About ROARING RIVER PARK
Overview Roaring River Park is located on Cordell Hull Lake on the Cumberland River System, near Gainesboro, TN. The lake itself was named after one of America's outstanding statesmen and one of Tennessee's finest volunteers. Hull was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. Many people enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hunting and hiking in this wonderful natural area. Click here for a virtual tour of the Cordell Hull Lake facilities.Recreation The 12,000-acre lake stretches 72 miles upstream and has 381 miles of shoreline, offering recreational activities for just about any type of visitor. Anglers enjoy fishing for white bass, rockfish, largemouth bass, catfish, shad, and crappie. Boating, sailing, water skiing, and jet skiing are popular activities on the water. Facilities This wooded day-use area offers one large group shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground and boat ramp.Natural Features Cordell Hull Lake is situated among rolling hills wooded with a mixture of shady maple, hickory, oak, beech and chestnut trees. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Whitetail deer, wild turkeys, quail, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen throughout the area. Nearby Attractions The historic town of Granville, TN is a 20-minute drive from the campground. Visitors enjoy celebrating the town's Heritage Day annually in May. Events include the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival, antique car and tractor shows, and Confederate Civil War living history presentations.
How to Get There
From I-40, take HWY 53 north through Gainesboro, TN. Turn east on HWY 135 and follow signs into recreation area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ROARING RIVER PARK
Heading to ROARING RIVER PARK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ROARING RIVER PARK?
No central reservation system listed for ROARING RIVER PARK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232693) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ROARING RIVER PARK?
From I-40, take HWY 53 north through Gainesboro, TN. Turn east on HWY 135 and follow signs into recreation area.
How do I contact ROARING RIVER PARK?
You can reach the park at phone: (931) 268-2540.
References & Official Resources
