Tennessee’s varied landscapes are on display in our natural and historical areas. Don’t let the season pass without a trip to one of our three favorite state parks within a short drive of Memphis, TN.
3 Amazing State Parks in Driving Distance of Memphis, TN
- T.O. Fuller State Park
We’ll start the list with the only state park that’s actually within Memphis, and the first state park east of the Mississippi to allow Black visitors. You only have to head about 11 miles from the downtown area to reach T.O. Fuller State Park, which has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a full golf course, and lots of grassy fields for Frisbee, tag, and picnics. Other popular activities here include bird watching and hiking.
T.O. Fuller State Park is located at 1500 W Mitchell Rd and spans more than 1,110 acres. If you want to stay for the weekend or longer, you can reserve either a tent camping site or an RV site.
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Explore nearly 13,000 acres of tupelo and bald cypress swamp, where you’ll get a chance to see many protected and endangered plants and trees. You can kayak, paddleboard, or canoe on Poplar Tree Lake, with rentals available right in the park. A boat launch provides access to the Mississippi River. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, an Audubon Society Important Bird Area is home to more than 240 bird species.
The park also has a 36-hole disc golf course, which is one of the largest in the region, and more than 20 miles of hiking trails. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park has both tent campsites and cabins, as well as picnic shelters you can reserve. Each site has electrical and water hookups, picnic tables, and a grill.
- Big Hill Pond State Park
Located about 1.5 hours east of Memphis, Big Hill Pond State Park covers more than 4,000 forested acres in Pocahontas. It’s an excellent option for backpackers since it has more than 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. You can also paddle on Big Hill Pond Lake, look for bald eagles and other woodland birds, enjoy 14 miles of horseback riding trails, or fish for catfish, bream, and bass.
Big Hill Pond State Park is located at 1435 John Howell RD. You can reserve a site for a tent or small RV if you want to stay the weekend but don’t plan to backpack in the park. You can also rent boats and purchase firewood at the park.
You can tow your bikes, boat, or even a small camper with the Subaru Ascent. Test drive this capable three-row SUV at Jim Keras Subaru Hacks Cross.
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
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