Tennessee State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Tennessee State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Tennessee State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Tennessee State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Tennessee. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Bicentennial Capitol Mall

    The bicentennial capitol mall state park is located in the shadow of the state capitol in downtown nashville. the 19-acre park is designed to complement the tennessee capitol building, give visitors a taste of tennessee's history and natural wonders, and to serve as a lasting monument to tennessee's bicentennial celebration.

  • Big Cypress Tree

    Visitors to the 27-acre big cypress tree state park in the natural area will find a clean and peaceful park where they can relax and enjoy nature. having a picnic in the picnic shelter is a popular activity. a variety of plant life ranging from native wild flowers to native trees may be seen here. examples are showy evening primrose, black-eyed susans, yellow poplar, bald cypress, and dogwood. wildlife seen at big cypress includes bluebirds, doves, hawks, owls, deer, squirrels, butterflies, bats, and many others. during the fall festival, visitors may see up close several birds of prey including a bald eagle.

  • Big Hill Pond

    Big hill pond state park lies in the southwestern part of mcnairy county and encompasses approximately 5,000 acres of magnificent timberland and hardwood bottom land. cypress creek and tuscumbia river border the property. several oxbow lakes and sloughs add to the waterway. the flood plain adjacent to both the tuscumbia river and cypress creek contains small oxbow lakes and swamp areas which are desirable habitat for waterfowl, wildlife and fishing.

  • Big Ridge

    The heavily forested, 3,687-acre park lies on the southern shore of tva's norris reservoir approximately 25 miles north of knoxville. visitors to the park will find a wealth of activities to meet any interest from guided nature tours to backcountry camping.

  • Bledsoe Creek

    Bledsoe creek state park is a 164-acre site located on the bledsoe creek embayment of the old hickory reservoir near the old 1780s settlement of cairo.

  • Booker T. Washington

    Situated on the shores of scenic chickamauga lake not far from the city of chattanooga is 353-acre booker t. washington state park. the park is named in honor of the famous leader, booker taliaferro washington. washington was born into slavery at hale's ford, virginia, but with great determination he secured an education and went on to become one of our great americans. he is perhaps best known as a former president of the tuskegee institute, a black organization for higher education.

  • Burgess Falls

    Burgess falls state natural area, located in middle tennessee, lies on the eastern edge of tennessee's highland rim adjacent to the cumberland plateau and is noted for its natural beauty. sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, rolling water and abundant mixed forest, characterize this area. the falling water river drops approximately 250 feet, providing numerous waterfalls, breathtaking scenery and overlooks. the park is home to over 300 species trees and plants and an abundance of wildlife. park visitors can visit the large native butterfly garden located adjacent to the upper parking lot.

  • Cedars of Lebanon

    Cedars of lebanon state park is named for the dense cedar forest that existed in the biblical lands of lebanon. the park contains 900 acres which are used for intensive recreation. an additional 8,100 acres are operated by the parks division as a natural area and by the forestry division as a state forest.

  • Chickasaw

    Chickasaw state rustic park is situated on some of the highest terrain in west tennessee. of the area's 14,384 acres of timberland, 1,280 acres are used for recreation. the remainder is state forest managed jointly by the state forestry division and the tennessee wildlife resources agency. the park is located in chester and hardeman counties, 18 miles south of jackson, tennessee on state hwy. 100.

  • Cordell Hull

    The cordell hull birthplace and museum is a historic site owned by the state of tennessee that was created as state park by an act of the tennessee general assembly in june 1997. the 58-acre site is located on the highland rim, near byrdstown, north of cookeville, close to the kentucky border.

  • Cove Lake

    Cove lake state park's 673 acres are situated in a beautiful mountain valley setting on the eastern edge of the cumberland mountains. there are scenic nature trails and bike trails leading through the open grasslands and woodlands. in the winter, several hundred canada geese make this lakeshore their feeding ground. nearby is the devil's race track whose steep pinnacle rock affords a panoramic view.

  • Cumberland Mountain

    Cumberland mountain state park is situated on the cumberland plateau, a segment of the great upland, which extends from western new york to central alabama. it is said to be the largest timbered plateau in america. this 1,720-acre park was acquired in 1938 as a project of the farm security administration to provide a recreational area for some 250 families selected to homestead on the cumberland plateau.

  • Cumberland Trail

    On june 22, 1998, tn state parks announced the creation of the cumberland trail state park, tennessee's 53rd state park and the only state park of its kind. in september 2002, the park was renamed the justin p. wilson cumberland trail state park in recognition of wilson's dedication and leadership in catalyzing efforts to build the trail.

  • David Crockett

    David crockett state park was dedicated in may of 1959, in honor of one of tennessee's most famous native sons.

  • Davy Crockett Birthplace

    Davy crockett's birthplace has been preserved by the state of tennessee department of environment and conservation as an historic site within the state park system. the site consists of 105 partially wooded acres of land along the nolichucky river in greene county, tennessee. Learn more about crockett’s intriguing composite of history and folklore at the tennessee encyclopedia of history. then make plans to come see where the legend began.

  • Dunbar Cave

    Dunbar cave state park is located 60 minutes northwest of nashville and about one and a half miles northeast of downtown clarksville in montgomery county. dunbar cave is the most prominent of several caves located in this designated natural area. in the roomy mouth of the cave, square dances, radio shows, and big band era concerts were once held.

  • Edgar Evins

    Edgar evins state park is located on the shores of center hill lake in the steep, hilly eastern highland rim. the 6,000 acre park provides excellent recreational opportunities and accommodations on one of the most beautiful reservoirs in tennessee.

  • Fall Creek Falls

    A paradise of more than 20,000 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged cumberland plateau, fall creek falls state park is one of the most scenic and spectacular outdoor recreation areas in america. laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. while fall creek falls, at 256 feet, is the highest waterfall in the eastern united states, other waterfalls in the park are piney and cane creek falls and cane creek cascades.

  • Fort Loudoun

    This 1,200-acre site is the location of one of the earliest british fortifications on the western frontier, built in 1756. nearby were the principal towns of the cherokee nation including tenase, namesake of our state, and tuskegee, birthplace of the genius sequoyah, commemorated by the cherokee nation's museum. today the fort and the 1794 tellico blockhouse overlook tva's tellico reservoir and the appalachian mountains.

  • Fort Pillow

    The 1,642 acre fort pillow, located in lauderdale county on the chickasaw bluffs overlooking the mississippi river, is rich in both historic and archaeological significance. in 1861, the confederate army built extensive fortifications here and named the site for general gideon j. pillow of maury county. the confederate soldiers abandoned the fort. remains of the earthworks are well-preserved.

  • Frozen Head

    Frozen head state park and natural area is situated in the beautiful cumberland mountains of eastern tennessee. the 13,122 acres of relatively undisturbed forest contain some of the richest wildflowers areas in tennessee. the mountainous terrain varies from an elevation of 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet on 16 different mountain peaks. frozen head, elevation of 3,324, is one of the highest peaks in tennessee west of the great smoky mountains. from its observation tower on a clear day, one can plainly see the cumberland plateau, tennessee ridge and valley, and the great smoky mountains. in winter, the mountain peaks are often capped with snow or ice while the lower valleys remain unadorned, thus giving the park's namesake, frozen head. the park's lush vegetation, small streams, waterfalls and beautiful mountains make frozen head one of tennessee's most scenic parks.

  • Harpeth River

    This unique linear park located along the harpeth river in middle tennessee offers natural, cultural, and recreational day use areas rich in historic significance and natural beauty. canoe access areas are located at all sites (excluding archeological areas) providing beginner and advanced paddlers opportunities to float this beautiful class ii river. bring your own canoe or kayak or call local commercial outfitters for trip information and boat rentals.

  • Harrison Bay

    The 1,200-acre harrison bay state park, with approximately 40 miles of chickamauga lake shoreline, was originally developed as a tennessee valley authority recreation demonstration area in the 1930's. its name is derived from a large bay at the main channel of the tennessee river that covers the old town of harrison, and the last cherokee campground. the parklands are of historic significance because the cherokee campground consisted of three villages which were ruled by one of the last great cherokee chieftains, chief joe vann. this beautiful wooded park is a haven for campers, boaters and fishermen, as well as picnickers and other day-use visitors from chattanooga and the surrounding tri-state area.

  • Henry Horton

    Henry horton state park is well known for their championship 18-hole golf course, inn and cabins, campgrounds and trap and skeet range. the 1,140-acre park has three hiking trails where you may see a variety of wildlife such as wild turkey, deer and many kinds of wildflowers. summer months bring hours of family enjoyment whether it's swimming in our olympic-sized pool, fishing along the duck river, playing volleyball or basketball, or having a picnic, henry horton state park has a lot to offer.

  • Hiwassee/Ocoee

    Hiwassee scenic river park is located on spring creek road at u.s. hwy. 411, the ocoee river on u.s. hwy. 64. the hiwassee was the first river managed in the state scenic river program. a 23-river mile section, from the n.c. state line to u.s. 411 north of benton, has been declared a class iii partially developed river. this stretch of river offers canoeing, rafting, fishing, hiking and nature photography. a scenic portion of the john muir trail winds through the river gorge. numerous public access sites provide boat-launching ramps. at the gee creek campround, picnic areas, sanitary facilities and primitive camping are available. adjacent is the gee creek wilderness of the cherokee national forest. the ocoee river is a premier white-water river in the southeastern united states possessing class iii, iv, and v rapids. access sites are maintained.

  • Indian Mountain

    Indian mountain state park is a multi-use facility in campbell county near tennessee's northern border. in addition to providing camping and recreation opportunities, the 200-acre park is unique in that it was developed on reclaimed strip mine land. park visitors can enjoy fishing at the two small lakes, picnicking, camping, and two walking trails. park visitors have the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife.

  • Johnsonville

    Located off u.s. hwy. 70, the park is named for military governor andrew johnson. this 600-acre park on the eastern side of kentucky lake overlooks the site of the battle of johnsonville. interpretive tours are available.

  • Long Hunter

    Long hunter state park is situated along the shore of j. percy priest lake. it consists of four units: couchville, baker's grove, bryant grove and sellars farm. picnicking, swimming, hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing, nature photography and wildlife observation are among the activities available to park visitors. planned activities include interpretive and recreation programs for the general public and environmental education programs for school and other interested groups.

  • Meeman-Shelby

    Bordering on the mighty mississippi river, 13 miles north of memphis, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park are bottomland hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. the park contains two lakes and many miles of hiking trails as well as one of the largest disc-golf courses in the southeast. the park maintains a boat ramp on the mississippi river. deer, turkey, beaver, fox, otter and bobcat are plentiful. over 200 species of songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey, including the american bald eagle can be seen; the area is a favorite for bird watchers.

  • Montgomery Bell

    Montgomery bell state park is located seven miles east of dickson in dickson county. the rolling hills of dickson county contain a treasure that was considered more precious than gold to the builders of young america. the treasure was iron ore, and it lured men by the hundreds to this area of middle tennessee. the site of the first cumberland presbyterian church is located at montgomery bell state park.

  • Mousetail Landing

    This 1, 247-acre area is located on the east banks of the tennessee river in the state's picturesque western valley. tradition has it that mousetail landing received its name during the civil war period when one of the area's tanning companies caught fire. the exodus of mice fleeing the burning tannery was so profuse that the area in proximity of the park became known as mousetail landing. the scenic buffalo river flows nearby, providing opportunity for family canoe float trips.

  • Natchez Trace

    With the many acres of scenic woodlands, the park includes four lakes, a swimming beach, a 47 room resort inn and restaurant complex, cabins, group lodge, camping areas, picnicking sites, playgrounds, a ball field, a regulation pistol firing range, picturesque hiking trails, a wrangler camp, 250 miles of horse riding trails, a park store, and archery range. located at i-40, exit 116, this area is composed of a state park, state forest and a wma with a total of 48,000 acres. the tennessee division of state parks, tennessee division of forestry and the tennessee wildlife resources agency share administration of this area.

  • Nathan Bedford Forrest

    The park was named for general nathan bedford forrest, the intrepid confederate cavalry leader, who on november 4, 1864, attacked and destroyed the federal supply and munitions depot at (old) johnsonville at the mouth of trace creek. his operations were concentrated along the river in the vicinity of the park and the town of eva.

  • Norris Dam

    This 4,038-acre park, located on the norris reservoir, began in 1933 as the first tennessee valley authority project. miles of trails lead hikers through deeply forested valleys and ridges. many other attractions await your finding at norris dam state park.

  • Old Stone Fort

    This state archaeological park is dedicated to the preservation, protection, study and interpretation to the public of this significant survival of ancient culture. the park offers educational and entertaining programs, which increase understanding of the old stone fort, archaeology, and native american cultures.

  • Panther Creek

    Panther creek state park, covering approximately 1,435 acres, is located on the shores of cherokee reservoir, an impoundment of the holston river. the great smoky mountains national park is located about 45 miles south.

  • Paris Landing

    Paris landing state park is an 841 acre park located on the western shore of the tennessee river, which is dammed to form kentucky lake (160,000 acres). the park sits on the widest part of the lake (3 miles wide) and is the perfect location for all water sports such as fishing, boating, swimming, and skiing. on land, there is plenty of activity with golfing, hiking, camping, or just relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife. be on the lookout for deer, turkey, fox, and coyote that roam the park. eagles can be seen in the winter months.

  • Pickett

    Situated in a remote section of the upper cumberland plateau, pickett ccc memorial state park is known for its geological, botanical, and scenic wonders. the park lies within the 19,200-acre pickett state forest, and adjacent to the massive 120,000 acre big south fork national river and recreation area, both areas containing prime wilderness country. visitors to the park can explore large rock houses, natural sandstone bridges, scenic bluffs, and wild mountain streams. spring brings dazzling displays of wildflowers, summer an abundance of blackberries and wild blueberries, and autumn a patchwork of colors to the countryside. the park memorializes and preserves the unique work of the civilian conservation corps ccc, who first developed the park.

  • Pickwick Landing

    Looking for tennessee lodging or hotels? pickwick landing state park is located just south of pickwick dam, 12 miles south of savannah, tn., in hardin county. the lake and river offer excellent fishing, boating, swimming and a marina. accommodations on the park include a modern inn and restaurant, cabins and camping. there is also a beautiful and challenging golf course. the park contains 1,400 acres of forested hills and hollows. there is a 2.8 mile trail to explore and enjoy the wildlife and plant life around the lake. picnicking, swimming and play fields are also available.

  • Pinson Mounds

    Pinson mounds, one of two state archaeological parks, is a special park, set aside to protect the prehistoric remains found there. managed by the tennessee department of environment and conservation's division of state parks, the pinson mounds grouping consists of at least 15 earthen mounds, a geometic enclosure, habitation areas and related earthworks in an area that incorporates almost 1,200 acres. pinson mounds is a national historic landmark and is listed on the national register of historic places.

  • Port Royal

    Port royal is an historic park and a day use park. port royal state park is a place of quiet natural beauty.

  • Radnor Lake

    Radnor lake state park is located in davidson county in the midst of the overton hills, south of metropolitan nashville in the oak hill community. this natural area provides a variety of scenic spots and a diversity of natural habitats ranging from the lake, to streams and placid sloughs. wildlife and numerous species of plants are in abundance. it is a place that provides scenic, biological, geological, and passive recreational opportunities not found in other metropolitan areas of nashville's size.

  • Red Clay

    Red clay state historic park is located in the extreme southwest corner of bradley county in tennessee, just above the tennessee-georgia state line.

  • Reelfoot Lake

    Reelfoot lake state park, located in the northwest corner of tennessee, is one of the greatest hunting and fishing preserves in the nation. the lake encompasses 25,000 acres (15,000 of which are water) and harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird, as well as the golden and american bald eagles.

  • Roan Mountain

    Roan mountain state park encompasses 2,006 acres of southern appalachian forest at the base of 6,285 foot roan mountain. park elevation ranges from 3,000 feet in the valley to around 3,700 feet on surrounding ridges. rich hardwood forests allow for a great diversity of life and a wide range of outdoor activities. park guests have opportunities to hike along creeks and ridges, fish for trout, play tennis, swim, tour a century old farmhouse, join rangers and naturalists for educational programs, and enjoy mountain music concerts.

  • Rock Island

    The scenic beauty of this wooded park is dominated by the great falls of the caney fork river - an imposing limestone gorge (called a gulf in southern culture). it provides scenic overlooks, waterfalls and deep pools for fishing, rock-hopping and exploring. located at the confluence of the collins and caney fork rivers, this 883-acre park has a natural sand beach on center hill resevoir. historic features of the park include a 19th century textile mill and one of tennessee's early hydroelectric plants.

  • Sgt. Alvin C. York

    The historic park includes the york family farm and the grist mill he operated for many years on the banks of the wolf river.

  • South Cumberland

    South cumberland is one of the newer tennessee state parks. almost all of our park lies atop the cumberland plateau and, unlike most state parks, ours is made up of ten different areas located in four different counties. the visitor center is located between monteagle and tracy city on highway 41. from here the various components of our park are managed. visitors can also obtain information and directions from the visitor center.

  • Standing Stone

    Standing stone state park and standing stone state forest covers nearly 11,000 acres on the cumberland plateau of north-central tennessee. the quaint and rustic park is noted for its outstanding scenery, spring wildflowers, fossils and other natural diversity.

  • Sycamore Shoals

    Sycamore shoals state historic park is open from daylight to dark each day. the visitors center, which houses an interpretive facility with information, historic displays, and a theater, is open monday through saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. picnicking is available at sycamore shoals state historic park with tables and grills provided. a two-mile fitness trail constructed jointly between the park and adjacent hospital is also available.

  • T.O. Fuller

    T.o. fuller state park was the first state park east of the mississippi river open to african americans and only the second in the nation.   the park was later changed from shelby bluffs to t.o. fuller state park in 1942 in honor of dr. thomas o. fuller who spent his life empowering and educating african americans.

  • Tims Ford

    Tims ford state park, located on the tims ford reservoir in the rolling hills of southern middle tennessee, is an outstanding recreational area and fishing paradise. long before the construction of tims ford dam on the headwaters of the elk river, the area was used extensively by the indians as a hunting and fishing territory. archaeological excavations uncovered numerous artifacts and occupational sites, indicating that man had occupied the area as much as 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

  • Warriors' Path

    Warriors' path state park was named for the park's proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the cherokee. since that time, the park land has known a long history of travelers, and is still a pathway for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts. the 950-acre area was acquired from the tennessee valley authority is 1952, to serve the people who live in or visit this section of northeast tennessee. it is situated on the shores of tva's patrick henry reservoir on the holston river.