T. O. Fuller State Park
Memphis’s Urban Nature Escape — Chucalissa Archaeological Site, 45 Campsites, Olympic Pool & 6+ Miles of Trails Along the Mississippi River Bluffs
T. O. Fuller State Park is a 1,138-acre urban park located in southwest Memphis, Tennessee, on the bluffs above the Mississippi River. Named for Dr. Thomas O. Fuller, a prominent African American leader, the park holds the distinction of being the first state park in Tennessee open to African Americans (1938) and the first state park east of the Mississippi River to serve Black visitors. Today, it offers 45 campsites with full hookups, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a splash pad, over 6 miles of hiking trails, and direct access to the Chucalissa Archaeological Site — a National Historic Landmark.
The park occupies a unique position — situated within a major metropolitan area yet preserving significant natural habitat and a 1,000-year-old Native American village site. The C. H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa, operated by the University of Memphis, features evidence of a prehistoric Mississippian culture settlement dating to approximately 1000 AD, including ceremonial mounds. For Memphis residents and visitors seeking outdoor recreation without leaving the city, T. O. Fuller provides camping, swimming, hiking, and cultural history in a single, accessible location.
Things to Do
Chucalissa Archaeological Site
Adjacent to the park — a National Historic Landmark:
- C. H. Nash Museum: Features artifacts, reconstructed dwellings, and interpretive exhibits about the Mississippian culture village (ca. 1000–1500 AD)
- Ceremonial mounds: Preserved earthen platform mounds used for religious ceremonies
- Operated by the University of Memphis
Swimming & Water Play
- Olympic-sized swimming pool
- Splash pad for younger visitors
- Pool season: Late May through Labor Day (closed Mondays and Tuesdays except holiday weeks)
- Separate pool admission fee applies
Hiking
- 6+ miles of trails through forest and along bluff terrain
- Discovery Trail: Popular loop through scenic areas, wetlands, and past archaeological points of interest
- Honeysuckle Trail: Accessible trail for mobility-impaired visitors
- Terrain: Moderate to rugged; rolling hills and bluff edges
Sports & Recreation
- Basketball courts, tennis courts, softball field
- Playgrounds
- Shelby Bluff Center: Available for meetings, events, and reunions
- Interpretive Center: Wildlife exhibits and educational programming
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 45 (some accommodate RVs up to 85 ft) |
| Hookups | Electric and water at each site |
| Facilities | Bathhouse with showers; laundry; two dump stations; picnic tables; fire rings; grills |
| Accessibility | All-terrain wheelchair available; accessible parking and restrooms |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | ⭐ Dogwood blooming; comfortable hiking; museum open; birding; trail conditions ideal | Variable weather; thunderstorms; pollen |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Pool + splash pad open; full programming; Chucalissa tours; all facilities operational | Hot & humid (95°F+); pool closed Mon/Tue; busy |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Cool hiking; fall color; quiet camping; museum visits comfortable | Pool closed after Labor Day; shorter days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Quiet trails; winter birding; campground open year-round; mild Memphis winters | Chucalissa hours may vary; no pool; occasional cold snaps |
Visitor Tips
- Historic significance: T. O. Fuller was the first state park east of the Mississippi open to African Americans — its 1938 founding is a landmark in the history of outdoor recreation access and civil rights.
- Chucalissa: The C. H. Nash Museum and archaeological site is a National Historic Landmark — don’t skip it. The 1,000-year-old Mississippian culture village with preserved mounds is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mid-South.
- Pool fees: Park admission is free, but the Olympic pool and splash pad require a separate admission fee. Check Tennessee State Parks for current pricing.
- Large RVs: The campground can accommodate RVs up to 85 feet — unusually generous for a state park. All 45 sites have water and electric hookups.
- Accessibility: The park offers an all-terrain wheelchair for trail use, the Honeysuckle Trail is designed for accessibility, and accessible parking and restrooms are available throughout.
- Urban park: Located within Memphis city limits — combine your visit with Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Memphis BBQ. The park is approximately 20 minutes from downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chucalissa at T. O. Fuller State Park?
Chucalissa is a National Historic Landmark archaeological site adjacent to T. O. Fuller State Park in Memphis, Tennessee. The C. H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa, operated by the University of Memphis, preserves and interprets a prehistoric Mississippian culture village dating to approximately 1000–1500 AD. The site features ceremonial platform mounds, reconstructed dwellings, artifacts, and educational exhibits about the indigenous people who lived along the Mississippi River bluffs over a thousand years ago.
Is T. O. Fuller State Park free to visit?
Yes — admission to T. O. Fuller State Park is free. However, the Olympic-sized swimming pool and splash pad require a separate admission fee during their operating season (late May through Labor Day). The C. H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa also charges a separate admission fee. Camping fees apply for overnight stays in the 45-site campground. The park’s trails, picnic areas, sports courts, and playgrounds are all accessible at no charge.
Last updated: April 2026
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