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Tennessee
321

Tennessee State Parks

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USA Parks
Tennessee
West Region
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
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Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Cabins © Cindy Kryscio
A look at the rental cabins across the water.
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Pavillion © Cindy Kryscio
A pavillion located inside the park. Nice area, right next to the Bedford cabin.
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park River view © Cindy Kryscio
A view across the river/lake from the cabin area.
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Bedford Cabin © Cindy Kryscio
The cabin where Nathan Bedford Forrest stayed when in the area, fighting. It has been relocated but still remains the same.
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Bosting and fishing © Cindy Kryscio
All types of boats can be seen on the lake. Fishing or pleasure
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Eva, TN beach area © Cindy Kryscio
Eva Beach a area that has some parking, picnic and beach area. Great place for the kids to play on the beach
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Eva, TN beach area © Cindy Kryscio
A look back from the beach at Eva, TN, a partion of the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Wild Flowers © Cindy Kryscio
Some of the many flowers seen in the park.
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NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST STATE PARK
NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST STATE PARK
1825 Pilot Knob Road
Eva, Tennessee   38333

Phone: 731-584-6356
Reservations: 800-714-7305
The park was named for General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the intrepid Confederate cavalry leader, who on November 4, 1864, attacked and destroyed the federal supply and munitions depot at (Old) Johnsonville at the mouth of Trace Creek. His operations were concentrated along the river in the vicinity of the park and the town of Eva.

In 1929 the park was dedicated to Nathan Bedford Forrest on land acquired in part from Benton County. Forrest was one of the greatest military tacticians and leaders of the American Civil War.
Cabins
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is proud to announce the addition of 7 new cabins at the park. Six will feature 2 bedrooms with 2 full size beds in each room and 2 full baths. One cabin will be accessible to persons with a disability that will feature 3 beds and 2 accessible bathrooms. Each cabin will feature a furnished kitchen, air conditioning, gas log fireplace, phone and outside grill. Fresh linens are provided although there is no maid service. There will be a three night minimum on holiday weekends.
Camping
The park has three campgrounds, two of those being primitive. Happy Hollow camping area has 38 sites, each equipped with tables, grills, water and electrical hookups. This area is served by a playground, a central bathhouse with showers, lavatories, and commodes. A dump station for self-contained trailer rigs is available.

The second campground is primitive camping with 15 available sites. Water is available, but not at each site; and there is a central restroom. All campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

The third campground is available for supervised youth groups such as scouts, etc. This campground is available upon request and is located on Kentucky Lake near the park office. The area is served by porta-johns and water is located nearby. There is no charge for use of the area, but adult supervision is required.

The campground renovation is complete. The twenty-four sites have new electrical service boxes with 50 amp, 30 amp, and 20 amp receptacles.
Lodge
Group Lodge:

This modern group lodge has a maximum capacity of 64 persons. It is divided into two units, each with toilet facilities. It is completely equipped for food preparation and serving, but no linens are provided. The kitchen is equipped with 2 commercial ovens, stove with 10 burners, 4 large commercial refrigerators and an 18 cu. ft. freezer.

Reservations for this facility should be made well in advance by writing or calling the park office.
Swimming
1. The park offers a swimming pool, open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
2. Swimming is permitted in Kentucky Lake with no lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk.
3. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular water activities within the park's boundaries.
4. Fishing opportunities abound for those who prefer to be near the water but not necessarily in it.
5. Boat rentals available include paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks for exploring or fishing on Kentucky Lake.

Boating
Boating, skiing, and fishing are very popular activities on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Three boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.
Fishing
Fishing is very popular on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Large catches of smallmouth, largemouth, striped bass, sauger, crappie, bream, and catfish are not uncommon on Kentucky Lake. Two boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.

A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.


Location
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is located near Camden, Clarksville

Picnicking
The park has two picnicking areas. Each area has tables, water spigots and grills. Restrooms and playgrounds are located nearby.

Three picnic pavilions are available for group use, and may be reserved by calling the park office. Pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance.

Bicycling
For bike enthusiasts, the park offers several trails of varying difficulty. Be aware that some paths are quite challenging.

The 20-mile overnight trail is a popular choice for experienced bikers. It's not recommended for beginners due to its length and terrain.

Shorter options include three miles of paved roads suitable even for casual riders or families with children on bikes.

Bikers must be cautious as they share these routes with hikers and horseback riders; always yield right-of-way to pedestrians and equestrians.

Helmets should be worn at all times while biking in the park - safety first!

Remember, off-road cycling isn't permitted here so stick strictly to designated pathways only.

Lastly, ensure your bicycle is well-maintained before embarking on any ride within this natural haven.
Nature Programs
The park has a full-time ranger-naturalist who conducts regularly scheduled programs throughout the summer months and special programs on request the rest of the year. Programs include campfires, movies, slide shows, guided tours, demonstrations, and arts and crafts. Several interesting natural and cultural exhibits are featured at the park office.

Programs that are offered year-round and travel to schools include: Birds of Prey, Civil War History, River Culture, Native Plants & Animals, Nature Films and Indian Life.Seasonal programs include: Hay Rides, Owl Prowl Program and Campfire Programs.
Area Attractions
Interpretive Center and Museum

Pilot Knob, the highest elevation in West Tennessee, houses the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center. The center features the life, ways, and customs of folks on the Tennessee River and includes musseling, crafts, commercial fishing, and more. Visitors can also enjoy browsing the gift shop that offers a large variety of TN State Park souvenirs and other items.

HOURS:8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7 days a week11am-12pm the museum is closed for lunch each day.**The park will open the Center upon request during days that we do not have any staff available.

Special Events:

Easter Egg Hunt - April

Gospel Singing - June

Folklife Festival - September

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 16 Very interesting by Brent
park review stars; one to five Good information on river life and Battle of Johnsonville. A must see for histry buffs.
May 30 Great for the kids by Denise
park review stars; one to five My husband and I took our four kids and they say that they liked Nathan Bedford forest more than any other campground we have been to.
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Buddy's Retail & Fish Market
900 Missionary Grove Church Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-0884
Hunt's Outdoors
330 Clydeton Rd
Waverly, TN
(931) 296-1297
Area Cabins and Lodges
Birdsong Resort Marina & RV Campground: Resort & Marina
255 Marina Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-7880
Beaver Dam Lodge and Marina
1280 Lodge Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-3963
Birdsong Resort Marina & RV
255 Marina Rd
Camden, TN
(731) 584-7880
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Take Exit 126 on Interstate 40 and travel North on Hwy. 641 for 15 miles to Camden. Turn right on Highway 70 East (do not take the 70 By-pass) at the traffic signal. Follow the signs to the park.

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Tennessee
321

Tennessee State Parks

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