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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
Campgrounds Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. The campground at Old Stone Fort State Historic Park was upgraded and re-opened in Fall 2020. Recent improvements include the construction of a bathhouse and electric improvements. There are 50 campsites with water and electrical hookups, grills, picnic tables and hard-surface pads that can accommodate a unit up to 50 feet in length. A dump station is open year-round. One of the two restroom facilities includes showers. However, that building is not open during the off-season, so showers are not available in December, January, and February. Firewood can be purchased at the park. The stay limit is two weeks. Campsites are heavily wooded with separation between the sites. Camping is equally popular by both RV’s and tents/pop-ups. While the campground has a remote feel, it is actually within 10 minutes of a variety of restaurants. Also, a Manchester public pool is within one mile of the campground.
$20 - $30 / night
$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 - $99 / night
Scout
We are here on our Honeymoon. It was a last minute lets roll the dice and see where God leads us. It was late And we called at 9:30pm to see if we could book a reservation and pay with cash. It was a 2 hour drive from where we got married. Got here close to midnight and they had a yurt ready for us. They where more than happy to accommodate us! The Yurt was so nice had 2 foam pads for us to sleep on with sleeping bags. A lantern and charger for the lantern. And a fan. And chairs to sit on. Fire pit, picnic table.electricity and wifi. Its so peaceful here. Nice bath houses. Beautiful Property. It is newly built . Just a short distance to Greeter Waterfall.. A Real 💎 for rvs, tents, or glamping in a yurt. They have a small store on sight. Offer ice for 3$ a bag and small wood bundles for the fire pit for 5$ and they will deliver to your site! How cool is that! Im sold on this place. Definitely coming back.
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 ;)
Traveler
We 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.
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.
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.
LegendWe recently visited Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tn while enroute to Georgia. The Tennessee countryside is an enjoyable backdrop to this meandering road trip and you are very close to several other excellent Tennessee SPs.
I noticed a sign on the way in to Fall Creek Falls advertising a yearly festival, the “Mountaineer Folk Festival” the weekend after Labor Day. http://www.mountainglenonline.com/thingstodo/events/mountaineer-folk-festival-at-fall-creek-falls-state-park.html
The park also has a nice looking golf course, the Tree Top Canopy Challenge and an extensive facility area including the visitors center, gift shop, general store, swimming pool, laundromat and grill.
When I visited last year it was extremely busy and the attractions were crowded. This year I visited on a week day after school was back in session so it was mostly retirees who haven’t started their migration south yet ;) at the campground. Fall Creek has a large spread out campground with several choices , primitive walk-ins, glamping or something in between. There are gravel sites and paved. A picnic table, fire ring and grill as well as electric and water hookups. The facilities are centrally located in each area.
We stopped at Fall Creek Falls first and made the trek down to the base of the falls after first visiting the overlook. Moderate, technical,( rocky, slippery, wear hiking shoes, carry your flip flops for the wade in the pool below) 1.6ish mile round trip hike. When you leave the Fall Creek area there is a one way road you can take to Piney Falls it has some picturesque views of the area.
Piney Falls is worth a look too. I love suspension bridges, my dogs not so much. Piney has a .4ish mile round trip hike that includes a long suspension bridge with a short scramble down to the river.
I also noticed some bike trail trailheads within the park, something else to enjoy while visiting.
Fall Creek Falls is definitely a place you can spend a week or more at and do something different everyday.
Legend
We followed our RV GPS right to the campground (CG) that is located right off I-24. Check in was quick and easy. We were then escorted to one of their“long” pull through sites with FHUs, site 27. What we first noticed was the large cement patio with table, chairs, bench, stand up barbecue, and fire pit. The utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad’s front. Water pressure was okay at around 45 psi. They have cable but we did not use it. Their Wifi was about average for a CG this size. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi on this overnighter. Satellite could be iffy due to the amount of mature trees. We did see Starlink antennas at some of the sites. The sites are decently spaced and site 27 was the easiest pull through we’ve ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig. They have glamping cabins, teepees, and a covered wagon with nice patio decor. There’s also a swimming pool, pickleball court, catch& release pond plus other amenities. There’s also laundry and propane. The staff was very nice and helpful. We were impressed with this CG with the only caveat that there’s quite a bit of highway noise from the interstate. However, the noise did not overweigh our satisfaction and we will definitely mark this CG for another overnighter or longer stay in the future.
LegendWe only checked out the primitive sites while passing through the area. The sites had picnic tables and fire rings, but they were pretty overgrown. It doesn’t look like this section of the campground is getting much use yet. They have a couple of portable toilets on site with garbage cans next to the toilets. There is a water spigot at the exit that can be used for filling tanks/containers. Also, there is a community fire pit area near the exit and a small camp store building near the entrance. Closed when we drove thru. To be honest, other than sites being marked with a site number, I couldn’t tell where the sites were actually at or where tents were supposed to be set up at.
We did not drive they the yurts or RV sites, so I cannot speak for those, but the pictures on the website look nice.
Rating this a 3 based on location to Greeter Falls Waterfall and also because it is new and still an ongoing work in progress, I didn’t want to rate too low.
GuideThis is a small State Park and campground area in the lower part of middle Tennessee, but if you like to see some great waterfalls and a some history on this part of Tennessee you will not be disappointed.
Just make sure you have all your supplies before you get there, it is a remote area with no big cities with 50 miles.
GuideFall Creek Falls is one of my favorite places to camp & hike in the Middle/East Tennessee area. Beautiful scenery, an awesome waterfall hike, and a lovely SHADED camping loop contribute to some of my favorite family camping weekend memories.
TravelerFall Creek Falls is a very nice state park in middle Tennessee. It’s also very popular so plan on getting reservations early. Lots of activities - hiking, biking, golf, lake.... One item of note is that the Inn is being rebuilt and is not open. The restaurant was in the Inn, but I don’t think many campers ate there anyway.
TravelerWe stayed Memorial Weekend of 2021 for a total of 4 nights. Tons to do at one of Tennessee’s top state parks. We hiked Fall Creek Falls trail, visited the nature center, walked the suspension bridge, went to the Cane Creek Falls overlook, swam in the Cascades, ate pizza at the snack bar, watched people catch stocked trout at George Hole, and played on the playground. The weather was a little damp, but we didn’t let that stop us!
Guide
I seek off the beaten path places, and this campground is a gem. Located in a quiet forest near the small mountain town of Monterey, Belle Ridge is a wonderful destination stop when touring the Upper Cumberland regions of Tennessee. Within ten minutes of Monterey, this mountain town has two wonderful coffee places, an amazing Amish bakery, nice specialty stores in the historic downtown, good restaurants and a wonderful museum. There was a lot to do at the campground, but also many interesting sights within a 30-minute drive.
Guide
A beautiful and unique campground built I. The side of a rolling hill. All of the sites are cantilevered platforms on the hill. The platforms are heavily engineered so no worries about collapse! The platforms make for very level camping and amazing views. You feel like you are in a tree house. The park is a gorgeous property with a lake and hiking trails. There are ADA sights. The hills are steep and some of the sights have angle ramps. Each one is well detailed on the reservation sight so make sure you read the site info. There is a bathhouse, laundry, camp store and Park office. This is the only campground in the US like this and it is all nestled in the Tennessee hills.
Guide...well, at least up to two weeks, because that's the park limit.
Fall Creek Falls is the largest park in Tennessee, and it is, well, big! There's a ton to do and it's in such a beautiful spot. I like to think of this state park as a beginner South Cumberland (in hiking at least!). There's a few hiking trails with plenty of overlooks and waterfalls and a suspension bridge to a nature center. There's also a trail down to the bottom of Fall Creek Falls where you can swim.
The campsites are nice with a bath house and firepits and there is a whole complex and general store not too far from the campsites. There's even a mini laundry mat and a snack bar! Just a ton to do especially if you have kids.
I would recommend this state park as a family vacation!
LegendFall creek falls is one of the best recreational areas in Tennessee. The park is very large and has so much to do. The falls are amazing, and it’s a moderate hike down to the base. Sometimes the falls are just a small trickle and sometimes they are flowing, depending on rainfall amounts. There are also smaller falls with pools that you can swim in, and those are next to the parking area. There’s a great amount of wildlife in the park, the deer were everywhere, and they are not afraid of humans. They will walk directly through your campsite. The park also has a lake, golf course, pool, playground, great biking, so much to do. The campground is large and has walk-in tent sites and RV sites with hookups. The sites are well spaced and wooded, so even if the campground is full, you don’t feel overcrowded. I always enjoy camping here and I highly recommend Fall Creek Falls.
Legend
Alum Gap campground, situated in the backcountry of Tennessee, is not only a hidden gem but also a perfect choice for those new to backpacking. Accessible via a straightforward hike of just a little over one mile from the Greeter Falls parking area, this primitive camping site offers an inviting introduction to the world of wilderness adventures. Each campsite provides a generously sized designated area, offering ample space for multiple tents and featuring an established fire ring. However, be prepared for a rustic experience, as there are no bathroom facilities or other man-made structures in sight.
During my visit over Labor Day weekend, I found the campground to be remarkably uncrowded, indicating that it is less frequented by campers. Most of the campsites are surrounded by trees and offer a serene woodland setting. However, a mere half-mile down the trail, the landscape opens up to reveal a breathtaking viewpoint that offers a stunning look out at the canyon. On my hike there, I encountered a small creek, which served as a sufficient water source. Depending on recent rainfall, you might need to collect water back at the Greeter Falls area. One noteworthy aspect is that there aren't any clear distinctions between the different available sites; they all offer a satisfying camping experience.
Exploring the waterfalls in the area is an absolute must. These natural wonders, especially on a scorching hot day, offer the perfect opportunity to cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools at their base. Furthermore, you'll be pleased to know that cell phone service is excellent, thanks to the location atop the plateau. To ensure a smooth camping experience, make sure to reserve a site in advance.
In summary, Alum Gap campground provides a remote and tranquil wilderness camping experience in Tennessee, with an easy access trail that makes it an ideal introductory backpacking option. While amenities are minimal, the campground's seclusion, beautiful surroundings, and nearby attractions, including scenic viewpoints and waterfalls, make it a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts. Don't forget to plan ahead and secure your reservation for an unforgettable backcountry adventure.
Legend
When I happened upon this campground I was pleasantly welcomed by a visitor center and hiking from the moment I entered the park. But no matter how nice this area was I wasn’t able to even expect what was to come with the camping facility which by far was a surprise to say the least.
I had seen great reviews for this place, like many in Tennessee, but the amenities never seemed to stop when I actually arrived. From an Olympic sized swimming pool, horse stables, a historic chapel, butterfly garden, playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, nature center and even outdoor recreation fields. It seemed never ending! There was even a cave, that with special permit you can crawl into and explore!
The spaces were closer together than I might have have normally liked, but everyone was so friendly it didn’t seem to matter. When I was there, there was an event going on that coming weekend so it was a bit more full than typical week day would have been.
Still despite all the people, it wasn’t loud. People did not blast music, talk loudly after hours or have generators humming throughout the night. Instead it was like being in this nice isolated area just with a bunch of neighbors also enjoying the isolation.
I took full advantage of all the outdoor spaces, the only one I didn’t get a chance to enjoy was the pool which was at a point during the season where it was only open on weekends.
I would stay at this site again if passing through. Reservations are not required but could be helpful on busy weekends like the one I stayed just before. I do suggest checking into the office also to get a Passport for the State of Tennessee (a small book you can stamp with each stop you make at a state facility).
TIPS:
GuideWe camped here for 2 full weeks. The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness.
However, we were here when there was construction going on. It was LOUD from 8am to 4, 5, and even 6pm somedays with working trucks and digging up the Tennessee Rock.
The weekends were peaceful without the construction, and the trails are all easy and flat. The showers worked well and were the typical campground showers.
The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent, so don't count on that for anything important. But Verizon had good service, while AT&T was fair.
Only Campground 3 was open during our stay and you can see the work they are doing here is going to make a huge difference to be big rig friendly. Enjoy!
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping 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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