Chickasaw State Park
Chickasaw State Park is situated on some of the highest terrain in west Tennessee, with water recreation on Lakes Placid and La Joie. Chickasaw was one of Tennessee’s earliest state parks and has always been a place of classic state park recreation, nature, and scenery in an historic environment.
Chickasaw is primarily a recreation park, popular for its cabins and campgrounds, swimming, pleasure boating, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. ATV riding and hunting in the adjacent state forest also attract many visitors. A park recreation director, on duty during the summer months, conducts group games, arts and crafts, evening movies, campfire programs and hay rides. Bicycles are popular on park roads, and cyclists may access miles of additional roads in the adjacent Chickasaw State Forest. Hikers enjoy over 4 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails. Butterfly checklists are available for the park and its trails.
Around the turn of the century, longstanding agricultural practices combined with the hilly terrain led to significant erosion problems in this area. Development of the Chickasaw Land Use Area began in 1934 to aid people stranded on poor and eroded land and to create a wildlife reserve and recreational area.
The 1973 hit movie "Walking Tall" contained scenes filmed in and around the park.
Biking
Bicycles are allowed on park roads, and cyclists may access miles of additional roads in the adjacent Chickasaw State Forest.
Fishing
Fisherman, young and old, enjoy lake fishing on Lake Placid and can expect fine catches of bass, catfish and crappie. Boats may be rented at the park. No privately owned boats except canoes and kayaks are allowed. Privately owned boats and trolling motors are allowed at Lake LaJoie only when the group camp is vacant.
A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for persons over 13 years of age.
Legal Limits:
Crappie - limit 30, no minimum length
Bass - limit 5, minimum length 15"
Catfish - limit 5, minimum length 15"
Bream - no limit, no minimum length
Hiking
Hikers enjoy over 4 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails at the park.
Fern Creek Trail - .8 miles
Forked Pine Trail - .65 miles
Friend's Trail - 1.15 miles
Lakeshore Trail - 1.5 miles
No overnight camping is allowed on the hiking trails.
Water Recreation
Rowboats and pedal boats are available for rent on Lake Placid. No privately owned boats except canoes and kayaks or gasoline powered motors are allowed on the lake. However, electric trolling motors are allowed. Privately owned boats and trolling motors are allowed at Lake LaJoie only when the group camp is vacant. Fishermen, young and old, enjoy the lake and often dine on fine catches of bass and bluegill. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for persons over 13 years of age.
The picturesque swimming beach on the shore of Lake Placid is very popular with visitors. A modern bathhouse serves the swimming beach.
Horseback Riding
Horses are also available for rent from the park stables. The guided trail takes approximately one hour to complete. Stables are open March through Thanksgiving weekend. The stable is open weekends in the spring and fall. Call the stables at 731-989-9494 for cost and hours of operation.
Camping - RV & Tent
There are three campgrounds at Chickasaw State Park. The RV campground has 52 sites, each with water and electrical hookups. The tent campground has 29 sites, and water is available.
Campsites should be reserved in advance by calling the park or you may make Chickasaw Campground Reservations online.
Picnicking
There are 7 large covered picnic pavilions that can each accommodate 50 people. Each pavilion is equipped with a grill and water spigot.
Three of these pavilions can be reserved by calling the park office.
Bird Watching
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.
Jr Ranger Program
Gift Shop
A gift shop is located at the Park Office. It is open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, 7 days a week.
Meeting Rooms
The Sagamore Lodge meeting facility seats 100 people. Folding tables and chairs and central heat and air are provided. This building is popular for weddings, meetings, and reunions.
Horse Stables
Horses are also available for rent from the park stables. The guided trail takes approximately one hour to complete. Stables are open March through Thanksgiving weekend. The stable is open weekends in the spring and fall. Call the stables at 731-989-9494 for cost and hours of operation.
Located near the stables, the Wrangler Campground is designed to meet the needs of the park visitors traveling with horses. Many visitors bring their own horses to Chickasaw to take advantage of the approximately 100 miles of trails in Chickasaw State Forest.
The Wrangler Campground features 32 sites with water and electric hookups. Horses may be picketed at the campsites. A bathhouse with shower and restroom facilities is available, as well as a lighted arena and playground. Please note that horses are not allowed on paved roads within the park.
Recreational Facilities
The park features a hiking trail, tennis courts, basketball courts, archery range, playgrounds, volleyball court and lighted ball field. There is also horseback riding in the summer months. Many visitors bring their own mounts and explore the more than 100 miles of roads and trails within Chickasaw State Forest.
Visitor Center
Tour buses are welcome and roads in the park are accessible to tour buses.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are available on site.
Campgrounds
The Wrangler Campground is designed for visitors traveling with horses. There are 32 sites, each with water and electrical hookups. All park campsites have picnic tables and grills. Modern bathhouses provide hot showers and restroom facilities. There is a dump station available in the RV campground. There is a playground in each campground.
Cabins/Villas
Chickasaw offers 13 fully equipped vacation cottages, sleeping up to six persons and complete with fireplaces and televisions. Cabins are nestled among tall pines and located within easy access to Lake Placid. Cabins are available by reservation year-round with the months of June and July available on a weekly basis.
Group Lodge:
This facility accommodates 40 persons. The building features divided quarters with bunk beds and sleeps 20 people to a room. Central heat and air are provided as well as dishes, utensils, microwave, ice maker, freezers, refrigerator and stove. Linens are provided. A 45-day notice of cancellation is required for a refund of the deposit. Check-in time for this facility is 3 p.m. and check-out time is 10 a.m.
Group Camp
The 123-capacity group camp is available to family groups and organizations and is completely equipped with dining hall, cabins, bunks, toilet facilities and its own swimming area. The dining hall contains cooking and serving utensils and equipment. Campers need only supply linens, food, medicinal and sanitary supplies and staff. The group camp is open from April through October and reservations are required.
For Reservations: 731-989-5141
Restaurants
The park's 100-seat restaurant offers excellent Southern cuisine in a restful atmosphere. It features home style country cooking and delicious buffets.
The restaurant is open Friday from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For more information, call the restaurant at 731-983-0301.
No Upcoming Events
Check back soon for more events, or visit our event page for events in other parks.
Erosion and improvement of the land were among the main reasons that the land was purchased by the Resettlement Administration in the mid 1930’s. Of the area's 14,384 acres of timberland, there are 1,280 acres dedicated to recreation while 13,104 acres of state forest is managed jointly by the State Forestry Division and the State Wildlife Resources Agency.
Rowboats and pedal boats are available for rent on Lake Placid. The lake is popular with fishermen, for its bass and bluegill. Hikers enjoy over 4 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails at the park.
Visitors enjoy campgrounds, cabins, a meeting facility, group lodge and restaurant. The park features a hiking trail, tennis courts, basketball courts, archery range, playgrounds, volleyball court and lighted ball field. Popular events include the Wrangler St. Jude Ride, a June Fishing Rodeo, October Arts and Crafts Fair and Christmas Lighting.
Contact Info
20 Cabin Ln.
Henderson, TN 38340
Phone: 731-989-5141
Phone - Toll Free: 800-458-1752
Directions
From I-40 take either exit 82-A to Hwy. 45 South or 80-A (which is 45 South by-pass) to Hwy. 45 South and from there drive 20 miles to Henderson, TN. Turn right on Hwy. 100 and from there it is approximately 8 miles to the park entrance.
Hours of Operation
8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., -----Camper quiet time is 10:00 p.m.
