~ Carmen

Reelfoot Lake State Park is a 15,000 acre lake that is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee.  Known as a fisherman’s paradise, Reelfoot Lake State Park is also a great place to go camping.  The park offers camping year-around in its 2 campgrounds.

Originally created by a series of earthquakes between 1811 and 1812, Reelfoot Lake started out as a cypress tree forest.  After several earthquakes flooded the area, the cypress trees continued to grow, giving the lake its distinctive look.  Since the lake is very shallow and is covered with cypress trees and their knobby knees, fish and birds flourish here.

Migrating pelicans call Reelfoot Lake their home during the months of October and November.

Camping at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tennessee

Camping

There are 2 campgrounds at Reelfoot Lake State Park, one on the north side of the lake and one on the south side.  Due to its location close to Memphis (where we live) and its proximity to the park’s visitor center, we like to camp at the south campground.  The south campground has 86 paved RV and tent sites, all of which have water and electric hookups.  There are 3 bathhouses that have restrooms.  Two of the bathhouses have hot showers and one has a washer, dryer, and dish washing area.  A dump station is located at the campground entrance.

The north campground isn’t as big or as popular.  That campground has 14 RV campsites with electrical and water hookups. There are also 10 primitive tent-only campsites. A dump station and a bathhouse with hot showers and heat are nearby.

Reelfoot Lake South Campground

South Campground Bathhouse

Cabins

We recently rented one of the 7 new cabins at Reelfoot Lake State Park.  These are very popular and should be reserved well in advance.  In our cabin, we enjoyed a lovely lake view, full kitchen, wifi, electric fireplace, and a big screen TV!  Cabins are pet-friendly and sleep 6-10 people.

The new cabin we rented this past weekend- very nice!

Tennessee Employee Discount

I recently just found out about a discount given at all Tennessee State Parks to Tennessee current and retired employees.  As a public school teacher, that includes me!  I just have to show my ID.

Cabin Discount: March 1- November 30 25% discount
December 1- February 29 50% discount
To receive the discount, reservations may be made no more than 30 days in advance of arrival.

Campsite Discount: March 1 through November 30 25% discount
December 1- February 29  50% discount

State employees even get a 15% discount at all Tennessee State Park gift shops!

Reelfoot Lake Events

Reelfoot Lake State Park has a number of family friendly events all throughout the year.  In January and February, there are eagle tours every day.  We recently took an eagle tour and saw 22 eagles!  Canoeing and pontoon boat tours start up when the weather warms up.  In the fall, the migrating pelicans make an appearance and can be seen up close in the park boat tours.

For more information on campground or cabin reservations and park events see: tnstateparks.com

Migrating pelicans make their appearance at Reelfoot each fall.

Sunrise pontoon boat tour at Reelfoot Lake State Park

Have you been to Reelfoot Lake State Park?   Please share by commenting below! We’d love to hear about any campgrounds to check out.  Keep up with all of our travel, camping, and cycling tips by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest (lots of camping pins).  Leave us your email (blue box below the post) to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and never miss a post!

~ Carmen

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