Reelfoot Lake State Park

Enjoy spending time on this natural lake initially formed by Mississippi floodwaters.

Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in northwestern Tennessee. The lake covers 15,000 acres and is perfect for boating and fishing. While swimming is not allowed on the lake, this state park offers plenty of opportunities for other activities like kayaking, hiking, and wildlife observation. If you come in February, be sure to participate in the annual Reelfoot Eagle Festival. Thousands of bald eagles nest in the area during January and February, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts. In the fall, thousands of pelicans come here during their migration. An annual Pelican Festival is held here in October. If you can't make it for the festivals, there are still hundreds of bird species to see year-round. 

Featuring a unique flooded cypress forest, Reelfoot Lake became a lake after a series of earthquakes that caused the Mississippi River to flow backward in the early 1800s. Guests are welcome to book a campsite right by the lake and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Anyone visiting for a family outing should stop by the museum and nature center to see raptors, snakes, and other wildlife up close. The museum and nature center are open year-round (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) and have free admission. Have a blast at Tennessee's Reelfoot Lake State Park with your friends and family.