Accessibility at Nathan Bedford Forrest

Warning Alert
Warning

Campgrounds, Baseball Field, and Volleyball Court Closed for Renovations

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

Due to structural renovations, the Happy Hollow and Lakefront Campgrounds, the baseball field, and the volleyball court are closed. We anticipate a reopening of all areas in early 2027. Please watch our alerts and our social media accounts for the most updated information.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the park office.

Notification

GPS Information

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

To get the most direct route to our Park Office when using GPS, please use the park address - 1825 Pilot Knob Road Eva, TN 38333. If you use the park name, it sends you to the back gate which is the long route, depending on your starting point, and there is no cell phone reception. 

  • Sunset over a tranquil lake with a radiant orange and yellow sky. Silhouetted trees frame the scene, reflecting on calm water, creating a serene ambiance.
  • Nathan Bedford Forrest Accessibility

    At Tennessee State Parks, we serve a variety of visitors including individuals with physical disabilities and those who may face other barriers to outdoor recreation. With a focus on accessibility, we continually strive to enhance our parks to better accommodate all visitors. Learn more about accessible features, amenities, programs, and services that Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park has to offer.   

    All-Terrain Wheelchairs

    All-terrain wheelchairs are specialized wheelchairs designed to navigate a wide range of terrains that may be encountered in outdoor environments.

    These are important to park visitors because they provide individuals with mobility impairments the opportunity to access and enjoy outdoor recreation areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. Each park with an all-terrain wheelchair offers trail experiences that can accommodate this specialized wheelchair. The chairs are free to the public and available for both children and adults. The chairs can be operated independently and offer the option of allowing caretaker control.

    To help us serve our visitors better, we kindly ask that you give us advance notice if you’d like to use a wheelchair. While it is possible to request a chair upon arrival, there is a possibility that the chair may already be reserved for another guest. Advanced requests ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable. 

    • An all-terrain wheelchair sits on a boardwalk in the woods. Several trees line the background and dried leaves cover the ground.
    • Adult sized changing table in tiled room next to a hand dryer.

    Adult-Sized Changing Table

    Discover comfort and convenience at Tennessee State Parks with our newly introduced adult-sized changing tables.

    Designed to enhance accessibility, these changing tables cater to the diverse needs of our visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and abilities.  

    Located inside the museum, the table at our park utilizes a remote to adjust the height of the table. This table lowers to approximately 12 inches off the ground and reaches a height of 39.5 inches when raised.   

    Colorblind Viewfinder

    Tennessee State Parks is a popular destination year-round, but for people with colorblindness, experiencing the full beauty of the parks can be a challenge.

    Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park uses color vision deficiency technology so that more travelers and residents alike can experience the beauty of Tennessee and the park's vast lands. Use our Colorblind Viewfinder to check out the views that Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River has to offer. This viewfinder is located at the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and Museum. 

    • Colorblind viewfinder located on a deck with a information panel next to it.

    Accessible Facilities

      • Boating in TN State Parks

      Eva Beach Boat Launch

      Eva Beach offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy where the Kentucky Lake and Tennessee River meet. Catch several fish species like crappie, bluegill, or redear sunfish using the accessible dock and boat launch.   

      • A wooden dock leads to a calm lake under a vibrant blue sky with white clouds. The scene is peaceful and inviting, with trees visible in the distance.

      Accessible Fishing Pier at Eva Beach

      Catch a few fish among the picturesque surroundings of the Kentucky Lake. Our accessible fishing pier is perfect for anglers of all abilities whether you’re looking to reel in bluegill or enjoy the view.   

      • Building with stone facade, large windows, surrounded by trees.

      Visitor Center

      Located on Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is noted for its fishing, boating, camping, swimming, and hiking. Start your trip at the Visitor Center to shop at the gift shop. Wheelchair-friendly parking is available at the building with restrooms inside. 

    Pilot Knob Interpretive Center

    The Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center features the lifeways and customs of folks on the Tennessee River including musseling, crafts, commercial fishing, and more. Several videos on park history, Civil War history, and river life are shown upon request. Accessible parking is available in front of the center.  

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    Media Crowdriff

    Picnic Areas

    Enjoy a nice picnic among the trees after fishing the Tennessee River. Choose to enjoy the shade of mature trees at Shelter 1 or view the 1930s architecture at Shelter 2. Each shelter is an accessible pavilion available to reserve for your next event with two ADA tables, a grill, and access to restrooms.

    Eva Pavilion and Playground

    The Eva Shelter has a great view of Eva Beach and Kentucky Lake. A playground, volleyball court, swimming area, fishing areas, a boat launching ramp, and a courtesy boat dock are located nearby. Restrooms, water, electricity, and lighting are available at this shelter. This site has five regular picnic tables and one ADA picnic table with a paved sidewalk leading to the restrooms and parking. 

    Overnight Accommodations

    Keep in mind that limited numbers of ADA-accessible lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites are available, so it is best to make reservations as far in advance as possible. For those who require ADA-accessible accommodation when staying overnight, it is important to make a specific request when booking a reservation and contact us directly at 1-888-867-2757 to reserve an ADA-accessible accommodation.


     

      • A paved path leads to a picnic area in a forested park with a wooden table, a grill, and lush green trees. The setting is serene and inviting.

      Camping at Happy Hollow Campground

      Campsite 31 is wheelchair-friendly and should be specifically requested when making a reservation. To book your overnight accommodations and learn more about our cabins, see the link below. Campsite 31 sits directly beside the bathhouse, connected by a paved sidewalk.

      Book a Campsite (Opens in a new tab)
      • Covered wooden deck overlooking a serene lake, surrounded by lush trees. A round table with chairs sits invitingly at the edge of the railing.

      Cabins

      Take in the views of Kentucky Lake on a covered back porch by staying in a cabin. Deluxe Cabin 1 is wheelchair-friendly and should be specifically requested when making a reservation.  

      Book a Cabin (Opens in a new tab)

    Support Trails at Tennessee State Parks

    With donations made through the Tennessee State Parks Trail Pack, you can help directly fund trail maintenance projects and new builds that will improve the future of trails at Tennessee State Parks. Plus, we'll send you some unique, annual vinyl stickers with each donation.