Tims Ford State Park, located on the Tims Ford Reservoir in the rolling hills of southern middle Tennessee, is an outstanding recreational area and fishing paradise. Long before the construction of Tims Ford Dam on the headwaters of the Elk River, the area was used extensively by the Indians as a hunting and fishing territory. Archaeological excavations uncovered numerous artifacts and occupational sites, indicating that man had occupied the area as much as 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

The 10,700-acre Tims Ford Lake is one of the most picturesque in Tennessee and is regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast.

Biking

The park has almost 5 miles of paved trails that allow the hiker and cyclist to explore the natural surroundings of Tims Ford Lake.

Boating/Marina

Lakeview Marina is a leased operation at Tims Ford State Park that provides equipment and supplies for boating and fishing, a boat launching ramp and dock. The Marina also includes a snack bar, bait shop and fish-cleaning area. Boats are available for rental. Contact the Marina at 931-967-6711 for information.

Holiday Landing Resort and Marina is also a leased operation at Tims Ford. They offer a full service marina with slip rentals, gas, pontoon boat rentals and a restaurant. For more information call 931-455-3151.

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Cabins

The park has 20 beautiful cabins situated on the wooded slopes of Tims Ford Lake. The cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping; including appliances, cooking and serving utensils, and linens. Each cabin features a gas fireplace, outdoor balcony, color tv with dish network and charcoal grills. Cabins have two bedrooms with two double beds in each bedroom.

Reservation requirements are two night minimum stays and holidays are three night minimum stays. June and July are 6 night extend stays beginning on Mondays.

Cabin Floor Plan
Photos of a typical cabin at Tims Ford

For cabin reservations: 800-471-5295

Camping

Tims Ford State Park offers a 52 site campground, with water and electric (30 amp service) at each site, and a dumping station available at the entrance to the campground. The camp sites can accommodate RV's up to 35 feet in length, and are able to accommodate both RV's and Tents. The camp site are limited to 6 people per site, and one(1) RV and one (1) Tent, or Two Large Tents per site. Two of the camp sites are ADA sites, and are set aside for that reason. The camp sites are available year around on a first come first served basis.

Click for more information on camping at this park.

Conference Facility

Tims Ford has a Recreation Hall with two meeting rooms available for rent. The small meeting room can accomodate 40 people and the large meeting room can accomodate 75 people. The meeting rooms are available to groups interested in using the facility for business meetings, family reunions, weddings, etc. Reservations can be made through the park visitor center and can be made up to one year in advance. Contact the park for more information.

Conference Facility Floor Plan (.pdf format)

Fishing

Year round fishing at Tims Ford provides a substantial yield of bluegill, small and largemouth bass, catfish and crappie.

All Fishing Tournaments that originate out of Tims Ford State Park Boat Ramp are required to apply for a permit through the parks Visitor Center 30 Days in advance of the tournament date. Contact the Park Office for Fishing Tournament Permit Form at 1-800-471-5295.

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

Hiking Trails

The park has almost 5 miles of paved trails that allow the hiker and cyclist to explore the natural surroundings of Tims Ford Lake.

Picnic Facilities

The lakeside picnic area has 50 individual tables and grills, plus two picnic shelters with fireplace, grill and numerous tables. Restrooms and a playfield are located nearby.

There are two large picnic pavilions that are available for rent for large groups. Pavilions are equipped with grills and have water spigots.

Pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance.

Swimming

The beautiful, L-shaped swimming pool at Tims Ford is one of the largest in the Tennessee State Park systems. It features a 12-foot diving pool, children's wading pool and a bathhouse. Lifeguards are on duty during swimming hours.

The pool is open Memorial Day until mid-August. Pool hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The pool is closed all day on Monday. Discount passes for summer are available.

Recreation Hall

The Recreation Hall is available for rental to groups interested in using the facility for business meetings, family reunions, etc. Reservations can be made through the park visitor center and can be made up to one year in advance. Contact the park for more information.

Programs

During the summer months, a summer programmer has activities scheduled daily. Everyone is invited. Schedules are posted one week in advance. Activities include crafts, nature walks, games at the Recreation Hall, campfires and storytelling, etc. All of these activities are free.

Request a Program:
The Tims Ford Environmental Education Association works with park staff to provide environmental education programs for groups by request year around. To schedule a program go to www.tfeea.org.

Special Events

Enjoy 'Pickin' and Grinnin' at the park two Saturday nights each month from 5:30 until 9:00 PM. Everyone is welcome and it's FREE. Schedule (.pdf format)

Other Activities

The park features several playgrounds and playfields with activities such as volleyball, baseball, basketball, and horseshoes. Recreation equipment may be checked out free of charge at the pool recreation center.

Tour Buses

Tour Buses are welcome.