but we made the most of it and had the best time! There was firewood left under the cover of the porch, so we had dry wood for the wood fire place. So cozy!
GuideCabin - treehouse was very nice. Everything you need is there. Just bring food and clothes (jacket, toboggan etc… for cold nights). Warm gas fire place in cabin and outhouse / bathhouse. Shower was nice and hot as well. Outside movie screen with hammock chairs. Quiet and peaceful. Will definitely go back. Owners did a great job!!!
Ranger
We went to a wedding here in the lodge, it was the most beautiful wedding we’ve ever been to, the historic stonework is amazing. The park has a pool and some cabins, it’s a lovely park and perfect for families. The cabins were much cleaner than we expected and easy to get to with our older relatives. Loved it!!
RangerRolling hills, lakes, rivers, lots of falls, and beautiful forests make this a classic TN landscape with lots of extras. Take the tours if you can! Lots of hiking, some areas are extremely steep but do have steps. Trails are about half a mile to 13 miles long, and you can mix and match them to get whatever length trail you want.
Yay: lots to do besides hike, swim, and kayak, including zip line/ropes course/obstacle course, scenic drive, sports courts, golf, restaurants, nature center. Campground is spacious and green with a lot of different camping areas to choose from, including cabins and backcountry (less than 5 miles from the car). If you can’t do the hikes you can still see a lot of beauty here (some vistas are wheelchair accessible).
Nay: crowded, bathrooms not super clean, bugs, extra activities are quite expensive.
Surprise: even if you’ve seen 100s of waterfalls you will love seeing the ones here. Kayak rentals on site!
Cabin camping near Rock Island, Tennessee, offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Rock Island, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Rock Island, TN is Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 144 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 42 cabin camping locations near Rock Island, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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