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Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park


State Park Information




State Park Overview

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.

In 1929 the park was dedicated to Nathan Bedford Forrest on land acquired in part from Benton County. Forrest was one of the greatest military tacticians and leaders of the American Civil War.


Camping

The park has three campgrounds, two of those being primitive. Happy Hollow camping area has 38 sites, each equipped with tables, grills, water and electrical hookups. This area is served by a playground, a central bathhouse with showers, lavatories, and commodes. A dump station for self-contained trailer rigs is available.

The second campground is primitive camping with 15 available sites. Water is available, but not at each site and there is a central restroom. All campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

The third campground is available for supervised youth groups such as scouts, etc. This campground is available upon request and is located on Kentucky Lake near the park office. The area is served by porta-johns and water is located nearby. There is no charge for use of the area, but adult supervision is required.

The campground renovation is complete. The twenty-four sites have new electrical service boxes with 50 amp, 30 amp, and 20 amp receptacles.


Picnicking

The park has two picnicking areas. Each area has tables, water spigots and grills. Restrooms and playgrounds are located nearby.

Three picnic pavilions are available for group use, and may be reserved by calling the park office. Pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance.



Boating


Fishing and Hunting

Fishing is very popular on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Large catches of smallmouth, largemouth, striped bass, sauger, crappie, bream, and catfish are not uncommon on Kentucky Lake. Two boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.

A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.


Lodge

Group Lodge

This modern group lodge has a maximum capacity of 64 persons. It is divided into two units, each with toilet facilities. It is completely equipped for food preparation and serving, but no linens are provided. The kitchen is equipped with 2 commercial ovens, stove with 10 burners, 4 large commercial refrigerators and an 18 cu. ft. freezer.

Reservations for this facility should be made well in advance by writing or calling the park office.


More Info
... popular fishing and hunting area. The highest point in western Tennessee is atop Pilot Knob/Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park at TRM 95.6. The park offers a lot of historical significance to this ...
The Beginnings of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, Part 3. Nell Morisette NewsTribune Special Columnist. Hello, readers. December 16th is a beautiful but sad day. I lost my husband of 47...
The Beginnings Of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, Part 4. Nell Morisette NewsTribune Special Columnist. Happy New Year to all of you Tribune readers. "On earth, Peace, good will toward...
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park


Nature Programs

The park has a full-time ranger-naturalist who conducts regularly scheduled programs throughout the summer months and special programs on request the rest of the year. Programs include campfires, movies, slide shows, guided tours, demonstrations, and arts and crafts. Several interesting natural and cultural exhibits are featured at the park office.

Programs that are offered year-round and travel to schools include Birds of Prey, Civil War History, River Culture, Native Plants & Animals, Nature Films and Indian Life.Seasonal programs include Hay Rides, Owl Prowl Program and Campfire Programs.


Area Attractions

Interpretive Center and Museum

Pilot Knob, the highest elevation in West Tennessee, houses the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center. The center features the life, ways, and customs of folks on the Tennessee River and includes musseling, crafts, commercial fishing, and more. Visitors can also enjoy browsing the gift shop that offers a large variety of TN State Park souvenirs and other items.

HOURS8 a.m.430 p.m. 7 days a week11am-12pm the museum is closed for lunch each day.**The park will open the Center upon request during days that we do not have any staff available.

Special Events

Easter Egg HuntApril

Gospel SingingJune

Folklife FestivalSeptember


Area Campgrounds
Birdsong Resort Marina & RV Campground Camp Ground & Recreational Vehicle Park
255 Marina Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-7887


Tennessee River Camp Resort
6390 Cuba Landing Rd
Waverly, TN
(931) 296-7963


Buffalo River Camping & Canoe
650 Cuba Landing Rd
Waverly, TN
(931) 296-5964


143 Off Road Park
935 Barren Hollow Rd
Hurricane Mills, TN
(931) 296-5588


Larry's RV & Boat Repair
680 Clifford Hicks Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-0395


Buchanan Resort
800 Buchanan Resort Rd
Springville, TN
(731) 642-2828


Hidden Creek Camp Ground
2576 W Antioch Rd
Springville, TN
(731) 641-0034




Area Fishing Related Businesses
Buddy's Retail & Fish Market
900 Missionary Grove Church Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-0884


Cane Creek Boat Dock
530 Cane Creek Boat Dock Ln
Stewart, TN
(931) 721-3483


Hunt's Outdoors
330 Clydeton Rd
Waverly, TN
(931) 296-1297




Area Resorts and Lodging
Birdsong Resort Marina & RV Campground Resort & Marina
255 Marina Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-7880


Beaver Dam Lodge and Marina
1280 Lodge Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-3963


Country Junction Resorts
221 Lakeshore Dr
Springville, TN
(731) 593-3662


Pleasant View Resort
289 Pleasant View Resort Rd
Springville, TN
(731) 593-5511


Mansard Island Resort & Marina
60 Mansard Island Dr
Springville, TN
(731) 642-5590


Howell's Resort
441 Buchanan Resort Rd
Springville, TN
(731) 642-7442


Three Cedars Motel-Resorts
421 Fanning Rd
Big Sandy, TN
(731) 593-5343


Pine Point Boat Dock
175 Pine Point Loop Rd
Springville, TN
(731) 642-9555


Big Eagle Camp Ground
275 Duncan Dr
Springville, TN
(731) 642-3688


Nannie Ree's Oak Tree Resort
7930 Lick Creek Rd
Big Sandy, TN
(731) 593-5685


Bass Bay Village
895 Bass Bay Rd
Big Sandy, TN
(731) 593-3239


Birdsong Resort Marina & RV
255 Marina Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-7880


Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

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