Reelfoot Lake Overnight Paddling Trip

07/21/2023 10:00 AM - 07/24/2023 05:00 PM ET

Category

OVERNIGHTER

Admission

  • Free

Location

Summary

Base camping at the Air Park campsites at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Travelling to spend the first night on Friday July 21, paddle Saturday and Sunday, travel back Monday. You will need to reserve Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights if you want to stay the whole weekend with us. Otherwise simply pick the days you want to paddle but remember it's at at least a 5 hour drive one way and realistically closer to a 7 hour drive.
Multi-day flat water paddling with base camping at the Air Park campground, Reelfoot Lake State Park



--
Eric Burnett

Description

Location-Reelfoot Lake State Park, West Tennessee , north of Memphis Tennessee, Tiptonville Tennessee, about a 5 hour drive from Chattanooga
 
 
Summary:  The lake is 20 miles long and 7 miles wide. Average depth is 5.5 feet and maximum depth is 18 feet. It's the only large natural lake in the state of Tennessee. Camping reservations can be made at 2 state park campgrounds, Air Park and the South Campground. Group camping is best arranged at the Air Park campground.
 

Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee and is noted for its fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. The 15,000 acre lake was created by a series of violent earthquakes in 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a short period of time, creating Reelfoot Lake.

The park’s ecosystem is unlike any other place in Tennessee. Reelfoot lake is a flooded forest. While majestic Cypress trees rise above the water, below the surface are many submerged Cypress stumps. A variety of aquatic plants and flowers occupy the shoreline and saturate the shallow water. The lake harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird as well as golden and American bald eagles.

 
Camping-There are 14 RV campsites (up to 35 feet) and 9 primitive campsites counting mine that will accommodate 2 tents to a campsite at the Air Park campsite. All RV campsites are available at this time (November 2022) There is a bathhouse with heated water at the site and a dump station for RV campers. 
 
Hotel/Cabin Reservations- There are hotels and state park cabins in the area.
 
Misc info-There can be a lot of mosquitoes but when I was there it wasn't that bad. Go prepared though. A bug hat, repellant, and/or long sleeve shirts suggested as possible equipment. Cell phone service can be tricky, check your local carrier for coverage in the area if this is a concern. This is a great place for all types of craft in my opinion, SUP, canoes, and kayaks of all designs. In 2020 a tornado destroyed some structures in the area but a recent phone call to the park headquarters assured me that things are back to normal. Fishing will be popular during this time but no hunting during July.
 
Dates- 7/21-24/22
 
Contact-
Eric Burnett
423-321-2619