2595 TN-21
Tiptonville, Tennessee
731-253-9652

Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee and consists of 280 acres broken into 10 different segments that are situated along 22 miles of Reelfoot Lake shoreline. Reelfoot Lake is Tennessee’s largest natural lake and was created by the New Madrid earthquakes during the winter of 1811 and 1812. This partially submerged forest encompasses 25,000 acres, 15,000 of which are water, and harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird including the golden and American bald eagles. Other animals are also diverse and abundant here. Its many species of flowering and non-flowering plants attract botany enthusiasts. Bald cypress dominates the margins of the lake, but many other trees and shrubs are also present. Since 1930, water levels in the lake have been regulated by the construction and operation of a spillway at the southern end. Poor agricultural practices had resulted in siltation of the lake occurring far more rapidly than it should, as it was common practice for cotton and soybeans to be planted up to the water's edge until governmental agencies purchased the entire shoreline. Reelfoot Lake is said to be named for an Native American chief who had a deformed foot and was nicknamed "Reelfoot" by settlers in the early 1800s.

Hiking
Reelfoot Lake is the home to a large variety of wildlife. The park's three easy to moderate hiking trails allow access to the unique wetland areas of Reelfoot Lake. The Airpark Trail is a 45 minute walk through old cypress forest and second growth vegetation. The Keystone Trail winds along the shoreline of Reelfoot Lake for 1.5 miles and is the only lakeshore trail. The Black Bayou Trail goes along the old bayou for approximately 2 miles.

Bird Watching
Reelfoot Lake’s location along Mississippi Flyway, which nearly half of North America's bird species and about 40 percent of its waterfowl use, creates opportunities to view a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, and songbirds. The lake is known as a great place to view Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Ospreys, and other birds of prey.

Reelfoot Lake State Park is the site of the R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum which features a variety of exhibits and audio visual programs explaining the ecology, history, and culture of the area and includes the cypress boardwalk nature trail. The nature center at the museum contains various non-releasable raptors, several snakes, and other wildlife. The facility has a gift shop that features wildlife field guides, nature books, and books on area history. An Auto Tour visits 12 points of interest and circles Reelfoot Lake. Trail and Auto Tour information is available at the park's visitor center.

During the winter months Reelfoot Lake is home to approximately 200 American Bald Eagles and spectacular numbers of waterfowl. Experienced park naturalists lead daily bald eagle and waterfowl bus or van tours from early January through the end of February. Telescopes for viewing and intriguing information about the natural and cultural history of the wildlife and area are provided. Programs by invited guest speakers or park staff are offered every Saturday night during the winter eagle season. These programs cover a wide variety of themes such as bald eagles, Reelfoot Lake, photography, history, other interesting topics, and live birds of prey demonstrations. Bald Eagle and Waterfowl Tours reservations for individuals or groups are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center at 1-731-253-9652.

Boating and fishing are popular activities at Reel Foot Lake. As a flooded forest Reelfoot Lake is full of submerged cypress stumps. Hitting stumps is common but usually isn’t a concern unless the boater is going fast. No water skiing or jet skiing is allowed on Reelfoot Lake. Jon boats are the most popular boat used along with canoes. Fishing is available year round. Bass, crappie, bream, and catfish are most popular species sought. Appropriate Tennessee license and lake permits are required. Some fish cleaning stations are available. Private bait and boat rental concessions are located in the vicinity. Piers, boardwalks, and bank fishing are available.

Reelfoot Lake State Park features two campgrounds. The south campground offers 86 sites open from mid March until mid November. The Airpark campground offers 14 sites open year round. Both campgrounds have bathhouses with showers and dumping stations. All sites have water and electric hook ups and tables and grills. Primitive campsites are also available. Maximum stay is two weeks. Pets accepted on leash. The park also has a five-unit motel at the Spillway area. All Spillway units can sleep 3 people and have a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker. Three Spillway units provide kitchenettes. Pet rooms are available. Visit Reelfoot Lake State Park’s camping webpage for more information.

Reelfoot Lake State Park provides one meeting room. Reelfoot’s 3,750 square foot air conditioned Ellington Hall Auditorium with kitchen facilities can seat approximately 400 people theater style or 240 people banquet style. This room is perfect for banquets, reunions, or meetings. It is available year round at nominal costs. Reservations are accepted up to 12 months in advance. The park offers visitors approximately 200 picnic sites. Most of the sites have grills. All sites are adjacent to drinking water, toilet facilities, and playgrounds. There are five large pavilions for group use. All sites are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Pavilions may be reserved with a nominal fee.

Annual Events at Reelfoot Lake State Park include Bald Eagle and Waterfowl Tours in January and February, scenic boat tours from May through September, and the Arts and Crafts Festival on the first weekend in October.

Visiting Reelfoot Lake State Park
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Visitor Center Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm daily
There is no charge to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park.

Directions: Reelfoot Lake State Park is located at various points off TN-21, TN-22, and TN-78 on the south, west and northwest parts of the lake. The Visitor Center is located on the southwest portion of the lake off TN-21/TN-22.