115 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rock Island State Park Campground welcomes pets at all of its campsites, with several accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Campers with dogs must keep them leashed when outside their vehicles or camping units. The park features multiple trails accessible to leashed pets, with the Eagle Trail particularly popular among dog owners. Bathrooms and campground areas remain clean and well-maintained, making it comfortable for both pets and their owners. The campground's wooded setting provides ample shade for dogs during summer months, and the spacious sites offer enough room for pets to relax while remaining secured. Each pet-friendly site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with many sites featuring water and electric hookups.
Nearby Horseshoe Bend Marina and Bear Bluff Retreat also accommodate pets with designated pet-friendly areas. When hiking with dogs at Rock Island, owners should be prepared for terrain that can be challenging in spots, particularly on the Blue Hole trail where pets may get wet paws. The park's waterfalls and beach areas attract visitors with pets year-round, though summer weekends can become crowded. Fall visits allow for comfortable temperatures for both campers and their four-legged companions. Hammock Sway offers a more primitive camping experience that still welcomes pets, with 10 sites available for tents or small RVs. Pet owners should bring sufficient water for dogs when exploring the park's trail system, as water access points are limited on some routes.
"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."
"Our site was surrounded by trees and felt very private."
from $8 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Rock 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."
"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."
"I'm from New England and relocated to Tennessee in 2016. The first time I went camping at Edgar Evans, I had no idea what was going on!"
"We stayed on site 6, right next to some stairs that lead to a path to the bathroom/shower facilities."
"It’s about 20 mins from Rock Island State park . Super clean BathHouse hook ups and water worked well. Even had entertainment on Saturday night ! Could t ask for a better spot !"
"There were restrooms at the marina, which was close by. They have a game room tent with ping pong, cornhole, jenga, etc. and they host a movie night sometimes!"
from $75 / night
Check Availability"Snuggle deep in Ragland bottom Tennessee this nice Corps of Engineer campground is nestled. The campground is very well-kept. With plenty of room on the camping pads for all types and sizes of RVs."
"one is only 2 dogs allowed in day use/campground) The day use area has a fee which is included in you campground fee if your staying for a few days."
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Which means there are different rules then most state parks, one of which is only 2 dogs per site allowed. 2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views."
"Located next to Floating Mill Campground it is also convenient to several other recreation options in the area."
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Affordable, walking distance to town and yet the grounds make you feel like you’re in a park far away from everything. Beautiful pines on property and lots of local hiking nearby."
"Smooth rapids is located right on the river, and right in the town of McMinnville."
from $15 - $85 / night
Check Availability"This is a primitive camping experience in the pristine woods of Van Buren County, TN about 20 miles(30 minutes) outside of McMinnville, Tennessee. The campground borders the beautiful Rocky River."
"Chris is very helpful, friendly and willing to show you around upon arriving. You will also be introduced to all his great dogs. After that you won’t be bothered unless you need help."
from $25 - $89 / night
Check Availability"We were there last weekend, lots to do around the area if you're into hiking kayaking walking, visiting old shops etc."
from $40 - $150 / night
Check Availability
TravelerSuper friendly management.
Great atmosphere! Great place to kayak and relax ! Wi-Fi worked great for streaming . NO CELL SERVICE for ATT . It’s about 20 mins from Rock Island State park . Super clean BathHouse hook ups and water worked well. Even had entertainment on Saturday night ! Could t ask for a better spot !
TravelerGlamping 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.
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!
LegendJust 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 .
LegendFloating Mill Campground is an interesting campground in many ways. 1st it’s Army Corps of Engineer maintained and ruled. Which means there are different rules then most state parks, one of which is only 2 dogs per site allowed. 2nd the layout is more tent friendly (to me) with walk in sites with some nice views. You may or may not be able to put in directly from your site along the water. 3rd in addition to the water activities there are several parks nearby to visit while enjoying the Tennessee countryside.
Sitting on your “deck” overlooking the water would be plenty for many people just enjoying the moment. In addition there is the boatramp and there is a fish cleaning pavilion near the showerhouse. And my favorite, yakking, there are plenty of campgrounds Along Center Hill Lake that you could plan a float trip, ending up where you started.
Burgess Falls State Park is nearby with Windows Cliff Natural Area and Cummins Falls , Edgar Evins and Rock Island State Parks are further out but also worth a visit.
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.
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.
RangerPros: The staff are all incredibly friendly. We loved interacting with them (especially Eric!) during our stay. The laundry and bathrooms are very clean and spacious. The staff will come around and collect your trash for you (which isn’t necessary but a nice plus!) The location is directly off the highway and close to stores if you need a late night run for anything. The dog park was cute and offered a lot of extras. The heated pool was nicely taken care of and would be fantastic for the summer season. The camp store had lots of necessities and cute decor plus a dvd rental library and a pizza place onsite!
Cons: There was a massive cell phone tower within walking distance from our RV. Literally on the property of the RV park behind their utility shed and next to the playground. The highway traffic is quite loud. The campsites are very close together! The playground and fun type amenities in the back of the park weren’t kept up very well it seemed. A lot of the stuff was missing or broken.
For more detailed reviews and photos, follow us on TikTok and Instagram @HomegrownRV!
GuideLots of green grass. The dog park is very well kept. There is a road close by but not a major freeway. It’s one of the quieter KOA’s I have stayed at. Pool is small but very clean. The store is well stocked and you can get hand dipped ice cream.
Rock Island State Park sits at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake where the Caney Fork and Collins Rivers meet. The area features limestone bluffs and dense hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 800-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while winter lows can drop to the 20s, making fall and spring popular camping seasons for visitors with pets.
Kayaking at waterfalls: Access Twin Falls from Rock Island State Park Campground where water releases create variable conditions. "The hike to the water falls was gorgeous and just sitting outside was worth the trip. Close to Cumberland Caverns where we enjoyed a concert in the cavern," notes Cheryl C.
Hiking multiple trails: Explore diverse terrain ranging from riverside paths to wooded routes. "So many trails, so little time. One of the best hiking parks I've ever been to. Miles and miles of trails; short, long, loops, overnights. This place has it all," says Myke C. about Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.
Fishing spots: Fish directly from lakefront sites at several campgrounds in the area. Many sites at Ragland Bottom "have water access right from the site, so you can launch a kayak, or throw out a line, or just go for a swim right from your site," according to Nate H.
Winter camping: Experience quieter surroundings during off-season months. Richard F. says, "We are definitely going back in summer to get wet in the falls and creeks. Can't swim in lake but you can kayak. Arrived in the dark, do not recommend as there are not much lighting to see especially if the sites is tight with others."
Platform camping: Edgar Evins State Park Campground offers unique elevated camping decks. "We love the platform sites that are so spacious and private. Easy access to dump station and bath houses. Almost all sites have view of water. It was very peaceful and quiet," reports Betheny.
Private tent sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots for tent campers seeking separation from RVs. Christy E. says, "I stayed in the tent-only loop - a small group of 10 sites. It was quiet and had many trees for hammocks. Thus site offers level tent pads, a grill, fire ring, and picnic table."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance at most area campgrounds. "Very clean. There was a sign saying the bathrooms are cleaned twice per day. Soap, paper towels, and utility hooks are all appreciated as was instant hot water from the taps," notes Lee D. about Horseshoe Bend Marina.
Accessibility for pets: Most campgrounds welcome pets with specific designated areas. "Super friendly management. Great atmosphere! Great place to kayak and relax! Wi-Fi worked great for streaming. NO CELL SERVICE for ATT. It's about 20 mins from Rock Island State park," mentions Joe B.
Site selection matters: Campsite quality varies considerably within the same campground. "Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. The width of some can also accommodate two cars side by side. Not all are completely level," explains Lee D.
Water level changes: Dam releases affect water activities and safety. "Make sure to visit the ranger station for a map and safety rules during water releases," advises Christy E.
Cell service limitations: Many areas have limited connectivity. One camper at Smooth Rapids Campground reports: "We spotted Smooth Rapids last year, just by chance. Our GPS took us a weird way and we saw the store/restaurant and noticed they had camping listed on the sign."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more seclusion, primitive sites offer fewer amenities but more privacy. "Hammock Sway is a magical place to visit. The energy of the land draws you in and makes you feel at home. Any site on this campground provides the perfect opportunity for real, authentic primitive camping," writes lydia B.
Swimming areas: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. Grant B. reports about Ragland Bottom: "We really enjoyed our text stay at Ragland Bottom campground. Even with it being a holiday weekend, the bathrooms were incredibly clean and the site did not feel crowded."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. Jon S. notes, "My kids loved playing at the playground. The whole park was just really well kept. Bathrooms and showers were clean and in great shape."
Educational opportunities: Ranger-led programs provide learning experiences for children. "Very informative pontoon boat tour with a Park Ranger. Great lunch at the marina too!" says Rosa B. about Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake.
Safety considerations: Be aware of terrain challenges when bringing small children. "You can't beat the views at this campground. Several of the sites are right along the water. There is hiking which we didn't do, also a couple places to swim," states dawn C., adding, "One of my biggest issues with this campground is the signage."
Site leveling needs: Bring leveling equipment as many sites require adjustment. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," advises Richard F.
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points for larger rigs. "The entrance and exit is very narrow and steep even for our Sprinter motorhome, let alone something larger. Would not advise it!" warns Ron&Shirley H. about Bear Bluff Retreat.
Hookup variations: Verify specific hookup types when booking. "We spent the weekend at the park in our 21' camper. Site 28 was fairly level, and had water and 30a power. A few looked like they had sewer at them, but ours didn't. Fair warning, sites all seemed to be pretty small," shares Jon S.
Dump station accessibility: Plan for dump station locations and access times. "They have great dump station but prefer to have that taken care of before we pull out," notes Betheny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rock Island, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rock Island, TN is Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 145 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rock Island, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 115 dog-friendly camping locations near Rock Island, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
