Frequently Asked Questions

You can find park contact information on the Contact Us page.

Park rules, regulations, and policies are listed on the Policies page. 

All parks are open to the public seven days a week, 365 days a year. Park offices, museums, visitor centers, and historic sites may be closed two days per week and their hours may vary. The hours for most parks are one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. Contact the individual park for more information.

When planning your trip, it is often helpful to review Active Alerts to ensure the park or area you wish to visit is currently open.

No. There is no access fee charged for any state park. All state parks in Tennessee are free to enter and enjoy. Some activities at parks may require permits or reservations, but hiking and enjoying the natural environment are always free. Donations are accepted instead of access fees and help further the mission of state parks to provide access to public lands. 

All Tennessee State Parks are open for recreational activities during the winter. Most cabins, campsites, lodges, golf courses, and restaurants are open year-round. Some may have shortened hours during the holidays. Please refer to individual parks for specifics. Please check with the individual park to determine the availability of specific amenities. To contact the park manager, visit the Contact Us page.

The easiest way to make a reservation to spend the night or play a round of golf is at our Reservations page. Interested in bringing a group or a conference to a state park? Learn more about groups and event planning under Plan a Gathering. 

Cabin and campsite reservation cancellations and changes must be made by calling the park with which the reservation has been made or through the Cancellations page. Cancellations will not be accepted via email, social media, voicemail, or other forms of electronic communication. The Park or Hospitality Manager has the discretion to adjust the cancellation procedures as deemed necessary. Visit our Policies page for more information.

Individual lodge room reservations can be canceled online or by calling our central reservations at 1-888-867-2757. For online cancellations, visit your lodge’s reservation page and follow the cancellation link at the bottom of the page. See our Policies page for more details.

• Lodge at Fall Creek Falls
• Lodge at Henry Horton
• Lodge at Montgomery Bell
• Lodge at Natchez Trace
• Lodge at Paris Landing
• Lodge at Pickwick Landing

Option 1: I have a user login/account 

• Log in to view your account.
• Click on “Find Reservation”
• Enter an arrival date for your upcoming reservation
• Select the reservation from the list, which will take you to your itinerary
• Click the “Options” button for the reservation.
• If the property allows online cancellation; the “Cancel” button will be enabled.
  • Click the “Cancel Reservation” button to complete process.
  • You should receive a confirmation of your cancellation via email within 24 hours. If you do not please contact the property directly. 

Option 2: I do not have a user login/account 

• Click on “Find Reservation”
• Enter the reservation “Last Name” and “Reference #”.
  • Your reference # was provided at time of booking, it can also be found on your confirmation email.
• Click the “Options” button for the reservation.
• If the property allows online cancellation; the “Cancel” button will be enabled.
  • Click the “Cancel Reservation” button to complete process.
  • You should receive a confirmation of your cancellation via email within 24 hours. If you do not please contact the property directly. 

How do I find out about activities at state parks?

Check out our Happenings page or call the park office for updates. In addition, many of the park lodges have developed Getaway Packages which feature special room and food discounts for special events. 

Check out the Happenings page or call the park office for updates. In addition, many of the park lodges have developed Getaway Packages featuring special room and food discounts for special events.

Handbills, soliciting of guests, and any outside advertising are strictly prohibited. Learn more about vendor opportunities. 

Learn about applying for full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs with Tennessee State Parks on the Careers page. 

Campers and other overnight guests staying in the park are allowed to collect deadwood on the ground for use as firewood. Most state parks offer firewood for sale. Check with the individual park for more details.

Use of metal detectors is allowed by an individual engaged in a limited search for a lost item under the supervision of the Park Manager. No other usage is allowed without written permission from the State Archaeologist and the Director of State Parks.

Information about commercial and non-commercial photography, videography, and drone use is available on the Photography page.

Tennessee State Parks Gift Cards may be purchased online or at any park. Orders are sent to you via USPS for intended arrival within 5 business days. In most cases, orders will be processed and mailed the same or next business day. Tennessee State Parks Gift Cards are accepted at Tennessee State Parks for overnight stays and day-use fees, as well as for purchases in the gift shops and restaurants throughout the parks. Some restrictions apply. VIEW DETAILS

Sign up for the Tennessee State Parks email list. You will receive an email confirming that you have been added to the list. On a regular basis, we send emails listing dates and activities happening at all state parks. We also send emails offering golf, food, and lodging promotions.

We offer a variety of discounts to active military, Tennessee veterans, Tennessee seniors, Tennessee residents, Tennessee state employees, and others. Learn more.

There are 14 sites in Tennessee classified as National Cemeteries, Battlefields, Scenic Trails, Rivers, Areas or Parks. For more information on these locations, visit the U.S. National Park Service website.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is partnering with Rivian to install Rivian Waypoint EV charging stations at state parks across Tennessee. Each location includes two Level 2 chargers, which are compatible with all EV models currently on the road. Browse a list of EV charging locations.