Reelfoot Lake State Park

Activity Overview

Reelfoot Lake State Park is a 25,000-acre state park located in northwestern Tennessee. Its most prominent feature is Reelfoot Lake, a 15,000-acre shallow lake that was formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. The lake is especially interesting because it looks like a flooded forest due to the cypress trees that rise out of the water. It is a great place for boating and fishing, as well as bird watching due to the many bird species that visit the area each year, including bald eagles and white pelicans. The park also has numerous campsites, making it a great place to spend a family weekend in the great outdoors.

Things to Do

• Go fishing on Reelfoot Lake! Once you have your Tennessee fishing license and lake permit, you can catch bass, bream, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The park also provides fish cleaning stations, so you can grill your catch for dinner on the campfire.
• Visit the R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum, the park's nature center. Admission is free, and allows you to see fascinating nature exhibits, injured raptors that are being cared for, and some native snakes.
• Enjoy a family nature hike - the park has several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels that will take you through its beautiful wetland habitat.

Reelfoot Lake State Park Insider Tips

• Camp overnight, or stay for the entire weekend! The park has two large campgrounds with amenities that include showers, electric hookups, dumping stations, water, tables, and grills. You can even bring along the family pet if you keep it on a leash.
• Bring along binoculars so you can go bird watching! The park is home to dozens of fascinating bird species, including majestic bald eagles in January and February and pelicans in October.
• Learn about upcoming events in the park by visiting their website - annual attractions include the Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival in late October that includes canoe and pontoon boat tours, and the Eagle Festival each winter.