(Last Updated On: August 2, 2023)

man near a waterfall in a state park near murfreesboro tennesseeAll up Tennessee boasts 56 state parks that wonderfully showcase its cultural, historic and natural heritage.

Blessed with a diverse range of landscapes, that range from soaring mountains and deep gullies to raging waterfalls and teeming woodlands, these state parks provide excellent opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

Whether you are in to hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, hunting or camping there are lots of activities you can do.

Best of all, Tennessee State Parks are open to the public every day of the week, and they are also free to enter too. So there really is no excuse not to visit them!

For residents of Murfreesboro their geographical location puts them in close proximity to a number of outstanding state parks.

If you are wanting to channel your adventurous spirit, and get out into the glorious nature Tennessee has to offer, below is a list of 5 state parks near Murfreesboro we highly recommend you visit.

Map of State Parks Near Murfreesboro TN

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

List of Five State Parks Near Murfreesboro

These five state parks near Murfreesboro all offer numerous opportunities for camping, as well as various options for overnight accommodation. They can also all be easily accessed within an hour or so drive from the city.

1. Rock Island State Park

waterfall at rock island state park in tennesseeLocation: 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581

Just over an hour west of Murfreesboro lies Rock Island State Park.

Nestled at the confluence of the Rocky, Collins and Caney Fork Rivers, directly on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake, the 883-acre state park is a haven for those who enjoy water based recreational activities.

Kayaking, boating, canoeing and paddleboarding is very popular here, while there is plenty of very good fishing to be had too.

One of the main highlights of the park is the Great Falls Dam, a magnificent 30-foot horseshoe shaped cascading waterfall that resides in one of the most scenic parts of the park.

For those wanting to stay overnight, Rock Island boasts two campgrounds, one of which is open all through the year. They are also equipped with electrical and water hookups as well as bathhouses with warm showers.

2. Edgar Evins State Park

Location: 1630 Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Silver Point, TN 38582

Tucked away on the shores of Center Hill Lake, within the heart of the Eastern Highland Rim, lies the Edgar Evins State Park.

Situated in steep, hilly terrain about an hour northeast of Murfreesboro the 6,000-acre park enjoys a breathtaking location which provides endless opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating.

Sitting directly on the shoreline, overlooking Center Hill Lake, the campground here consists of 60 trailer and tent campsites that come with electrical and water hookups.

They also feature three bathhouses with hot showers, as well as a sewage dump station and a small fire circle.

The park also has a sizable on-site marina which accommodates a restaurant and gift shop, as well as offering boating rentals too.
In addition it has a swimming pool and very good visitor center.

3. Cedars of Lebanon State Park

colorful trees in a state park near murfreesboro tennesseeLocation: 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090

Named for the fabulous eastern red cedar trees that are prominent throughout the area, the Cedars of Lebanon State Park was established in 1955.

Located in Wilson County, about a 30 minute drive north of Murfreesboro, the 1,139-acre, pet-friendly park presents stunning forests, spectacular limestone glades and rare plants.

These blend seamlessly with deep sinkholes, intriguing caves, stunning butterfly gardens and picturesque creeks. All of which combine to make it an excellent destination for hiking and photography.

Overall the park has 117 campsites across three camping areas. All these sites have grills, picnic tables, and both electric and water hookups.

In addition they also have three bathhouses with hot showers and bathrooms, as well as a laundromat and camp store.

There is also a modern group lodge onsite that can sleep up to 80 people.

4. Tims Ford State Park

Location: 570 Tims Ford Dr, Winchester, TN 37398

Tennessee is blessed with a number of fantastic lakes and one of the best of them is situated at the Tims Ford State Park.

Reached via an hour and 5 minute drive north of Murfreesboro, the 3,546-acre park is located on the picturesque Tims Ford Reservoir close to the Cumberland Plateau.

An excellent spot for bass fishing, the lake is also a prime destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing and a range of other boating activities.

Open all year-round, the park features extensive hiking trails, a marina, two pavilions and a championship standard, 18 hole golf course known as The Bear Trace, that was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

With 168 campsites available across three areas, there are also plenty of places to stay overnight.

All of them come with 30-amp electric service, as well as water hookups. While a playground, camp store and bathroom/toilet facilities are available as well.

5. Henry Horton State Park

Location: 4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034

At just over 50 minutes south of Murfreesboro, the Henry Horton State Park is pretty easy to get too.

Located right next to the Duck River, it’s a popular destination for fishing, with smallmouth and largemouth, as well as catfish and red-eye bass being plentiful.

Another Tennessee state park with a championship standard golf course onsite, The Buford Ellington course will challenge even the most experienced of amateur golfers with some 37 bunkers and forests of hardwood trees.

Featuring a landscape of dense woodlands, marvelous cedar glades, lush wetlands and even sinkholes there is plenty to explore on foot. While the kids will enjoy a number of playgrounds that incorporate splash fountains and natural surfaces.

For those looking to stay for a few days, the park has several convenient lodging options. This includes a fabulous lodge as well as eight cabins.

There are also 56 RV campsites and 10 tent campsites too, in addition to 9 primitive campsites, 3 backcountry campsites and 3 group campsites.