Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 13, 2026

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is a public state park in Tennessee near Eva in Benton County. Spanning 2,587 acres and established in 1929, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

Location & Getting There

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is located near Eva, Tennessee. The park’s coordinates are 36.0886, -87.9741.

Things to Do

Tennessee state parks stretch across three distinct regions — the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, the Cumberland Plateau’s gorges and waterfalls in the middle, and the Mississippi River bluffs in the west. Activities include hiking past some of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, swimming in lakes and park pools, fishing in world-class smallmouth bass streams, camping in forested mountain settings, kayaking scenic rivers, mountain biking at premier trail systems, golfing at park courses, horseback riding through valleys, and exploring Civil War battlefields and Native American mound sites. Fall Creek Falls (256 feet) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the eastern United States.

Best Time to Visit

Tennessee parks offer true four-season appeal. Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers, peak waterfall flow, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is warm and humid — lake swimming, park pools, and mountain elevation provide relief. Fall (October–November) is the crown jewel — Tennessee’s fall color rivals New England at a fraction of the crowds, peaking mid-to-late October across the state. Winter (December–February) is mild in West Tennessee and cold in the mountains, offering quiet trails and solitude. The Great Smoky Mountains region experiences peak visitation in summer and October — plan accordingly.

Visitor Tips

Tennessee state parks are free to enter — no admission fees or vehicle passes. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms are available at many parks through tnstateparks.com. Tennessee’s park system is notable for its full-service lodges and restaurants inside parks — including Fall Creek Falls, Pickwick Landing, and Paris Landing. The state’s Unique Stays program offers treehouse rentals, yurts, and tiny homes at select parks. Firewood policy: only certified heat-treated wood or downed wood from within the park is allowed for campfires.

Explore More Tennessee State Parks

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Tennessee. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Tennessee guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Nathan Bedford Forrest SP — on Kentucky Lake — provides recreation and Civil War history. The park preserves the site where Forrest’s cavalry launched operations along the Tennessee River. The park’s lake, bluffs, and forest support bald eagles, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Wild turkeys strut the ridges.

Nearby Attractions

Eva — adjacent. Kentucky Lake — surrounding. Johnsonville SHP — 10 miles south. Paris Landing SP — 30 miles north. Camden — nearby.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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