Reelfoot State Park Campground

Hello, fellow Tennesseans, and welcome to a truly extraordinary corner of our state: Reelfoot State Park Campground in Tiptonville, TN! If you're seeking a camping experience that is as rich in history and natural beauty as it is in outdoor adventure, you've found your ideal destination. Reelfoot Lake is unlike any other body of water, formed by a series of powerful earthquakes in the early 1800s that even caused the Mississippi River to flow backward. This incredible geological event created a "flooded forest" landscape, where cypress trees emerge from the water, providing a unique habitat for an astonishing array of wildlife.

For those of us who cherish the outdoors, Reelfoot State Park Campground offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in this ecological marvel. As one happy camper shared, "We've visited 3 times over the past few years and we've had a WONDERFUL time every single time!" Visitors consistently praise the "really gorgeous place," the "stunning wildlife," and the exceptionally "friendly and accommodating" staff and park rangers. Whether you're pulling in with an RV, setting up a tent, or even considering a cozy cabin stay, this park provides a peaceful and engaging environment for all. It's a place where you can launch your kayak directly from your waterfront campsite, watch the "waves get pretty gnarly" on the lake, or embark on a fascinating "cookout cruise" to explore areas beyond your paddle reach. Reelfoot State Park Campground is not just a place to stay; it's an invitation to fall in love with a beautiful and historically significant part of Tennessee.

Reelfoot State Park Campground is conveniently located at 2595 TN-21 E, Tiptonville, TN 38079, USA. This prime address places it directly on the shores of the iconic Reelfoot Lake, making it incredibly accessible for locals from across Tennessee. Tiptonville itself, while a smaller community, is the heart of the Reelfoot Lake area, offering easy access to local services, bait shops, and dining options.

The park's location on TN-21 E ensures straightforward navigation for campers arriving by RV or car. It’s nestled in the northwestern corner of the state, making it a manageable drive for many Tennesseans seeking a weekend escape or a longer vacation focused on nature. Despite its somewhat remote and pristine natural setting, it remains well-connected to major routes that cross West Tennessee. The benefits of this location are immense: direct access to the lake means more time spent fishing, kayaking, or observing wildlife, and less time commuting. As one reviewer highlighted, choosing a "waterfront campsite" allows for immediate kayak launching and even leaving them "tied up in the water the entire time." This direct interaction with the lake is a major draw, positioning Reelfoot State Park Campground as a top-tier destination for those who value true outdoor immersion right here in our own state.

Reelfoot State Park Campground is a full-service state park facility, ensuring a comprehensive and comfortable camping experience for its visitors. While some areas are undergoing renovation (like the South Campground until May 2025, with Airpark North Campground taking reservations during this time), the park is committed to providing essential amenities. Here are the typical services you can expect:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The park offers 86 RV and tent campsites (in the South Campground, when open, and 14 RV sites/10 primitive tent sites in Airpark North Campground). Many sites are paved.
• Full Hookups: RV sites typically provide 20, 30, and 50-amp electrical hookups and water hookups. Some sites also have sewer connections, while dump stations are available at the entrance of both main campgrounds.
• Clean Bathhouses: The park features multiple bathhouses with restrooms and hot showers. One bathhouse in the South Campground also includes a washer, dryer, and dishwashing area.
• 24-Hour Campground Host: A host is often available to assist campers with needs and inquiries, enhancing the sense of security and support.
• Camper Check-in Station with Ice: Convenient access to ice near the check-in station for essential camping needs.
• Boat Launching Ramps: Dedicated areas for launching boats, vital for lake access.
• Fish Cleaning House: Equipped with electricity and water, this facility is a major convenience for anglers.
• Interpretive Programs: Offered during the summer months, these programs provide educational insights into the lake's unique ecosystem, history, and wildlife.
• Kayak/Canoe Rentals: Available at the Camp Store in the South Campground (though currently unavailable due to renovation).
• Gift Shop/Camp Store: For purchasing gear, snacks, and other supplies.
• ADA Accessible Facilities: The park strives to provide accessibility in various areas, including some cabins and campsites.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the campground area, with proper restraints.

Reelfoot State Park Campground is brimming with features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for campers in Tennessee:

• Unique Geological Origin: The lake's fascinating history, formed by major earthquakes, creates a "flooded forest" landscape unlike any other. This offers stunning, picturesque views with cypress trees rising from the water.
• Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including a spectacular array of shore and wading birds, and is a major wintering ground for bald eagles. As a reviewer noted, "The wildlife is absolutely stunning."
• Prime Fishing Destination: Reelfoot Lake is renowned for its excellent crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish fishing. The campground's facilities, including boat ramps and a fish cleaning house, directly support this popular activity.
• Kayaking and Boating Opportunities: The calm, shallow waters and unique cypress landscape make it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and jon boats. Many waterfront sites allow for direct kayak launch and secure tying.
• Engaging Interpretive Programs and Tours: The park offers a variety of programs, including highly recommended "cookout cruises" and seasonal bald eagle tours (January-February), providing deeper insights into the lake's ecosystem and history. The "welcome center is amazing," and visitors "fell in love with the staff, the park rangers."
• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Consistent feedback highlights the helpfulness and friendliness of park staff, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
• Variety of Campsites: Offering both RV and tent sites, including waterfront options, with essential hookups and paved pads.
• On-Site Amenities: Clean bathhouses with hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station provide comfort and convenience.
• Hiking Trails: While not extensive for long backpacking trips, the park offers several easy hiking trails, including a boardwalk near the Visitor Center, perfect for bird watching and exploring the unique habitat.
• Educational Visitor Center: The R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum and Nature Center offers exhibits on the lake's origin, ecosystem, and local wildlife, including non-releasable raptors and snakes.

As a Tennessee State Park, Reelfoot State Park Campground offers various discounts and potential promotions designed to make camping more accessible for residents and specific groups. While specific, limited-time special offers might vary, here are common discounts you can typically inquire about:

• Tennessee Resident Discount: Tennesseans aged 18 and older with a valid state-issued photo ID can often receive a 10% discount off the normal rate for campsites. This discount is applicable when reserved by phone or online.
• Senior Discounts: Seniors aged 62 and older may receive a 25% discount on standard camping fees during the in-season and a significant 50% discount during the off-season.
• Active Military & Veterans Discounts: US Active Military members and veterans can often take advantage of a 25% to 50% discount on nightly camping rates, or a 10% discount on their entire stay with a valid military ID.
• Disabled Campers Discount: Residents and non-residents of Tennessee who are disabled may qualify for special discounts on select campsites, typically around 25% in-season and 50% off-season.
• Tennessee State Employee Discount: Tennessee State Employees and retirees can qualify for a 25% to 50% discount on campsite rates, typically for reservations made within 30 days of arrival.
• Seasonal Promotions: Tennessee State Parks sometimes offer special promotions, such as 30% off winter camping during certain months. It's always worth checking the official Tennessee State Parks website or signing up for their emails for these announcements.

It's important to note that discounts generally cannot be combined and may not apply to "premium sites." Always confirm eligibility and availability when making your reservation directly with the park or through the Tennessee State Parks reservation system.

To plan your memorable camping trip to Reelfoot State Park Campground, inquire about current site availability, or learn more about specific programs and services, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Phone: (731) 253-9652

Mobile Phone: +1 731-253-9652

Address: 2595 TN-21 E, Tiptonville, TN 38079, USA

For reservations, you can often book directly through the Tennessee State Parks website (reserve.tnstateparks.com/reelfoot-lake/campsites), which also provides details on individual site features and current availability. Given the popularity of the park, especially during prime fishing, birdwatching, and duck hunting seasons, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, particularly if you desire a waterfront site or are traveling during peak times. Don't hesitate to call the friendly staff with any specific questions you might have about your visit to this incredible Tennessee gem.

For us Tennesseans, Reelfoot State Park Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's an accessible gateway to one of our state's most fascinating and ecologically rich natural wonders. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in the unique experiences it offers and the practical conveniences it provides for our state's residents.

Firstly, its location in Tiptonville puts this extraordinary "flooded forest" within a manageable drive for many across Tennessee. This means you can easily plan weekend getaways or longer vacations without the stress of extensive travel, allowing more time to enjoy the park's offerings. It’s an ideal choice for a quick escape into nature when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The core appeal is, of course, Reelfoot Lake itself. As one reviewer aptly noted, "The history behind this lake is very interesting," and its formation creates an "oceanic atmosphere" with "waves that can get pretty gnarly." This unique environment offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities that are distinct from other parts of Tennessee. For avid anglers, the lake is a fishing paradise. For birdwatchers, the abundance of migratory birds, including wintering bald eagles, is a spectacle not to be missed. The ability to launch kayaks directly from waterfront campsites, as highlighted by a satisfied visitor, allows for an intimate connection with the lake’s serene beauty.

Furthermore, the park's commitment to providing a high-quality experience is evident in the positive feedback about the "stunning wildlife," "friendly and accommodating" staff and park rangers, and the "amazing" welcome center. The availability of amenities like full hookups, clean bathhouses, fish cleaning stations, and interpretive programs means that you can enjoy the rugged beauty of nature with comfortable conveniences.

Reelfoot State Park Campground truly allows Tennesseans to "fall in love with the lake" and appreciate the dedicated individuals who "take care of this beautiful park." It offers a blend of natural wonder, recreational opportunities, and supportive facilities that make it an outstanding choice for your next local outdoor adventure. It’s a piece of Tennessee’s natural heritage, inviting you to explore and create lasting memories.