15 Must-Visit State Parks Across Tennessee—Your Complete Guide

Tennessee is known for some of the most amazing natural beauty in the country. Between the Great Smoky Mountains, the fall foliage, and charming small towns, there is so much the Volunteer State has to offer in terms of outdoor wonders.

But besides the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian Trail, Tennessee is also home to many amazing state parks—57 to be exact! Whether you're into camping, hiking, fishing, or simply being in nature, the following 15 state parks in Tennessee are surely calling your name. Which will you visit first?

Most Popular State Parks in Tennessee

These state parks are popular for a reason, and the reasons why they are high on our list, too. We love all of our state parks, but these three in particular stand out as shining examples of the natural wonders that our state has to offer. From tall waterfalls to swimming holes and hiking trails, you will find a little bit of everything at these parks.

1. Fall Creek Falls State Park

Location: Spencer, TN
Wow Factor: Fall Creek Falls
Need to Know: Home to the state's largest waterfall.

Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the biggest parks in the Volunteer State. As far as things to do in Fall Creek Falls State Park, you certainly won’t be lacking in activities at this park. The number one attraction is the waterfall from which the park gets its name. Fall Creek Falls is the state's largest waterfall, a powerful plunge that is well worth hiking to the base to see.

The park has several other massive waterfalls and large gorges, which all make room for plenty of hiking. Make your way around a canyon with waterfalls spilling into the river below, or take the more adventurous trail leading down with chains to guide you on your slippery descent. Other adventures await, like traversing a suspension bridge over a waterfall or taking a kayak on the lake.

Fall Creek also has camping spots and cabins near the water. It's a short drive from Nashville, Chattanooga, Crossville, or Knoxville—making it accessible for most of the state. Stack this with other nearby parks—Savage Gulf State Park, Burgess State Park, or Cumberland Mountain State Park—for an epic road trip.

2. Rock Island State Park

Location: Rock Island, TN
Wow Factor: Twin Falls
Need to Know: A good place for kayaking, hiking, and swimming.

Rock Island State Park is one of the best state parks in Tennessee during the summer. The Caney River runs through this little slice of paradise, offering some of the best views in the state. As far as things to do? Visiting Twin Falls and Great Falls is a must-see. The whole area looks like it has been untouched since the beginning of time, with large cliffsides with water seeping out of the crevices of rocks.

Paddle down the river to see numerous little waterfalls, or go to the sandy swimming beach, or Caney River Gorge. Camping is also available in the park for RVing and tenting. Like Fall Creek Falls, this park is located in the middle of Tennessee, so it's easily accessible for most of the state.

3. Burgess Falls State Park

Location: Sparta, TN
Wow Factor: Burgess Falls
Need to Know: You can't get to the bottom of the falls from the state park, but you can hike to the top.

Burgess Falls State Park is popular thanks to its stunning waterfall of the same name. It's one of the top things to see in the park, which you can get to by hiking the Ridgetop Trail. Along the way, you'll see several high-flowing waterfalls in the canyon below. You can also launch a kayak from the Cane Hollow Recreation Area to paddle to the bottom of this impressive waterfall.

Even though it's eight miles away, the nearby Windows Cliff State Natural Area is managed by the park services and is well worth pairing with a visit to this park.

Best State Parks in Tennessee to Camp

Camping can be most fun while visiting state parks. Some of the best state parks in Tennessee also have some of the best camping. There is nothing quite like waking up for a day of adventuring and already being within the park's borders. Less travel time means more time enjoying the park itself, so grab your tent because these are the best state parks for camping.

4. Roan Mountain State Park

Location: Roan Mountain, TN
Wow Factor: Camping sites are located near a soothing creek.
Need to Know: One of the cleanest and most spacious campgrounds in all the state parks.

I've traveled all over the country, so I've visited many campgrounds over the years. Still, Roan Mountain State Park remains the best camping site I've been to. It's spacious and clean, there's plenty of room to set up camp, and the scenery is stunning. There are even camping spots near a running stream.

Hiking is a popular thing to do in Roan Mountain State Park. Try short hikes like Peg Leg Mine and Raven Rock Trail, which take you through the beautiful East Tennessee forest, or drive to the nearby Miller Homestead and Chestnut Overlook for the best mountain views. You can even hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail via the nearby Cherokee National Forest, or stay within the park to hike to Round Bald and back. It's an ideal getaway for people in the Tri-Cities area, like Bristol, Kingsport, or Johnson City.

5. Reelfoot Lake State Park

Location: Tiptonville, TN
Wow Factor: Camp right by the lake.
Need to Know: There are multiple boat launches within the park.

Reelfoot Lake State Park is in the northwest corner of Tennessee, near Kentucky and Missouri. It's home to one of the prettiest bodies of water in the state, which visitors can camp right next to. Of course, the lake is the star of the show in terms of things to do: you can go boating, kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. Birdwatchers will also enjoy this park, where you can spot bald eagles and pelicans.

Reelfoot Lake is also known as the "flooded forest" because of its thriving cypress trees that grow directly out of the water. Walk along the popular Reelfoot Boardwalk Trail to see them, or spot them from your campsite—where you can park an RV, tent, or stay in a cabin. This park, located in Tiptonville, is the perfect place to get away from it all. It's close enough to Union City, Jackson, and Memphis for a quiet lakeside retreat.

6. Chickasaw State Park

Location: Henderson, TN
Wow Factor: The park is located on the highest point in West Tennessee.
Need to Know: Campsites are available in the wooded areas and along the water.

Chickasaw State Park is one of the best campgrounds in West Tennessee. Situated on one of the highest points on this side of the state, it affords grand views and beautiful backdrops. Camp at this park and enjoy miles of easy-to-moderate hiking trails, biking paths, and opportunities to kayak or swim in Lake Placid. Avid golfers can tee off at the park's 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

This park is great for camping in large groups—the modern and rustic cabins available for rent are ideal. So, gather some family and friends and enjoy a group getaway, especially if you live in nearby Memphis, Jackson, or even Nashville.

Best State Parks in Tennessee to RV

Pack up the old camper because we have some fantastic campsites in our state park. No need to fight with setting up a tent or base camp because you can conveniently roll in and plant roots for a fantastic getaway. These state parks are highly sought after and great for RVs. So it might be time for a road trip in the future. Don't have a camper? No problem.

7. Tims Ford State Park

Location: Winchester, TN
Wow Factor: Located on a glorious peninsula.
Need to Know: This is a great campground for anyone who loves the outdoors and water activities.

Spend the weekend at what most consider the most scenic lake in all of Tennessee. Tims Ford State Park is a peninsula where the park is the destination. Water activities are high on the list of things to do here: take out your boat to go bass fishing, or rent a boat, canoe, or kayak for the day from the park's marina.

Tims Ford also has a golf course, easy and moderately rated hiking trails, and viewing vistas. There are also several campground options, including backcountry sites and pristine RV spots. You can park your camper right near the water or in the woods. And if you don't have a camper? The park's cabins are ready to be booked.

The closest big city is Chattanooga, but you will also be close to other great attractions, such as Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, Raccoon Mountain Caverns, and the charming town of Sewanee.

8. Natchez Trace State Park

Location: Wildersville, TN
Wow Factor: Located right off the Natchez Trace.
Need to Know: Great RV Camping, cabins, and even a lodge.

The Natchez Trace is one of the most scenic and relaxing routes in Tennessee. Stretching 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, this scenic drive is filled with hiking trails, history, and a laid-back approach to enjoying nature. The Natchez Trace State Park is located right in the middle of this scenic route.

I highly recommend using this park as a home base for exploring the Natchez Trace, but there are also plenty of things to do within Natchez Trace State Park itself. Guests can test their marksmanship skills at the firing range or the archery range. Enjoy the scenery by taking a hike, riding a bike, or riding on horseback. You can also go fishing, swimming, or paddling on the lake.

The two main campgrounds—a backcountry and the Wrangler Campground—are specifically designed for those traveling with horses, and include camping cabins and a luxury lodge. No matter how you like to travel, the options are endless at Natchez Trace State Park.

9. Montgomery Bell State Park

Location: Burns, TN
Wow Factor: A natural retreat from busy city life.
Need to Know: This state park is only 40 minutes from Nashville.

The best thing to do in Montgomery Bell State Park is simply relax. This park is less than an hour's drive from Nashville, making it perfect for city dwellers to retreat to a quiet place and immerse themselves in nature. This state park offers rugged mountain biking, a tranquil golf course, and cool water for swimming, paddling, and fishing. Take to the trails and explore easy-to-moderate hikes with lakeside views, surrounded by beautiful, thick forests to explore.

Just like the other parks on this list, the camping is second to none. Bring your tent or RV and enjoy the many sites right in the park, complete with all the hookups you need. Guests can also book a modern cabin or lodge with large windows looking out to the scenery and all the comforts of home. You can come from Nashville, Franklin, or Murfreesboro if you're local, but it's a great campground to visit even if you live far away.

Best State Parks in Tennessee for Hiking

Hiking is my favorite activity, and I believe it's the best way to truly appreciate an area. There's nothing like going to a state park and finding all of the best waterfalls, overlooks, and hiking trails. So lace up those hiking boots and put some miles on those soles at these incredible state parks. With all the hiking you'll be doing, I recommend downloading the AllTrails app—I never hit a trail without it.

10. Savage Gulf State Park

Location: Beersheba Springs, TN
Wow Factor: Waterfalls, overlooks, and amazing hiking trails.
Need to Know: This is one of the newest state parks in Tennessee.

Savage Gulf State Park is one of the newest additions and was previously part of South Cumberland State Park. Things to do at this park include rock climbing, picnicking, and swimming, and, of course, hiking. Some of our favorite trails include Stone Door, Greeter Falls, and Laurel Falls, but the entire park's trail system is interwoven and worth exploring.

If you're looking for more challenging hikes, this park is for you, with some trails stretching over 7 miles. You can also enjoy the rugged wilderness by staying at the backcountry campgrounds. Savage Gulf is centrally located in middle Tennessee and is easily accessible to most of the state—perfect for a weekend escape.

11. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

Location: Jamestown, TN
Wow Factor: Caves, waterfalls, arches, and more.
Need to Know: Hikes in this state park offer numerous points of interest.

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is one of the most unique and diverse state parks in Tennessee. There are plenty of things to do, including swimming, boating, fishing, and stargazing. In fact, Pickett CCC is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making it the perfect place for amateur astrologists to admire the night sky.

The hiking trails here are, of course, impressive. From giant caves to waterfalls and strange rock formations, there are so many points of interest along Pickett CCC's trails. After a day of exploring, you can camp out in a tent, RV, or the historic stone cabins. Plus, this park is close to Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which are vast wilderness spots filled with similar otherworldly formations and fun to explore.

12. South Cumberland State Park

Location: Monteagle, TN
Wow Factor: Caves, waterfalls, overlooks, and more.
Need to Know: This park is divided into several districts.

South Cumberland State Park is an interesting park because it's divided into several districts scattered around the Cumberland Plateau. With miles of trails, it's considered one of the best backpacking parks in the whole state. Take a pleasant stroll in fields of wildflowers or traverse rugged terrain like the Fiery Gizzard. One of my favorites is the Foster Falls hike, next to Buggy Top Trail, which will lead to a cave you can explore.

Because the primary focus of this park is the simple connection to nature, all but one of the five campgrounds are hike-in only. Nearby towns include Chattanooga, Georgia, and Alabama, if you wish to visit from a different state nearby. Just bring your GPS since this park is located across several districts.

Little-Known State Parks in Tennessee

Lesser known doesn’t mean lesser than. These hidden gems might not be seen by the vast majority, but they are still worth your time to visit. Due to historical significance, mysterious findings, and fascinating formations, these parks definitely demand your attention.

13. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Site

Location: Pinson, TN
Wow Factor: Massive and mysterious burial mounds.
Need to Know: They are still unraveling the story behind these strange mounds.

The allure of mysteries is a very strong pull, and that is just one of the intriguing things about Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Site. The story of these ancient mounds is still being written, with discoveries being made at a rapid pace. These massive mounds are thought to be Indigenous burial mounds that have ceremonial significance, and you can even hike to the top of them.

Explore the grounds and learn all there is to know, as archaeologists are discovering it right on site. There is a research lab and a museum in the park; in fact, that's one of the coolest things to do at this park. I'm still fascinated by its ancient past to this day. The park is close to Jackson, so it is also within traveling distance to much of western and middle Tennessee.

14. Dunbar Cave State Park

Location: Clarksville, TN
Wow Factor: Ancient wall art and fascinating rock formations.
Need to Know: Tour tickets are required to enter the cave.

Dunbar Cave also has ties to ancient people groups and is both a historical treasure trove and a geological wonderland. Top things to do at Dunbar Cave State Park include hiking the trails, looking for wildlife, and enjoying the scenery. The biggest attraction, however, is to book one of the four unique cave tours to explore the underground of this park.

Once inside the caves, you'll use flashlights to see pictographs and stunning rock formations. You'll also learn about its history as a musical venue in the 1900s, which they honor with annual concerts in the same location where hoedowns and big band swing dancing took place. This unique Tennessee state park is conveniently located in Clarksville, a short drive from Nashville or the Kentucky state line.

15. Sycamore Shoals State Historical Park

Location: Elizabethton, TN
Wow Factor: Stunning river walk as well as important history.
Need to Know: The location of some of the most important historical sites in Tennessee.

Sycamore Shoals State Historical Park isn't just a stunning natural place—it also holds significant Tennessee history. A battle between early pioneers and Indigenous Peoples took place there over disputes regarding sold land, and one of the people in the battle, John Sevier, went on to become the state's first governor.

When visiting the park, start at the museum to learn more about its history. Then head outside to see the replica fort, old log buildings, and the peaceful river. It's a perfect day trip location for anyone who finds themselves in the northeastern part of Tennessee.

Which of these amazing Tennessee state parks are you hoping to visit first? If you're already eyeing one to experience soon, consider planning a whole trip using Only In Your State's itinerary planner. It'll help you find the best dining, lodging, and other sightseeing opportunities nearby.