Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, named for the Confederate Cavalry Commander called the Wizard of the Saddle, contains 2,587 acres with an abundance of wildlife, mixed hardwood forest and close to 40 miles of trails. Pilot Knob, the highest point in West Tennessee, is home to the Tennessee River Folklife Center. Visitors here can learn about the ways and customs of people whose lives were formed by the nature and opportunities of life on the Tennessee River.
Varied elevations of valleys and rocky hilltops provide mixed hardwood forests and mountain laurel stands, along with hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. Two eagle nests are located in the park. Visitors come to the park to camp, boat, fish, hike, swim and stay in the campgrounds and cabins.
Fishing
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. Three boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.
A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.
Hiking
There are over 25 miles of hiking trails in the park. 5-mile has orange markings; 10-mile has red markings and 20-mile has blue markings. Several shorter trails ranging from .25 miles to 2 miles are also available. Two backcoutry shelters are availabe for overnight hikes and can be reserved with a permit issued at the park office. Trail maps are available at the park office and museum.
Water Recreation
Boating, skiing, and fishing are very popular activities on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Three boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.
Camping - Backcountry
The second campground is primitive camping with 13 available sites. Water is available, but not at each site; and there is a central restroom.
Camping - RV & Tent
The park has three campgrounds, two of those being primitive. Happy Hollow camping area has 37 sites, each equipped with tables, grills, water and electrical hookups. This area is served by a playground and a central bathouse with hot showers. A dump station for self-contained trailer rigs is available.
Campsites should be reserved in advance by calling the park or you may make Nathan Bedford Forrest Campground Reservations online.
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.
Picnicking
The park has two picnicking areas. Each area has tables, water spigots and grills. Restrooms and playgrounds are located nearby.
Five picnic pavilions are available for group use, and may be reserved by calling the park office. Pavilions may be reserved up to two years in advance.
Bird Watching
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, canoe tours, hay rides, hikes, outdoor games, and more. 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.
Jr Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Adventure Guide is divided into Four Steps. Each step covers different topics and offers a selection of fun, hands-on activites. As you complete each activity, you will be one step closer to becoming a Junior Ranger. Topics in Steps 1 & 2 include: Safety, History, Plants, Wildlife, Astronomy and Water. In Step 3 you will create your own stewardship project. In Step 4 you will take your Adventure Guide to the park ranger or park office to take your pledge, receive your badge and become an official Tennessee State Park Junior Ranger.
Call (731) 584-6356 for more information.
Boat Ramp
Boating, skiing, and fishing are very popular activities on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Three boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.
Gift Shop
Visit us in the Gift Shop.
Visitor Center
Tour buses are welcome.
Playgrounds
Recreation equipment may be checked out free of charge at the park office. Recreation activities include softball, volleyball, horseshoes, and badmiton. There are also four playgrounds and a large playfield with a backstop.
Campgrounds
The park has three campgrounds, two of those being primitive. Happy Hollow camping area has 37 sites, each equipped with tables, grills, water and electrical hookups. This area is served by a playground and a central bathouse with hot showers. A dump station for self-contained trailer rigs is available.
The second campground is primitive camping with 13 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.
Cabins/Villas
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park features 8 cabins. Six cabins feature 2 bedrooms with 2 full size beds in each room and 2 full baths. One cabin is accessible to persons with a disability and features 3 beds and 2 accessible bathrooms. Each cabin has a fully furnished kitchen, air conditioning, gas log fireplace, satellite television, phone and outside grill. Bed and bath linens are provided although there is no maid service. There is a two night minimum for advance reservations and a three-night minimum on holidays. Also, one Rustic Log Cabin is available. It is located on a secluded ridge overlooking Kentucky Lake. The Rustic Log Cabin is a renovated 1930’s log cabin that features a full-sized bed, pullout couch, a wood burning fireplace, a full bathroom, full kitchen and a covered back porch complete with a glider and rocking chairs with a view of Kentucky Lake. Make your reservations early as this is the park’s most popular cabin. All cabins can be reserved up to 2 years in advance.
Museums
Pilot Knob, the highest point in West Tennessee, houses the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and museum. The center features the life, ways, and customs of folks on the Tennessee River and includes musseling, crafts, commercial fishing, and more. Several videos on park history, Civil War history, and river life are shown upon request. Visitors can also enjoy browsing the gift shop that offers a large variety of TN State Park souvenirs and other items. Live animal exhibits are located at this facility as well.
HOURS:
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7 days a week
The museum is closed for lunch each day from 11am-12pm CT.
Phone number: (731) 584-2128
No Upcoming Events
Check back soon for more events, or visit our event page for events in other parks.
The Tennessee River Folklife Center and Museum includes exhibits on includes musseling, crafts, commercial fishing, park history, Civil War history and river life. Civil War exhibits inform visitors about Nathan Bedford Forrest and the Battle of Johnsonville.
The park has added new interpretive programs to the usual summer activities. Special events include a popular Easter egg hunt, fall Folklife Festival, Haunted Trail and Civil War reenactment.
Contact Info
1825 Pilot Knob Rd.
Eva, TN 38333
Phone: 731-584-6356
Phone - Toll Free: 800-714-7305
Fax: (731) 584-1841
Email: Ask.TNStateParks@tn.gov
Directions
Take Exit 126 on Interstate 40 and travel North on Hwy. 641 for 15 miles to Camden. Turn right on Highway 70 East (do not take the 70 By-pass) at the traffic signal. Follow the signs to the park.
Hours of Operation
Park hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.-----Park Office and Museum hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.-----Camper quiet time is 10:00 p.m.
