Big Hill Pond Camping
Notification Alert
Dismal Swamp Boardwalk is Closed due to Construction
Dismal Swamp Boardwalk was originally built and 1977 and though we have had many people including volunteers and boy scout groups help maintain this asset, it still has some of the same materials from 1977 on it! We honestly can’t say thank you to everyone who has helped keep this asset open and available to the public over the years! With that being said, we, at Big Hill Pond State Park, have exciting news to share with everyone!
Dismal Swamp Boardwalk is being replaced! Last year our park received funding for a new boardwalk which we hope to see started in Spring of 2025! At this time, Dismal Swamp Boardwalk will be closed to the public to prepare for removal of materials and for preconstruction. The new boardwalk will be more user friendly as well as environmentally friendly! If you wish to still hike to the Observation Tower, don’t fret! You can still access the tower by using the blue and red trails.
Travis McNatt Lake Closure
Due to major infrastructure improvements happening at the lake, the Travis McNatt Lake remains closed.
Visitors are welcome to bring small paddling boats to Big Hill Pond Lake during this time.
When the lake reopens, it will be a part of the multi-departmental program, the Bill Dance Signature Lakes, and visitors will find:
- A rebuilt bridge on the east side of the lake
- A new, wider boat ramp
- Two new docks: a fishing pier and kayak-friendly courtesy dock
- Spillway repairs
- Improved bank fishing areas
- Invasion vegetation removal and fish habitat installation
- Fishery rebuilding and fish restocking
If you have additional questions, please submit them here: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/ask_tn_state_parks
Campground Closed for Renovations
The Big Hill Pond State Park Campground is currently closed due to renovations. At this time, a reopen date has not been set.
Backcountry sites are still available and can be utilized with a backcountry camping permit prior to stay. Additionally, for larger groups, Group Campsites 2 and 3 are available. Please note that none of these sites provides water or electricity. These sites are strictly primitive camping only!
More information will be provided for our 25/50K event and will be posted as soon as all the details are worked out!
Camping at Big Hill Pond
Big Hill Pond State Park is located in West Tennessee, near the Mississippi border. The park offers a quiet camping experience surrounded by forests, wetlands, and open water. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, take in views from the observation tower, or spend time on Travis McNatt Lake and the park’s namesake, Big Hill Pond.
Camping options include primitive sites for tents and small RVs, as well as primitive group camping areas. While dispersed backcountry camping is not permitted, backcountry shelters are available along the trails on a first-come, first-served basis.
Big Hill Pond Campground
Big Hill Pond has 28 primitive campsites. Most sites will accommodate a trailer up to 20 feet. Each site has a table and a grill. The campground has a modern bathhouse with hot showers, but does not have any hook-ups, and there is no dump station. Because the campground is small, there is no generator operation after 10:00 PM.
Packing tip: Our campsites are gravel. We recommend bringing mats, cots, air mattresses, etc. to improve comfort when sleeping on the ground.
Group Camp 1
Three primitive group camping areas are available. Group Camp One is located in the campground area behind Campsite #18 and Campsite #19. The two other sites are down the gravel road past the park office. Please call the park to book any of the group campsites.
Backcountry Shelters
No backcountry camping is allowed. However, backpackers may hike-in to four different camp shelters—Pipe Rock Shelter, Dogwood Point Shelter, Grassy Point Shelter, Tuscumbia Bend Shelter—three of which are very remote. All shelters are first-come, first-served, but all visitors MUST have a permit. No pets are allowed in the shelters. Shelters have six bunks; however, four or more persons may sleep on the floor. Please call the park for additional information about the shelters prior to your visit.
Firewood Policy
Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park.
Discover More at Big Hill Pond
Explore the Gift Shops
Big Hill Pond has two gift shops and one camp store to serve the needs of our visitors.
-
Visitor Center Gift Shop
The Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
-
Boat Dock Gift Shop
Heading out on the water? The Boat Dock Gift Shop is a great spot to grab boating supplies and snacks for your voyage.
Hours: Seasonal
-
Camp Store
The park’s camp store is your best spot for finding gear, snacks, and accessories to make your camping experience exceptional. The camp store is your go-to destination for a cold drink, a can of chili, or those matches you forgot to pack.
Hours: Seasonal
Explore the Park
Inspiration
-
Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt
Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt - Read ArticleSpring blooms brighten our hiking trails and support pollinators and wildlife. Explore 14 wildflowers and the Tennessee state parks where you can find them. -
5 Places to Spend the Night Under the Stars
5 Places to Spend the Night Under the Stars - Read ArticleA clear night sky inspires wonder, but city lights dim the view. Luckily, several Tennessee State Parks offer dark skies where you can truly enjoy the stars. -
Four Camping Destinations Near Memphis
Four Camping Destinations Near Memphis - Read ArticleFrom music to BBQ to river views, there’s plenty to love about Memphis. Even better, several Tennessee State Parks nearby offer great spots to camp or park your RV. -
A Year in Birds at TN State Parks
A Year in Birds at TN State Parks - Read ArticleIn Tennessee, at least 423 species have been recorded since 1900, and most of them have been viewed in one of our state parks at one time or another.
