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Meeman-Shelby Forest
Overview
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a sprawling 12,549-acre wilderness located just outside of Memphis. This state park offers a diverse landscape of bottomland hardwood forests and upland ridges. It is a peaceful retreat where visitors can escape the city bustle to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chickasaw Bluffs. The park’s history as a Depression-era project gives it a timeless, well-preserved character that appeals to travelers seeking a deep connection with the Tennessee outdoors.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Millington, TN, the park sits along the mighty Mississippi River. The terrain is notably varied, featuring dramatic bluffs that overlook the massive floodplains. While it feels remote and secluded, the park is only about 15 miles north of Memphis, making it a convenient base for exploring West Tennessee. The surrounding hardwood forest creates a dense canopy that provides ample shade and a vibrant display of colors during the autumn months.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Meeman-Shelby Forest features 49 campsites designed to accommodate a variety of rigs. The park provides the following essential amenities for a comfortable stay:
- Water and electrical hookups supporting 20, 30, and 50-amp service.
- Access to modern bathhouses with hot showers and laundry facilities.
- A centrally located dump station for easy waste management.
While the sites are nestled in a natural setting, they offer paved pads and enough space to enjoy the outdoors comfortably in a rustic environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, including 36 holes of disc golf spread across two renowned wooded courses. Water activities are popular at Poplar Tree Lake, where visitors can rent canoes or kayaks. Hikers can explore over 20 miles of trails, including the Chickasaw Bluffs Trail, which winds through rugged terrain. Additionally, the park is a prime destination for birdwatching, with hundreds of species frequenting the area throughout the year.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers and birders who appreciate a quiet, wooded environment. It serves as an excellent home base for families wanting to combine a traditional camping experience with a trip to Memphis cultural sites like Graceland or Beale Street. If you prefer the sound of wildlife and the rustle of leaves over the hum of a highway, this state park offers the rustic charm and tranquility you are looking for.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Crae
Very nice park. Trails are marked pretty good.
Jesse West
This was a beautiful park . The trails was amazing we put some miles . I would love to camp here . Well worth the trip out . Beautiful fall colors and a new state for us . But the gift shop did not have nothin . That was a bumper . We are trinket people hiking stick medillon would be nice at least . Lol
Travel Babe IG: jenny.soulwind
Such a serene state park. We came in early Nov and the fall foliage was pretty. Trails in different lengths depending on what you prefer. Kayak rentals are possible and they also have ranger-led paddles and tours which sounds amazing for next time. It was a beautiful spot for a Sunday walk. Will definitely return.
Shaila Mandave
Visited the park today — it was extremely hot and humid today. We were hiking the 1-mile Woodland Trail loop when we came across a snake resting on a fallen tree right across the path. It wasn't aggressive, but it’s something to be cautious about. Overall, it's a peaceful trail, but the weather and wildlife made it a bit intense today. Also way too many insects and mosquitoes.
Shelly Damiano
Campground closed for renovations. New bathhouse. New cement pads for the picnic tables at the camp sites. Plenty of picnic tables for a picnic. Water pump for cleaning up. Separate bins for trash and recyclables. Trash was overflowing. (3) separate unisex bathrooms. One with an adult changing table. Small fishing boats out on the lake. Pioneer Springs Trail was blocked by a tree after you start on the trail. May have been from the storm earlier in the week. Group campsite available for reservations.