Rock Island State Park offers a boat launch ramp on Center Hill Lake providing access for recreational boating, fishing, and paddling.

The park is known for whitewater kayaking and has hosted international freestyle kayaking events, though some sections are for experienced kayakers only due to irregular water releases from the nearby TVA Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse.

Visitors should check TVA's water discharge schedule before visiting and note that swimming and wading are prohibited downstream of the Powerhouse at all times.