Bordering on the mighty Mississippi River, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park are bottomland hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. The park also contains two lakes and many miles of hiking trails. The Meeman Museum and Nature Center is named for Edward J. Meeman, courageous conservation editor of Scripps-Howard newspapers who helped establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park maintains a boat ramp on the Mississippi River. Deer, turkey, beaver and some 200 species of birds are abundant.
Biking
There is a 5-mile paved bicycle trail at the park. Many cyclists use the park roads for extended riding.
Boating
There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish. Rental jonboats are available at the park boat dock, but many enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. Personally owned boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake for a small launch fee, but no gasoline motors are allowed.
Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office
Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River
A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62.
Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)
Cabins
Meeman Shelby has six two-bedroom vacation cabins situated along the shore of Poplar Tree Lake in a heavily wooded section of the park. These cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping and food preparation. Linens are provided. They are ideal for family vacations or fishing parties and sleep up to six people in each. Reservations should be made in advance through the visitor center.
Cabins can accommodate six people, and are equipped with a VCR, television and linens. Kitchens are fully equipped, there is a fireplace and wood is furnished during the winter months. There is a double bed and two twin beds in each cabin along with two roll-out beds.
Cabins can be reserved up to one year in advance and are usually booked up to three weeks in advance. Cabin is available to accommodate pets for an additional charge. Contact the park for details. To make reservations: 800-471-5293
Cabins available that are accessible to persons with a disability
Camping
The park campground provides 49 campsites equipped with table, grill, electrical and water hookups. A modern bathhouse provides hot showers. There is a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs. Sites are available on a first-come, first served basis, however reservations may be made well in advance through the visitor center. Maximum stay limit is two weeks.
Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215
Events
2008 Calendar of Programs and Events
Fishing
There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish. Rental jonboats are available at the park boat dock, but many enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. Personally owned boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake for a small launch fee, but no gasoline motors are allowed.
Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office
Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River
A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies
Group Camping
There are two group camps at Meeman Shelby. The groups camps are available to youth groups and can accommodate up to 140 (Piersol Group Camp) and 100 (Mississippi River Group Camp) persons. They consist of a large dining hall fully equipped for food preparation and serving, clusters of group cabins, bathhouses and one with a swimming pool. Campers need only provide linens, food, medical and sanitary supplies and staff. At Piersol Group Camp, bathroom facilities are attached to the bunkhouse and there are 4 showers. At the Mississippi River Group Camp, there are separate showers and restrooms.
Group camps are available from April through October, the camps are rented by the week only during the summer months, and on week-ends at other times. Reservations should be made well in advance through the visitor center.
Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215
Hiking
Trails open year round
More than 20 miles of hiking trails meander throughout the park. Some are located in the Mississippi River bottoms and are off limits during managed hunts. Bicycle trail accessible to persons with a disability
Picnic Facilities
There are 300 picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park. Each is conveniently located near restrooms, water fountains and playgrounds. Several picnic shelters are available for rent for large family and other group gatherings. 7 picnic pavilions available
The recreation lodge facility is an air conditioned building with chairs and tables that can accommodate up to 100 people.
For reservation information call: 901-876-5215
Swimming
The pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes mid-August. Contact the park for exact closing dates as they vary season to season.
Nature Center
Nature Center Hours:
March-May: Saturday & Sunday 1pm-5pm
May-October: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 1pm-5pm
October-March: Sunday 1pm-5pm
Exhibits include live snakes, fish aquarium, stuffed animal exhibit, a touch table and a Native American exhibit.
Special programs at the center include live birds of prey and reptile programs, making bird feeders, homemade ice cream, nature videos, deep swamp canoe trips and pontoon boat rides.
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome.
The swimming pool, at least one cabin and the group camp are accessible to persons with a disability.
