Cedars of Lebanon State Park is named for the dense cedar forest that existed in the Biblical lands of Lebanon. The park contains 900 acres which are used for intensive recreation. An additional 8,100 acres are operated by the Parks Division as a natural area and by the Forestry Division as a State Forest.

Beginning in the 1940's botanists began to notice unique natural ecosystems found in and around Cedars of Lebanon State Park and Forest. These areas are natural rock gardens called cedar glades. The presence of glades is due to limestone rock coming so close to the surface of the ground that it causes the soil to be thin or absent. What little soil is there builds up along cracks and potholes in the limestone slab. Water and surface temperatures vary so much throughout the year that a harsh, desert-like, inhospitable habitat is created with its own unique plant community. Nineteen rare and endangered species of plants grow profusely here and no where else in the world.

Cedars of Lebanon State Park and State Forest are located in the southwestern part of Wilson County within the Central Basin of Tennessee. During the early 1800's, many of the original settlers gained land ownership through land grants for their service during the Revolutionary War. They found the area to be a vast cedar forest. This forest (although it actually consists of juniper trees mistaken for cedars by the first arrivals) suggested to these pioneers the biblical name of the 'place of Cedars'. Lebanon is the closest town and was named by these early settlers due to this association.

Cedars of Lebanon has nine modern, two-bedroom cabins that can sleep up to six people. Each cabin is fully equipped for housekeeping. Cabins also have televisions and a pay phone can be found close by. Cabins can be reserved up to a year in advance with reservations being made through the park office up to a year in advance.

Deluxe AAA Cabins:The deluxe cabins are fully furnished with two bedrooms, complete kitchen, living area, and one bathroom. The first bedroom is on the ground floor and has a double bed. The second bedroom is on the upper floor, and it also has a double bed. There is also a loft with an extra double bed. The kitchen has a stove, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffeemaker, and all cooking utensils. Visitors only need to bring their own groceries. The living area has a television, two couches, and a fireplace with gas logs. All linens and towels are provided.

Standard AA Cabin:The standard cabin is also fully furnished with one bedroom, complete kitchen, living area, and one bathroom. The bedroom has one double bed and the living area has one cozy couch. There is a television in the living area. The kitchen has a stove, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee maker, and is equipped with cooking utensils. All linen and towels are provided and this cabin is equipped with a laundry room. Also, there is a fireplace with gas logs.

Standard A Cabin:This cabin has a combined bedroom and living area. This area has one double bed, television, and one couch. The kitchen is fully furnished with a stove, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee maker, and all cooking utensils. There is one bathroom with only a shower, no bathtub. All linens are provided. The cabin also has a fireplace with gas logs.

To make cabin reservations, call 800-713-5180.

The park has 117 campsites, all with picnic tables and grills, electric and water hookups. There are 30 tent and pop-up sites available. Three bathhouses provide hot showers, lavatories and commodes. There is a campstore (open seasonally), souvenir shop, laundromat and a dumping station for self-contained camping rigs. The campground is open year-round and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum stay is two weeks.

Campstore: 615-453-3027

No primitive camping.

The park features an olympic-plus-sized swimming pool and ample space for sunbathing. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer months. The pool opens Memorial Day week-end. There are two diving boards.

Contact the park for information on pool rental for parties. For more information call 615-443-2769.