Meeman Shelby Forsest State Park

State: Tennessee

Address 1: 910 Riddick Rd

City: Millington

Zip: 38053

Phone: 901-876-5215 800-471-5293

Open all Year: Yes

Number of Sites: 49

Electric Water: 49

Camp URL: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/MeemanShelby/index.shtml#camping

Full Hook: Yes

Bordering on the mighty Mississippi River, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park are bottomland hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. The park also contains two lakes and many miles of hiking trails. The Meeman Museum and Nature Center is named for Edward J. Meeman, courageous conservation editor of Scripps-Howard newspapers who helped establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park maintains a boat ramp on the Mississippi River. Deer, turkey, beaver and some 200 species of birds are abundant.

There is a 5-mile paved bicycle trail at the park. Many cyclists use the park roads for extended riding.

There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish. Rental jonboats are available at the park boat dock, but many enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. Personally owned boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake for a small launch fee, but no gasoline motors are allowed.

There are two fishing lakes on the park, Poplar Tree Lake and Piersol Lake. Year-round fishing is available on 125-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Some outstanding largemouth bass have been taken from this picturesque lake. Other species include bream and catfish.