wooden bridge over a creek in a state park near jackson tennesseeTennessee is blessed with 56 state parks that highlight its wonderful natural, historic and cultural heritage.

Showcasing a diverse topography, which ranges from towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, to deep lying gullies and dense woodlands that teem with wildlife, these public recreational spaces offer excellent opportunities to venture into the great outdoors.

For those who love fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, hunting or camping, Tennessee’s State Parks are a fabulous playground to enjoy. Best of all they are open pretty much every day of the year and are free to enter as well. So, really, there is no excuse not to visit them!

If you live near the city of Jackson in Tennessee, your hometown location means you are close to several of these fantastic recreational destinations.

Next time your adventurous juices start flowing, here are 5 state parks near Jackson you should consider heading to.

Map of State Parks Near Jackson, TN

Here is a map of the state parks in Tennessee covered by this post:

List of State Parks Near Jackson

These five state parks near Jackson are all located within three hours of the city, so they can easily be visited as day trip destinations. However if you are wanting to stay overnight at any of them, or for a few days longer, they also offer a range of accommodation options too.

1. Mousetail Landing State Park

Location: 3 Campground Rd, Linden, TN 37096

Situated an hour’s drive east from Jackson, the Mousetail Landing State Park is a fabulous 1,247-acre recreational area that is nestled on the east banks of the Tennessee River.

Given its location, it won’t come as a surprise to hear that it is a very popular fishing spot. With stripe, catfish, crappie, bream and bass being plentiful.

Paddling, kayaking, canoeing and boating are also regularly practised on the river, while there is also a fabulous swimming beach area which remains open all year-round.

In addition to some terrific hiking trails, a series of mountain bike trails also weave their way through a hilly section of the park. Offering steep inclines and declines that make for an adrenaline fuelled ride.

All up, Mousetail Landing accommodates 25 campsites, of which 19 are equipped for electricity and water hookups. On the main park campground there is a modern bathhouse and laundromat, while if you prefer a more rustic option, there is also a primitive campground onsite too.

2. Chickasaw State Park

Location: 20 Cabin Ln #4128, Henderson, TN 38340

Just a short 30 minute drive north from Jackson lies Chickasaw State Park.

Named after the tribe who once inhabited this area, the 1,280 acre park offers something for everyone.

As it is set within a 14,384 acre state forest and incorporating some of West Tennessee’s highest areas, it is a haven for those who love hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. While the two bodies of Lake Placid and Lake Lajoie – which the park also encompasses – is perfect for everything from fishing and rowboats to kayaking and swimming.

For golfing enthusiasts the park also features an 18-hole, par 72, Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf Course which offers a breathtaking natural setting in which to enjoy a round. Similarly bird lovers should enjoy the chance to spot up to 100 different species through the pine and mixed forest hardwoods that are a feature of the park.

Overall there are three campgrounds at Chickasaw State Park. Collectively they house 114 sites that range from full electrical and water hookups, to tent sites, and some that are designed for those travelling with horses.

3. Cedars of Lebanon State Park

Location: 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090

Notable for the magnificent fabulous eastern red cedar trees that are abundant throughout its area, the Cedars of Lebanon State Park have been welcoming visitors since 1955.

Situated a 2.5 hour drive northeast of Jackson, the 1,139-acre park showcases spectacular woodlands, gorgeous limestone glades and some very rare flora. All of which blend majestically with deep laying sinkholes, gaping caves, incredible butterfly gardens and scenic creeks.

A brilliant destination for hiking and photography, the pet-friendly park offers 117 campsites which are spread out over three camping areas.
All these camping areas have bathhouses that provide hot showers and bathrooms, in addition to a laundromat and camp store.

4. Henry Horton State Park

Location: 4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034

Adjacent to the picturesque Duck River, the Henry Horton State Park is a popular destination for fishing. With the likes of catfish, smallmouth, largemouth and red-eye bass being regularly caught by anglers.

Lying a 2 hour and 30 minute drive west from Jackson, it is also another state park in Tennessee that accommodates a championship standard golf course. The stunning Buford Ellington, which features 37 bunkers and stunning rows of hardwood trees that line the fairway.

For nature lovers, the park offers plenty of opportunity for hiking and wildlife spotting through a terrain of dense woodlands and verdant wetlands. While children will love the numerous splash fountains, playgrounds and natural surfaces that are dotted around its boundaries.

Accommodation options are aplenty here, with 56 RV campsites, 10 tent campsites, 3 backcountry campsites and 3 group campsites being available. There is also a terrific lodge as well as eight cabins to stay at as well.

5. Tims Ford State Park

Location: 570 Tims Ford Dr, Winchester, TN 37398

If you love nothing more than spending some quality time by a lake then Tims Ford State Park is where you should visit.

It will take you about 3 hours and 15 minutes to drive east there from Jackson, but once you arrive at the 3,546-acre park you will be able to take full advantage of the stunning Tims Ford Reservoir.

A terrific spot for bass fishing, the lake is also a notable destination for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and row boating.

There is also a golf course at the park too – an 18 hole, championship standard course known as The Bear Trace, that was designed by Jack Nicklaus. In addition to several miles of hiking trails, you will also find a marina and two pavilions as well.

Boasting 168 campsites across three areas, all of which come with 30-amp electric service and water hookups, there are also plenty of places to stay overnight.