# Reelfoot Lake State Park

> Reelfoot Lake in northwestern Tennessee took its present form in the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/reelfoot-lake/

A shallow lake of cypress swamp in northwest Tennessee, formed by earthquakes in the early 1800s. Take a pontoon boat tour or walk the boardwalks, and visit in winter for bald eagles or in summer for lotus blooms.

Reelfoot Lake in northwestern Tennessee took its present form in the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. It covers more than 15,000 acres (over 6,000 ha) but is shallow: the maximum depth is 18 feet (5.5 m) and the average about 5.5 feet (1.7 m). That makes it the only large natural lake in Tennessee. It is famous for its bald cypress trees, and bald eagles also nest here. In 1966 it was designated a National Natural Landmark.

The state bought the land around the lake in 1925, after the violent "Night Riders" conflict of 1908. Today the lake and its shores are used for fishing, boating and waterfowl hunting. Samburg is the only incorporated town on the shore. Allow a few hours for a visit.

- **Nearest town:** Tiptonville, TN
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 36.4150, -89.3770
- **Editor's pick:** ★

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Reelfoot Lake – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reelfoot_Lake)
- [Reelfoot Lake State Resort Park – Tennessee Encyclopedia](https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/?p=1493)

## Nearby

- [Superman Statue](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-superman-statue/) – 62 mi
- [Bald Knob Cross of Peace](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-bald-knob-cross/) – 79 mi
- [Giant City State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-giant-city/) – 83 mi
- [Little Grand Canyon](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-little-grand-canyon/) – 87 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Reelfoot Lake State Park?

Reelfoot Lake State Park is in Tiptonville, TN, at GPS 36.4150, -89.3770. It is about 41 mi from Wickliffe.

### Can you camp near Reelfoot Lake State Park?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sunset Cove, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Reelfoot Lake State Park?

Places worth a stop nearby: Superman Statue (62 mi), Bald Knob Cross of Peace (79 mi), Giant City State Park (83 mi) and Little Grand Canyon (87 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)