Come On In… the Water’s Great!
As the summer days draw near, everyone will be looking for ways to beat the peak of the heat. We can summarize our plans with two words: BEACH TRIP! We're already daydreaming of a day lounging on the sand, splashing in the water with our favorite beach hat, and soaking up the long summer days.
You don’t have to be on the coast to enjoy a beach day! Whether you're a local looking for a staycation or a visitor searching for sandy shores, we've got you covered. From day trips to weekends away, our parks have options for all types of beach-goer. Check out five of our favorite options below!
1) Big Ridge State Park
A visit to the lake is best when you can make a full day of it. Big Ridge Lake is perfect for a day on and in the water, with its family-first experience. It's free to enter, like all Tennessee State Parks, and there's even a section enclosed with a concrete bottom that kids of all ages can enjoy.
The best part of Big Ridge State Park? It's perfect for both the day-tripper and the weekend warrior. Consider making it more of a weekend trip by camping at the park and doing other fun activities, like sand volleyball, hiking, and horseshoes.
2) Rock Island State Park
You may know that Rock Island State Park is known for its water features, but there's more than just the viewable waterfalls to enjoy! Visitors can also enjoy a day in the water at the designated swim beach!
There's a reason Rock Island State Park has the notoriety it does and why it has such high visitation. With so many different activities like hiking and boating it's nearly impossible to fit your trip into one day. We recommend extending your stay by renting one of the fantastic cabins at the park or camping out at one of the pristine campsites available.
3) Chickasaw State Park
You won't have to worry about gigantic crocodiles in this Lake Placid. Just a fun-filled day at the park! Open from 8:00 AM until sunset, the swim beach at Lake Placid in Chickasaw State Park is the perfect place for a lake day with a view!
While you don't have to worry about crocodiles, you can enjoy the wildlife at Chickasaw State Park when you partake in one of the other unique activities there, like birding, hiking, guided horseback tours, and fishing! Make it a weekend trip and stay under the stars when you book one of the many cabin or camping spots!
4) Natchez Trace State Park
If you're looking for some peace and quiet surrounded by nothing but the sounds of birdsong and lapping lake waters, head to Natchez Trace State Park. The remote park is home to multiple lakes, two of which offer swim beaches. Want to make it a day trip? Enjoy a day on Cub Lake! Camping at the Pin Oak Campground? Campers are welcome to enjoy the beach at Pin Oak Lake as well. With large lakefront cabins for the whole family to enjoy and stunning campsites with full hookups, you can make a beach trip come to life.
5) Pickwick Landing State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park is another park with multiple options for a lake day! Pickwick Landing is home to three different swim beaches, two in the main park and one in the Bruton Branch primitive area.
Want more options to swim? Consider staying overnight at the Lodge at Pickwick Landing or one of the fantastic cabins for access to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools!
