Visit Reelfoot Lake
This area has long been a mecca for hunters, birdwatchers and outdoor water sports enthusiasts because of nearby Reelfoot Lake.
Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee and is noted for its fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. The 15,000 acre lake was created by a series of violent earthquakes in 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a short period of time.
The park’s ecosystem is unlike any other place in Tennessee. Reelfoot Lake is a flooded forest. While Cypress trees rise above the water, below the surface are many submerged Cypress stumps. A variety of aquatic plants and flowers occupy the shoreline and saturate the shallow water. The lake harbors almost every kind of shore and wading birds as well as golden and American bald eagles.
Reelfoot Lake offers a variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing, boat tours and more. Find more information on these activities here.
A park map can be found here and a park brochure can be found here.
For more information about Reelfoot Lake State Park, visit tnstateparks.com/parks/info/reelfoot-lake.
Looking for a place to eat at Reelfoot Lake? Visit Blue Bank Resort, Boyette’s Dining Room, Cheatham’s Pit BBQ or The Boat House Restaurant.
Pelican Fest and Outdoor Expo
The annual celebration of the American white pelican at Reelfoot Lake State Park continues with lake tours, vendors and more on October 18-20.
Discover the best in outdoor living featuring top brands and products at the Outdoor Expo on October 19.
Paddling – Kayak and Canoe Rentals
Kayaks and canoes are rented by the hour or daily, year-round. Stop by the Camp Store in the South Campground or call to reserve a boat. PFDs are included. For more information, call 731-538-3356.
Rates:
- Canoe: $8 hourly
- Canoe: $27 – $29 daily
- Kayak – Single: $8 hourly
- Kayak – Tandem: $11 hourly
Tours
Reelfoot Lake offers a variety of tours throughout the year. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information or to make a reservation, call the visitors center at 731-253-9652.
- January and February, Eagle Tours
- Eagle Festival
- Pontoon Photography Tours for Groups: $50 per person with a 7 person minimum for a 3-hour tour.
- March and April, Deep Swamp Canoe Tours
- May through the end of September, Scenic Pontoon Boat Tours
- July – Lily Pad Canoe Tours
- October – Pelican Festival
Boating
There are few large boats on the lake which makes it a nice place for canoes, kayaks and jon boats when the winds are calm. Boats may be rented from local private businesses. The park has five public boat launch ramps to accommodate fishing boats and small pontoon boats. The park offers a variety of canoe and pontoon boat tours throughout the year.
For more information on boating and fees for fishing and hunting, visit www.tnwildlife.org.
- Daily Permit: $4
- 3-Day Permit: $11
- Annual Permit: $17 – $19
Note: Fees listed may be in addition to any applicable licensing or access fees charged by other agencies.
Hiking
Reelfoot Lake has several easy hiking trails that are fun for the whole family.
- Campground Trail – 0.5 miles – Natural – Easy
- Keystone Trail – 1.5 miles – Natural – Easy
- Black Bayou Trail – 2.0 miles – Natural – Easy
- Airpark Trail – 1.5 miles – Natural – Easy
- Visitor Center Boardwalk – 0.5 miles – Boardwalk – Easy
Fishing
Fishing is productive by boat, from the bank, pier and boardwalk. A special lake permit is required. Fish cleaning stations are located throughout the park and many guides are available locally. Bait, tackle, snacks and fishing licenses are for sale at nearby locations.
For more information on boating and fees for fishing and hunting, visit www.tnwildlife.org.
Birding
While Reelfoot Lake is known for its eagles and Eagle Festival, White Pelicans also make the park home during their annual fall migration. A variety of other birds can be seen from the visitor center, including prothonotary warblers, double-crested cormorants, wood ducks and various wading birds. For more park and nearby birding locations, view flyer. Reelfoot Lake offers a variety of birding canoe floats and boat tours throughout the year. For more information or to make a reservation please call the visitor center at 731-253-9652.
Camping
Nightly rates vary based on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable. Please note that check-in time is 4:00pm and Check-out is at 12:00pm.
South Campground: The campground is located on Tennessee Highway 21-22, on the south end of Reelfoot Lake. There are 86 RV and tent campsites. Two bathhouses have hot showers and one has a washer, dryer and dish washing area. There is a dump station located at the entrance.
- Campground host available 24 hours
- Camper check-in station with ice nearby
- Boat launching ramp area
- Fish cleaning house with electricity and water
- Bait – 2 miles (privately owned bait shops with fishing supplies)
- Boats – available for rent from private facilities (within 1 to 5 miles)
- Pavilion
- Interpretive programs during the summer months
Airpark North Campground: There are 14 RV campsites (up to 35 feet) with 30-amp electrical hookups and water hookups. There are also 10 primitive tent only campsites. A dump station and a bathhouse with hot showers and heat are nearby.
Cabins
The park has seven cabins that offer first-class comfort and modern convenience on the shoreline of Reelfoot Lake. All cabins have spacious living, dining and kitchen areas and a choice of two or three bedrooms. Cabins accommodate six to eight people depending on the design. Amenities include two full bathrooms, full size kitchen, dishwasher, central heat and air, an electric fireplace, outdoor charcoal grills and patios. All cabins have lakeside views and are pet-friendly. The cabins are also equipped with cable TV and WiFi service.
Premium Cabins: $243 – $563
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change. $5 reservation fee per cabin is non-refundable. $10 cancellation fee per cabin applies. Pets are only permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins. There is an additional charge of $20 per night, per pet.
Cabins are available by reservation year-round with a two-night minimum (holidays and other special events may require longer minimum stays) and can be reserved up to a year in advance online with reservations being made through the park office up to two years in advance. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Pets are only permitted in pet-friendly cabins. Two ADA cabins are available and should be requested when reservations are made.
Blue Bank Resort
- Lakeside Hotel Rooms: $169 – $199
- Cabins & Condos for Two to Four People: $189 – $209
- Cabins for Six to 10 People: $219 – $399
- House for 10 t0 15 People: $499
Venues
Ellington Auditorium is ideal for banquets, reunions and meetings. The 3,700-square-foot, air conditioned hall with kitchen facilities can seat approximately 400 people theatre-style or 240 people banquet-style. Some audio/visual equipment is available and outside catering can be used to provide food and beverages. Please contact the park office directly for detailed pricing, reservations and more information. Reservations are accepted up to 12 months in advance.
- Monday – Thursday rate: $268 – $284
- Friday – Sunday rate: $319 – $339
Pavilions
Reelfoot Lake State Park has a total of five picnic shelters/pavilions that may be reserved for your next event or gathering. Depending on the shelter, the maximum capacity ranges from 40 to 90 people. The shelters are equipped with picnic tables and a grill. Most of them have restrooms. Full day shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park.
Rate: $52
Picnic shelters or pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee. There is a $5 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled eight days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled seven days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees.
