Chicasaw State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Chickasaw State Park first opened its gates to the public in 1955 as a part of the New Deal-era. The park got its name from the Indians that once called the area home, and you can learn about them in the museums and local stores. There are plenty of pots, artwork, and historical illustrations to give you a better understanding of their everyday life. Chickasaw State Park offers 1,400 acres of Tennessee land for the entire family to enjoy. The park generates summertime fun near Lake Placid and plenty of trails to hike in the nearby forest.
The long trails littered throughout the park make birding, hiking, biking, and other leisure activities all within reach of the campgrounds. You can expect to explore the trails and enjoy fishing in the summer. The winter offers geocaching, the occasional hunting, and the fierce snowball fights that campers initiate each year.
You can take your RV to one of the 52 available sites for camping. The majority of the sites offer full hookups, but some do not have a sewer connection available for immediate use. The dumping station near the main camping ground makes up for the lack of a sewer connection. There are also 32 wrangler RV and trailer sites available for campers who bring their horses. These sites offer water and electrical connections but do not include a sewer hookup for those who would like one. Sites are shaded but not very leveled. You can experience the cold winters and hot summers in this beautiful state park.
RV Rentals in Chicasaw State Park
Transportation
Driving
Less than two hours away from Memphis, Tennessee and located off Hwy 100, Chickasaw State Park offers plenty of opportunities to explore the nearby cities. You won't be able to buy firewood outside of the park, but you can pick those up at the trading post in the park. Henderson, Deanburg, Silerton, and Finger all offer towns to get away and enjoy the downtown areas.
The entrance to the park leads you to the primary office for check-in. You can find parking lots near all of the campgrounds and the lake. You may want to drive slowly through the park to prevent accidents and the occasional jostling due to an uneven road. The parking lots allow space for an additional car; from there you can walk or ride your bike to your rig.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Chicasaw State Park
Campsites in Chicasaw State Park
Reservations camping
RV Campground at Chickasaw State Park
This campground comes with full hookups located near the entrance of the park. There are 53 campsites available for RV and trailer camping, accommodating rigs up to 100 feet long. There are a few sites that do not have a sewer hookup, but a dumping station is located nearby for you to dispose of your waste. If you have an additional car, you can park it in the parking lot near the campground. The sites are shaded and somewhat hilly but entirely isolated from each other. When you sit by the fire, you won't have to worry about your neighbors peeking at you.
Amenities include hot showers, toilets, a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. It's forbidden to bring firewood, but you can buy local wood near or in the park. Collecting firewood from the surrounding area is also prohibited. In 30 days, you can stay a 14-day limit at a time. Reservations are accepted up to 11 months in advance.
Wrangler Campground
This equestrian campground has water and electrical hookups near the lake. There are 18 campsites available to accommodate RV and trailers up to 80 feet long. There is a nearby dumping station where you can dispose of your waste. You can park it in the parking lot near the campground if you have an extra car. You can keep your horse near your campsite in the stables of a hitching post. The sites are shaded and somewhat hilly but isolated from each other entirely.
You won't have to worry about your neighbors peeking at you when you're sitting by the fire. Amenities hot showers, toilets, a table for picnics, a grill and a fire ring. Bringing your firewood is prohibited, but you can buy local wood in or near the park. It is also forbidden to collect firewood from the surrounding area. You can stay a 14-day limit at a time in a period of 30 days. Reservations can be made in advance of up to 11 months.
Seasonal activities in Chicasaw State Park
In-Season
Fishing
Lake Placid has 14,383 acres of water where you can swim, ski, or fish to your heart's desire. The lake is stocked annually with largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and trout. You can rent a boat for a small price, and the docks are open starting the weekend of Memorial Day to the first weekend in August. The docks are open to the public on the weekends for the remainder of the year. If you forget to pack your fishing equipment in your camper, you can pick some up at the trading post.
Horseback Riding
Chickasaw State Park offers five miles of horseback riding trails for you to enjoy. You can also choose to explore the hundreds of trails in the Chickasaw State Forest. Horses are only allowed on their specific trails and riders are required to maintain a steady pace while on the trails. Horseback riders are required to wear a helmet but not knee pads while riding and must keep an eye on their horse when they are not riding. If you do not have your horse, you may be able to rent one from a local stable for a fee.
Biking
All trails in Chickasaw State Park accommodate bikes, but you should stick to Owen's Spring Trail for partially paved trails. Bikers must give way to hikers and ride at a reasonable speed while on the trails. You may venture off the trails, but due to safety concerns, you are advised to stay on the trails. Remember to wear a helmet and bring your great outdoor adventure with a bottle of water.
Off-Season
Birding
In the front office, you can pick up a birding checklist to find out the various types of birds that call home to the park. The Lakeshore Trail offers nearly two miles of trails to explore and spot the area's nests for cardinals, warblers, swallows, and sparrows. Before you leave town for the best experience, remember to pack your binoculars in your camping trailer. Take along a bottle of water and a pair of sturdy walking shoes.
Hiking
The Chickasaw State Park provides you with eight miles of trails and a self-guided tour to explore the area around the park. Remember to carry a map, water bottle, and wear a robust pair of hiking boots to make your body's trip a little easier. On the trails, animals are allowed, but only if they are on a leash and well-behaved. Remember to pick it up to keep the park looking beautiful if you see any trash on the trails.
Geocaching
Geocaching is one of the essential activities to enjoy with the entire family. You'll need your own set of treasures to trade, a water bottle, and a snack for when you're out on the trails. Wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots along with your adventurous spirit. Dressing according to the weather is highly recommended for you to stay comfortable, and always remember to leave the trails better than you found them.
