Closed
Both Happy Hollow Campground and Lakefront Campground are closed for 2026 due to a campground renovation project. Reopening is anticipated in early 2027.
About
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park encompasses 2,700 acres along the western shore of Kentucky Lake in Benton County, Tennessee. The campground offers two distinct camping experiences across 50 standard sites. Happy Hollow Campground features 37 paved sites with water and electric hookups (20/30/50 amp options), a central bathhouse with hot showers, a dump station, and a nearby playground. Each site includes a picnic table and grill. Lakefront Campground provides 13 primitive tent-only sites situated directly on Kentucky Lake, with each site on a raised gravel bed featuring a fire ring and picnic table, freshwater spigots throughout, and a central restroom.
The park also offers two backcountry sites and group camping for those seeking a more remote experience. Beyond camping, visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails, access boat docks on Kentucky Lake, and visit the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and Museum atop Pilot Knob, one of the highest points in West Tennessee.
Reservations are made through reserve.tnstateparks.com with a $5 nonrefundable reservation fee. Maximum stay is 14 days (extended to 28 days December through February), and most sites require a 2-night minimum. Check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM. Only certified heat-treated firewood is permitted.
Directions
Use 1825 Pilot Knob Road, Eva, TN 38333 when using GPS to get the most direct route to the Park Office. Using the park name in GPS may route you to the back gate, which is a longer route with no cell phone reception.