Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins, lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- reserve.tnstateparks.com(731) 593-6445
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Partial closure Campground and Shelter ClosuresThe Happy Hollow Campground, Lakefront Campground, Ballfield, Baseball Shelter and Volleyball Shelter will all be closed for 2026 due to a campground… (more)
The Happy Hollow Campground, Lakefront Campground, Ballfield, Baseball Shelter and Volleyball Shelter will all be closed for 2026 due to a campground renovation project. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions about your current reservation, please call us at 1 (888) 867-2757.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 2,759 acres, Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park lies in Benton County, about 5 miles north of New Johnsonville.
Visitors come for golf, historic sites, disc golf, canoeing and kayaking, and boating. The official site lists about 20 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a boat ramp and boat or kayak rentals. Camping is available: 8 camping areas, including RV sites, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping. Roofed lodging includes cabins and lodge rooms.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | Not stated | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | — |
| Campground | Please note that check-in time for camping is 4:00 pm. Check-out time is 12:00 pm. | ||
Official wording
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Park Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Please note that check-in time for camping is 4:00 pm. Check-out time is 12:00 pm.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Tennessee State Parks reservation site (itinio platform) for camping, cabins, shelters, programs; some lodges/cabins via reseze.net; golf via foreUP
- Phone
- 1-888-867-2757 (888-TNPARKS)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: cabins.
Cabin Pet Policy A limited number of cabins are available at each park for guests who travel with their pets. Guests must sign a Pet Policy Liability Form (CN-1181) upon check-in agreeing to abide by TN State Parks pet policy set forth and there is a $20 charge per night per pet that will be assessed at check-in. Pets are strictly prohibited inside cabins unless they are specifically designated as a pet-friendly cabin and all additional pet charges are paid. Due to allergy issues, pets may not be kept on porches or decks of non-pet cabins. If pets are kept at non-pet cabins, a minimum penalty of $100.00, plus all applicable nightly pet fees will be assessed. Additional charges for damages caused by pets may also be assessed at the discretion of management. Additional charges may also be assessed at the discretion of management for any damages caused by guests, their visitors, pets, etc.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Hollow Campground | — | — | |
| Lake Front Campground | — | — | |
| Campground Road Loop Backcountry Shelter 1 | — | — | |
| Campground Road Loop Shelter 2 | — | — | |
| Chester Hollow Shelter 1 | — | — | |
| Chester Hollow Shelter 2 | — | — | |
| Red Rock Shelter | — | — | |
| Group Campground | — | — |
Camping details from the park
Two standard campgrounds can be found at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park with 50 standard sites between them along with two backcountry sites for those looking to rough it.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers seven deluxe, fully furnished cabins complete with everything needed to ensure a comfortable stay. A renovated 1930s rustic log cabin is also reservable for those who prefer to take step back in time.
Things to do
CampingHistoric sites and toursBoatingFishingCanoeing and kayakingSwimmingHikingGolfDisc golf
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campground Road Loop Trail | 2.75 mi | — | HikeNatural surface |
| Chester Hollow Trail | 3.2 mi | Moderate | HikeNatural surface |
| Eva Beach Water Trail | 4.7 mi | — | Paddle |
| Fossil Point Trail | 2.15 mi | — | HikeNatural surface |
| Happy Hollow Interpretive Trail | 0.8 mi | — | Status: closed. This trail is a beginner friendly 0.80-mile trail that flows through the trees behind the Happy Hollow Campground. This trail guides you over rustic bridge crossings and small streams and gives the sense of wilderness without being too far from the comforts of hot water. The trail has one trailhead at the entrance to the Happy Hollow Campground next to the linen house and another trailhead at the back of the Happy Hollow Campground across from the Group Lodge.HikeNatural surface |
| Pafford Wilson Trail | 0.95 mi | Moderate | This trail is a 0.95-mile loop with a steep incline and natural surface full of different trees, plants, and colorful mushrooms. This trail is great for those who want a bit of a challenge without the time commitment of a long trail. The entrance begins across the street from the ball field near the Happy Hollow Campground.HikeNatural surface |
| Pilot Knob Loop Trail | 3.05 mi | Easy | Trailhead located at the Pilot Knob Interpretive Center which is one of the highest points in West Tennessee.HikeNatural surface |
| Polk Creek Wildflower Trail | 0.3 mi | Easy | Accompanied by an educational series of story boards, this trail is a beginner friendly 0.3-mile hike that takes you through the woods and down to a seating area with a scenic view of Kentucky Lake. This trail is especially great for families with young children. There is a trailhead on either side of the Visitor’s Center.HikeNatural surface |
| Red Rock Overnight Trail | 6.85 mi | — | HikeNatural surface |
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Water
- Boat ramp
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Primitive or backcountry camping
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Lodge or inn rooms
Recreation
- Golf course
- Disc golf
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Nearest town
- New Johnsonville — about 5 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 36.0836, -87.9852
- Phone
- (731) 593-6445
- State.Parks@tn.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Tennessee State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- TDEC Bureau of Conservation 'State Park Boundaries Primary' public ArcGIS view
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology