State Parks Near Franklin, Kentucky
13 state park units lie within 50 miles of Franklin, including 8 parks across the line in Tennessee. The closest is Bledsoe Creek State Park, about 26 mi southeast of town. None are within 25 miles, so plan on a half-day trip.
- Closest park
- Bledsoe Creek State Park26 mi southeast
- Within 25 miles
- 0of 13 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 62 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 4pets allowed
State parks near Franklin, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Franklin; driving distance is usually longer.
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Overnight options include 3 camping areas, with RV sites, tent sites, and group camping.
Hours, fees and rules for Bledsoe Creek State Park →Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Visitors come for golf, boating, swimming, biking, and wildlife watching. Camping is available: 101 campsites, including tent sites. Roofed lodging includes cabins.
Hours, fees and rules for Barren River Lake State Resort Park →Port Royal State Historic Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Port Royal State Historic Park →Lake Malone State Park
Things to do include boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Overnight options include 59 campsites across 2 camping areas, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Malone State Park →Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a 19-acre park in Davidson County, in Nashville-Davidson.
Hours, fees and rules for Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park →Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
In Christian County, about 10 miles east of Hopkinsville, Jefferson Davis State Historic Site covers about 16 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Jefferson Davis State Historic Site →Dunbar Cave State Park
Things to do include historic sites and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Dunbar Cave State Park →Long Hunter State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, and biking. The official site lists about 20 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a boat ramp and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Long Hunter State Park →Nolin Lake State Park
Popular activities here are boating, swimming, biking, wildlife watching, and fishing.
Hours, fees and rules for Nolin Lake State Park →Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Things to do include golf, historic sites, disc golf, swimming, and hiking. Camping is available: 3 camping areas, including RV sites and tent sites. There are also cabins and lodge rooms for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Cedars of Lebanon State Park →Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site
Popular activities here are historic sites, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site →Radnor Lake State Park
Things to do include historic sites and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Radnor Lake State Park →Harpeth River State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Harpeth River State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Franklin
- Bledsoe Creek State Park 26 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 29 mi east · 101 campsites
- Lake Malone State Park 37 mi northwest · 59 campsites
- Long Hunter State Park 43 mi south · Campground listed
- Nolin Lake State Park 44 mi northeast · Campground listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Franklin
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 29 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park 45 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Franklin
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 29 mi east · Pets allowed under park rules
- Lake Malone State Park 37 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
- Nolin Lake State Park 44 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park 45 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Franklin
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 29 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Malone State Park 37 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Long Hunter State Park 43 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Nolin Lake State Park 44 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park 45 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Franklin
- Bledsoe Creek State Park 26 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 29 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Port Royal State Historic Park 34 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Malone State Park 37 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Dunbar Cave State Park 43 mi west · Hiking trails listed
+ 6 more in the list above
Fishing near Franklin
- Bledsoe Creek State Park 26 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 29 mi east · Fishing listed
- Port Royal State Historic Park 34 mi west · Fishing listed
- Lake Malone State Park 37 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Long Hunter State Park 43 mi south · Fishing listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Franklin
What is the closest state park to Franklin?
Bledsoe Creek State Park is the closest, about 26 miles southeast of Franklin in a straight line. Next are Barren River Lake State Resort Park and Port Royal State Historic Park.
How many state parks are near Franklin?
13 state park units are within 50 miles, and 0 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Franklin have camping?
6 parks list camping, the nearest being Bledsoe Creek State Park, Barren River Lake State Resort Park and Lake Malone State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Franklin?
Yes, at 4 parks, including Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lake Malone State Park and Nolin Lake State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Franklin?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Bowling Green, KY19 mi north
- Near Gallatin, TN24 mi south
- Near Hartsville/Trousdale County, TN32 mi southeast
- Near Lebanon, TN38 mi south
- Near Nashville-Davidson, TN40 mi south
- Near Glasgow, KY40 mi northeast
- Near Clarksville, TN45 mi west
- Near Hopkinsville, KY51 mi west
Or see all Kentucky state parks, Tennessee state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.