Chickasaw State Rustic Park is situated on some of the highest terrain in west Tennessee. Of the area's 14,384 acres of timberland, 1,280 acres are used for recreation. The remainder is state forest managed jointly by the State Forestry Division and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The park is located in Chester and Hardeman Counties, 18 miles south of Jackson, Tennessee on State Hwy. 100.

Programs

A park recreation director, on duty during the summer months, conducts group games, arts and crafts, evening movies, campfire programs and hayrides.

Biking & Hiking

The park has hiking and biking (mountain bike trails available) trails that are open year round. No overnight camping is allowed on the hiking trails.

Boating

Rowboats and pedal boats are available for rent on Lake Placid. No personally owned boats or gasoline powered motors are allowed on the lake. However, electric trolling motors are allowed. Fishermen, young and old, enjoy the lake and often dine on fine catches of bass and bluegill. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for persons over 13 years of age.

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Cabins

Chickasaw offers 13 vacation cottages, some sleeping up to six persons and fully equipped for housekeeping. The cabins, complete with fireplaces and televisions, are nestled among tall pines and located within easy access to Lake Placid. Cabins are available by reservation year-round with the months of June and July available on a weekly basis. Reservations may be taken up to a year in advance.

To Reserve call: 731-989-5141

Camping

There are three campgrounds at Chickasaw State Park. The RV campground has 52 sites, each with water and electrical hookups. The tent campground has 29 sites, and water is available. The wrangler campground is designed for visitors traveling with horses. There are 32 sites, each with water and electrical hookups. All park campsites have picnic tables and grills. Modern bathhouses provide hot showers and restroom facilities. There is a playground in each campground.

For more information call: 731-989-5141

Fishing

Fisherman, young and old, enjoy lake fishing on Lake Placid and can expect fine catches of bass, catfish and crappie. Boats may be rented at the park. No personal boats are allowed.

A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for persons over 13 years of age.

Legal Limits:
Crappie - limit 30, no minimum length
Bass - limit 5, minimum length 15"
Catfish - limit 5, minimum length 15"
Bream - no limit, no minimum length

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Group Camping

The 131-capacity group camp is available to family groups and organizations and is completely equipped with dining hall, cabins, bunks, toilet facilities and its own swimming area. The dining hall contains cooking and serving utensils and equipment. Campers need only supply linens, food, medicinal and sanitary supplies and staff. The group camp is open from April through October and reservations are required.

For Reservations: 731-989-5141

Group Lodge

This facility accommodates 40 persons. The building features divided quarters with bunk beds and sleeps 20 people to a room. Central heat and air are provided as well as dishes, utensils, microwave, ice maker, freezers, refrigerator and stove. Groups must supply their own linens. A 45-day notice of cancellation is required for a refund of the deposit. Check-in time for this facity is 3 p.m. and check-out time is 10 a.m.

Horseback Riding

Horses are also available for rent from the park stables. The guided trail takes approximately one hour to complete. Children under 9 years of age may not ride on the trail. Stables are open March through Thanksgiving weekend. The stable is open weekends in the spring and fall. Call the stables at 731-989-9494 for cost and hours of operation.

Located near the stables, the Wrangler Campground is designed to meet the needs of the park visitors traveling with horses. Many visitors bring their own horses to Chickasaw to take advantage of the approximately 100 miles of trails in Chickasaw State Forest.

The Wrangler Campground features 32 sites with water and electric hookups. Horses may be picketed at the campsites. A bathhouse with shower and restroom facilities is available, as well as a lighted arena and playground. Please note that horses are not allowed on paved roads within the park.

Meeting Facility

The Sagamore Lodge meeting facility seats 100 people. Folding tables and chairs and central heat and air are provided. This building is popular for weddings, meetings, and reunions.

Picnic Facilities

There are 7 large covered picnic pavilions that can each accommodate 50 people. Each pavilion is equipped with a grill and water spigot.

Three of these pavilions can be reserved by calling the park office.

Restaurant

The park's 100-seat restaurant offers excellent Southern cuisine in a restful atmosphere. The restaurant is open throughout most of the year.

The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday, serving dinner on Thursday nights from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday nights from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant features homestyle country cooking and delicious buffets. For more information, call the restaurant at 731-989-6807.

Swimming

The picturesque swimming beach on the shore of Lake Placid is very popular with visitors. A modern bathhouse serves the swimming beach.

Other Activities

The park features a hiking trail, tennis courts, basketball courts, archery range, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball court and lighted ballfield. There is also horseback riding in the summer months. Many visitors bring their own mounts and explore the more than 100 miles of roads and trails within Chickasaw State Forest.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome and roads in the park are accessible to tour buses.