June 28, 2024 |
July 4th is a favorite holiday for outdoor recreation, and there are lots of people ready to spend some time at our parks! Whether you're visiting for the day or planning a long weekend getaway, we want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. We've compiled a list of available overnight options, park events and some handy tips for a safe holiday weekend.
Edgar Evins State Park, @the.good.life_now
Campsites, Cabins & Lodge Rooms
Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year, and we're betting that some of you are planning to cut the work week short and enjoy a long weekend. If that's your plan, we've still got some cool cabins, welcoming campsites, and comfortable lodge rooms available for you.
Within 30 Minutes of Memphis:
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park - Tent and RV campsites.
- T.O. Fuller State Park - Tent and RV campsites.
Within 1.5 Hours of Jackson, TN:
- Chickasaw State Park - Tent campsites and RV sites for campers with horses.
- Fort Pillow State Historic Park - Tent and RV campsites.
- Mousetail Landing State Park - RV and tent campsites.
- Natchez Trace State Park - Lodge rooms. Cabins. Tent campsites and RV sites for campers with horses.
- Paris Landing State Park - Lodge rooms (July 6 & 7). Tent campsites.
- Pickwick Landing State Park - Lodge rooms.
Within 1 Hour of Nashville:
- Bledsoe Creek State Park - Hammock camping.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park - Lodge rooms (July 6 & 7).
- Henry Horton State Park - Lodge rooms. Tent and hammock campsites.
- Montgomery Bell State Park - Lodge rooms. Tent campsites.
Within 1 Hour of Chattanooga:
- Harrison Bay State Park - Tent campsites.
- Hiwassee/Ocoee River State Park - Group campsites.
Within 1 Hour of Knoxville:
- Indian Mountain State Park - Tent campsites.
The availability of the accommodations listed above is subject to change.
Seven Islands State Birding Park, Ashleigh Newnes Photography
Park Events
Whether you're looking for something to do the weekend after or the day of, we have the outdoor activities you're looking for this July 4th. Join us for everything from fireworks and pontoon tours to restaurants and golfing.
Tips for Your Visit
Before you head out to enjoy the beauty of Tennessee’s wilderness, make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.
Prep for the Heat
With days reaching above 90 degrees and UV indexes above 10, it’s very important you’re prepared for the temperatures. Bring enough water with you and hydrate often. Wear sun protection like a hat and sunglasses and reapply sunscreen throughout your visit. Take breaks in the shade and opt for less strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day (afternoon to early evening). Plan your visit earlier in the day to avoid the hottest temperatures.
Arrive Early & Have a Backup Plan
July 4th is one of the busiest weekends at our parks. Areas will fill up quickly, so make sure to arrive at your destination early in the day. On busy days, most areas fill up by noon.
If parking lots are full when you arrive, it’s important to have a backup plan. Don’t park in undesignated areas like the side of the road just to access a full trailhead.
These parks experience high visitation and will fill up quickly:
- Cummins Falls State Park*
- *You must have a permit to access the base of the falls—these permits are sold out for July 4, 5, and 6.
- Burgess Falls State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Harpeth River State Park
- Radnor Lake State Park
- Rock Island State Park
- Savage Gulf State Park
- Fiery Gizzard State Park
Bring the Essentials
Even if it’s just a quick stroll around the lake, you should always bring a few essentials with you. Here’s what we suggest:
- Water, water, water.
- High energy snacks like nuts and protein bars.
- Park/trail map
- Compass
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Dry bag with fire starters and a lighter
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Raincoat and extra socks
- Multitool
Save the Fireworks
Fireworks, firecrackers, and explosives aren’t allowed in Tennessee State Parks. You can find out more about this policy, TCA 004-02-02-.09. Enjoy the stars shining in the beautiful night sky from a campsite at one of our parks or wait until you get home to set off fireworks. Some parks will be within viewing distance of firework displays—for more information visit our July 4th events page.
Don’t Be Trashy
Keep our parks and trails clean! It’s your responsibility to pack out everything that you packed in, including any trash. If you want to go the extra mile, pick up trash that you see while visiting and dispose of it in appropriate containers. Our parks and the wildlife that call them home thank you.
Hit the Water Safely
Wear a Life Jacket
Life jackets are for everyone, regardless of age or swimming ability. Boating accidents can happen quickly, and if you’re not wearing your lifejacket, you won’t have time to put it on if it’s stowed. Pick a comfortable life jacket and wear it! Our parks with boat and paddling rentals offer a number of life jackets, but we encourage you to bring your own if you have one.
Play it Safe
Boating is a serious responsibility. Not only are you in charge of keeping those on board safe, but you also need to watch out for others on the water. Before you head out, make sure you’re prepared in the case of an emergency. Have PFDs on board for each passenger along with other supplies like a first aid kit, flashlights, and drinking water.
Also, remember that boating under the influence isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal. Uphold your responsibility as a boater and stay sober while operating watercraft.
Be Considerate of Others
We go to the outdoors to be enveloped in the sights and sounds of nature. While you’re visiting, be considerate of other visitors' experiences. Think about how your actions are affecting others around you. Let other hikers pass, keep your pets on a leash, and help other visitors when you can.
Practice Fire Safety
If you’re grilling out at a picnic area or roasting marshmallows at a campsite, remember these tips for a safe experience:
- Keep your fire to a manageable size.
- Don’t burn dangerous things like aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass, or aluminum cans.
- Make sure children and pets are supervised near the fire. Never leave your campfire unattended.
- If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Leave What You Find
Let nature do its thing and observe from a distance. Part of what makes outdoor adventures so special is the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Remember not to touch or feed wildlife. Around this time of year, you might encounter fawns and other baby wildlife. If you do, leave them be. In most cases, the mother is nearby but if you interfere she may not return.
If you find something cool at the park, leave it for others to enjoy! Our parks and natural areas protect some rare species that make for great pictures but shouldn’t be disturbed.
Download Our Mobile App
A great tool to have is the Tennessee State Parks mobile app. The app is free and available for download on iPhone and Android. You can find nearby parks, access park maps offline, and even earn unique badges for your park visits.
DOWNLOAD
Looking for More Information?
Visit our Find a Park map to explore all 57 Tennessee State Parks and find more information on what our parks have to offer.
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Tennessee State Parks