The park was named for General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the intrepid Confederate cavalry leader, who on November 4, 1864, attacked and destroyed the federal supply and munitions depot at (Old) Johnsonville at the mouth of Trace Creek. His operations were concentrated along the river in the vicinity of the park and the town of Eva.

In 1929 the park was dedicated to Nathan Bedford Forrest on land acquired in part from Benton County. Forrest was one of the greatest military tacticians and leaders of the American Civil War.

Boating

Boating, skiing, and fishing are very popular activities on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Three boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Cabins

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is proud to announce the addition of 7 new cabins at the park. Six will feature 2 bedrooms with 2 full size beds in each room and 2 full baths. One cabin will be accessible to persons with a disability that will feature 3 beds and 2 accessible bathrooms. Each cabin will feature a furnished kitchen, air conditioning, gas log fireplace, phone and outside grill. Fresh linens are provided although there is no maid service. There will be a three night minimum on holiday weekends.

Camping

The park has three campgrounds, two of those being primitive. Happy Hollow camping area has 38 sites, each equipped with tables, grills, water and electrical hookups. This area is served by a playground, a central bathhouse with showers, lavatories, and commodes. A dump station for self-contained trailer rigs is available.

The second campground is primitive camping with 15 available sites. Water is available, but not at each site; and there is a central restroom. All campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

The third campground is available for supervised youth groups such as scouts, etc. This campground is available upon request and is located on Kentucky Lake near the park office. The area is served by porta-johns and water is located nearby. There is no charge for use of the area, but adult supervision is required.

The campground renovation is complete. The twenty-four sites have new electrical service boxes with 50 amp, 30 amp, and 20 amp receptacles.

Fishing

Fishing is very popular on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Large catches of smallmouth, largemouth, striped bass, sauger, crappie, bream, and catfish are not uncommon on Kentucky Lake. Two boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.

A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Group Lodge

This modern group lodge has a maximum capacity of 64 persons. It is divided into two units, each with toilet facilities. It is completely equipped for food preparation and serving, but no linens are provided. The kitchen is equipped with 2 commercial ovens, stove with 10 burners, 4 large commercial refrigerators and an 18 cu. ft. freezer.

Reservations for this facility should be made well in advance by writing or calling the park office.

Hiking

There are over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging in length from 1/2 mile to 20 miles and from easy to rugged. Trail maps are available at the park office and museum.

From The Tennessee Conservationist's Great Hikes With Fran Wallas:
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park – A Colorful Woodland Loop

Picnic Facilities

The park has two picnicking areas. Each area has tables, water spigots and grills. Restrooms and playgrounds are located nearby.

Three picnic pavilions are available for group use, and may be reserved by calling the park office. Pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance.

Interpretive Center and Museum

Pilot Knob, the highest elevation in West Tennessee, houses the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center. The center features the life, ways, and customs of folks on the Tennessee River and includes musseling, crafts, commercial fishing, and more. Visitors can also enjoy browsing the gift shop that offers a large variety of TN State Park souvenirs and other items.

HOURS:
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7 days a week
11am-12pm the museum is closed for lunch each day.

**The park will open the Center upon request during days that we do not have any staff available.

Programs

The park has a full-time ranger-naturalist who conducts regularly scheduled programs throughout the summer months and special programs on request the rest of the year. Programs include campfires, movies, slide shows, guided tours, demonstrations, and arts and crafts. Several interesting natural and cultural exhibits are featured at the park office.

Programs that are offered year-round and travel to schools include: Birds of Prey, Civil War History, River Culture, Native Plants & Animals, Nature Films and Indian Life.

Seasonal programs include: Hay Rides, Owl Prowl Program and Campfire Programs.

Special Events

Easter Egg Hunt - April
Gospel Singing - June
Folklife Festival - September

Other Activities

Recreation equipment may be checked out free of charge at the Interpretive Center. Recreation activities include softball, volleyball, horseshoes, ping-pong, shuffleboard and more. There are also four playgrounds and a large playfield with a backstop.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome.