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Tennessee
511

Tennessee State Parks

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USA Parks
Tennessee
West Region
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
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Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Queen Annes lace © Gale Reeves
wildflowers
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park water reflections © Gale Reeves
wildflowers and lake
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Look Closer... © Ashleigh Adamson
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Poplar Tree Lake © Greg
Poplar Tree lake is a great lake for paddling and fishing.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Do you see what I see © Ashleigh Adamson
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Along for the ride © Ashleigh Adamson
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Brian Benton
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Mighty Mississippi © Ashleigh Adamson
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Tracy Miller
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Tracy Miller
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Tracy Miller
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Tracy Miller
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Tracy Miller
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park © Tracy Miller
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MEEMAN-SHELBY FOREST STATE PARK
MEEMAN-SHELBY FOREST STATE PARK
910 Riddick Road
Millington, Tennessee   38053

Phone: 901-876-5215
Toll Free: 800-471-5293
Bordering on the mighty Mississippi River, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park are bottomland hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. The park also contains two lakes and many miles of hiking trails. The Meeman Museum and Nature Center is named for Edward J. Meeman, courageous conservation editor of Scripps-Howard newspapers who helped establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park maintains a boat ramp on the Mississippi River. Deer, turkey, beaver and some 200 species of birds are abundant.
Cabins
Meeman Shelby has six two-bedroom vacation cabins situated along the shore of Poplar Tree Lake in a heavily wooded section of the park. These cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping and food preparation. Linens are provided. They are ideal for family vacations or fishing parties and sleep up to six people in each. Reservations should be made in advance through the visitor center.

Cabins can accommodate six people, and are equipped with a VCR, television and linens. Kitchens are fully equipped, there is a fireplace and wood is furnished during the winter months. There is a double bed and two twin beds in each cabin along with two roll-out beds.

Cabins can be reserved up to one year in advance and are usually booked up to three weeks in advance. Cabin is available to accommodate pets for an additional charge. Contact the park for details. To make reservations: 800-471-5293

Cabins available that are accessible to persons with a disability
Camping
The park campground provides 49 campsites equipped with table, grill, electrical and water hookups. A modern bathhouse provides hot showers. There is a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs. Sites are available on a first-come, first served basis, however reservations may be made well in advance through the visitor center. Maximum stay limit is two weeks.

Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215

Group Camping

There are two group camps at Meeman Shelby. The groups camps are available to youth groups and can accommodate up to 140 (Piersol Group Camp) and 100 (Mississippi River Group Camp) persons. They consist of a large dining hall fully equipped for food preparation and serving, clusters of group cabins, bathhouses and one with a swimming pool. Campers need only provide linens, food, medical and sanitary supplies and staff. At Piersol Group Camp, bathroom facilities are attached to the bunkhouse and there are 4 showers. At the Mississippi River Group Camp, there are separate showers and restrooms.

Group camps are available from April through October, the camps are rented by the week only during the summer months, and on week-ends at other times. Reservations should be made well in advance through the visitor center.

Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215.
Boating
There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish. Rental jonboats are available at the park boat dock, but many enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. Personally owned boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake for a small launch fee, but no gasoline motors are allowed.

Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office

Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River

A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62. TWRA Fishing License Information
Fishing
There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish. Rental jonboats are available at the park boat dock, but many enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. Personally owned boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake for a small launch fee, but no gasoline motors are allowed.

Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office

Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River

A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62.


Location
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is located near Cordova, Germantown and Marion

Picnicking
There are 300 picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park. Each is conveniently located near restrooms, water fountains and playgrounds. Several picnic shelters are available for rent for large family and other group gatherings. 7 picnic pavilions available

The recreation lodge facility is an air conditioned building with chairs and tables that can accommodate up to 100 people.

For reservation information call: 901-876-5215
Trails
Trails open year round

More than 20 miles of hiking trails meander throughout the park. Some are located in the Mississippi River bottoms and are off limits during managed hunts. Bicycle trail accessible to persons with a disability
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore 20 miles of trails, but be aware some are steep and challenging.

Mountain bikers should note that the park's terrain is rugged with numerous elevation changes.

The paved road through the forest offers a less strenuous option for casual cyclists.

Bike rentals aren't available on-site; remember to bring your own equipment if you plan to cycle here.

Helmets are strongly recommended due to potential hazards along bike paths in this area.

Remember: safety first when biking - always stay alert and follow posted trail rules.
Nature Programs
Nature Center

Nature Center Hours:

March-May: Saturday & Sunday 1pm-5pm

May-October: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 1pm-5pm

October-March: Sunday 1pm-5pm

Exhibits include live snakes, fish aquarium, stuffed animal exhibit, a touch table and a Native American exhibit.

Special programs at the center include live birds of prey and reptile programs, making bird feeders, homemade ice cream, nature videos, deep swamp canoe trips and pontoon boat rides.
Birding
The park is a prime location for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded. It's home to the Mississippi Kite and Prothonotary Warbler. Other common sightings include Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, Wood Ducks and Barred Owls.

In winter months, visitors can spot waterfowl like Mallards or Great Blue Herons along Poplar Tree Lake. The forested areas are ideal for spotting woodland birds such as Eastern Towhees or Brown Thrashers year-round.

Bird watchers may also see migratory songbirds during springtime including Scarlet Tanagers and Indigo Buntings.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 29 A LIFETIME AT SHELBY FORREST by TOMMY W.
park review stars; one to five BORN AND RAISED IN MEMPHIS, AS TEENAGERS WE RODE HORSES AT THE ORIGINAL STABLES ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE PARK AND IT WAS OFTEN A WEEKEND RETREAT FOR LOCAL KIDS TO SWIM AND HIKE.. AS A ADULT MY ORGANIZATION HAS ITS ANNUAL BAR-B-Q CONTEST AT THE GROUP CAMP IN MAY.. THIS HAS BEEN TRADITION FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS, SEE YOU THERE ON FRI OF THIS WEEK.THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST RUN, MAINTAINED STATE PARKS IN TENN.PIERISOL GROUP CAMP IS A BLAST AND THE SIX PERSON CABINS ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE PARK ARE WELL ACOMMDATIED.
June 24 Awesome Swamp Tour! by Shirley
park review stars; one to five The swamp tour was a beautiful experience. We loved the scenery and Ranger Melissa!
May 19 close to home by horseyfamily
park review stars; one to five Our family loves Shelby Forest..We frequently camp in the campground and have never been dissapointed.. the staff is always very atentive and it feels like our second home..Looking forward to another great camping season..
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Frayser Bait Shop
2989 Thomas St
Memphis, TN
(901) 358-0006
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