Pickwick Landing State Park: What You Need To Know To Plan Your Trip

April 1, 2024  |  

With lakefront cabins, gorgeous sunsets, sandy “beaches”, incredible fishing, and a luxurious lodge, you’ll find your natural oasis at Pickwick Landing State Park. Known for sun-soaked days on the lake, this park is the perfect getaway for a summer vacation or a spontaneous weekend with loved ones. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip.

Featured Activities

The lake is the main attraction at Pickwick Landing, but this state park has amenities and activities for everyone. In the park, you can enjoy:

• 18-hole golf course
• Disk golf
• Hiking trails
• Boating, paddling, fishing, and swimming at Pickwick Lake
• Aviary with educational displays
• Outdoor and indoor pool available to lodge and cabin guests
• Restaurant and lounge

Throughout the year, Pickwick Landing State Park offers educational programs, workshops, and guided hikes that you can reserve in advance on the park’s website. Make sure to check out the upcoming events calendar to see what the park is offering during your visit.

Fifteen minutes from Pickwick Landing, you can visit one of the best-preserved battlefields in the nation, Shiloh National Military Park. The park invites you to, "explore both the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields to discover the impact of this struggle on the soldiers and on the nation." Visitors can take the 12.9-mile driving tour highlighting 20 key sites, explore exhibits about the implements of war, and join ranger-led interpretive programs.

If you’re looking to refuel, the park restaurant offers fresh meals, cold drinks, and incredible lakefront views. Located within the lodge, the park restaurant offers a casual yet sophisticated ambiance perfect for a quick bite with the family or a romantic evening with a loved one.

Lake Activities

Whether you want to turn up the activity level with some paddling or relax by the lapping lakeshore, Pickwick Lake has plenty of activities to offer. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Paddling – The park's marina offers paddling rentals for an hourly rate. Grab a kayak, a standup paddleboard, or a canoe and head out to explore the park from a new perspective.
• Pontoon Boat Ride – Bring your own boat, rent from the marina, or register for a guided pontoon tour with the park. The park offers two boat ramps and a full-service marina.
• Swimming – Three sandy beaches are available for sunbathing and swimming in the refreshing waters of Pickwick Lake. Pack a picnic and make a day out of it!
• Fishing – Cast a line at Pickwick Lake, a favorite for local and national bass tournaments.

Places to Stay

After a full day of outdoor adventure, you’re probably ready to retreat to a comfortable lodge room, cozy cabin, or campsite.

The Lodge at Pickwick Landing

The Lodge at Pickwick Landing offers 119 lakefront lodge rooms, each with a private patio or balcony facing the lake. Even pet-friendly rooms are available for those traveling with their furry companions. The lodge offers complimentary continental breakfast and access to the indoor and outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy evenings at the lakefront lounge with a craft cocktail or delicious mocktail before retreating to get a restful night's sleep for the next day’s adventures.

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Cabins

If you’re looking for a place that feels like home, check out the two cabin types the park offers. The premium cabins, located right on the lake, offer a spacious back porch with a grill, perfect for a night of bbq and board games with the family. The standard cabins are nestled in the woods, offering a secluded escape.

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Campsites

A night under the stars is also an option. Choose from one of the 48 campsites offering water and electric hookups or the 33 primitive sites right on the water.

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Recommended Itinerary

Day Trip

• Paddling on Pickwick Lake
• Grab a bite to eat at the Restaurant
• Hike the Island Loop Trail
• On your way out, stop by to see the aviary at the park visitor center

Multi-Day Overnight Trip

• Visit the park’s aviary
• Take a guided pontoon tour
• Play a round of golf
• Hike the Island Loop Trail
• Eat at the Restaurant
• Stay at the lodge, rent a cabin, or book a campsite

Pro Tips

• Planning a summer visit? The park is an excellent location to take in the July 4th fireworks display sponsored by Hardin County.
• Craving a snack during the day? The golf course snack bar is a great place for a quick bite.
• Make sure you spend some time exploring the park’s hiking trails! Both trails at the park are rated easy.
• Sunsets on Pickwick Lake are not to be missed! The restaurant patio is a great spot to relax, grab some drinks, and watch the sun go down.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Now is the perfect time to book your warm-weather vacation. Campsites, cabins, and lodge rooms fill up months before the summer season, so book now to secure your plans.

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