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Special Event

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park will host the 20th Annual James Logan Colbert Rendezvous, October 25-26, 2008. This free event provides the public with the opportunity to observe living pioneer history of the 18th century. Activities during the Rendezvous include black powder shooting competitions, tomahawk and knife throwing, primitive cooking, camping, games, and more.

It is located at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park; stop at the Visitor Center for directions to the Rendezvous site. This event is open to everyone! For groups larger than 30, please contact us to set up times to better accommodate your group.

Meeman-Shelby State Park

Plan Your Visit

Hours of Operation
7am-10pm

Directions
From Interstate 40, take exit 2-A, turn right, go 6 stop lights to Watkins road (this is Highway 388), turn left and go until the road dead-ends. Turn left, go one mile to a four-way stop, Shelby Forest General Store and turn right, go one mile, turn left into the park.
Detailed directions
To the park | From the park

Accessibility
The swimming pool, at least one cabin and the group camp are accessible to persons with a disability.

Park Activities


Biking Boating Camping Fishing Group Camping Hiking Trails Picnic Facilities Swimming

Points of Interest


  Memphis Pyramid
  Beale Street
  Graceland
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.

Biking

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

Boating

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.

Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office

Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River

A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62.

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Cabins

Meeman Shelby has six two-bedroom vacation cabins situated along the shore of Poplar Tree Lake in a heavily wooded section of the park. These cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping and food preparation. Linens are provided. They are ideal for family vacations or fishing parties and sleep up to six people in each. Reservations should be made in advance through the visitor center.

Cabins can accommodate six people, and are equipped with a VCR, television and linens. Kitchens are fully equipped, there is a fireplace and wood is furnished during the winter months. There is a double bed and two twin beds in each cabin along with two roll-out beds.

Cabins can be reserved up to one year in advance and are usually booked up to three weeks in advance. Cabin is available to accommodate pets for an additional charge. Contact the park for details. To make reservations: 800-471-5293

Cabins available that are accessible to persons with a disability

Camping

The park campground provides 49 campsites equipped with table, grill, electrical and water hookups. A modern bathhouse provides hot showers. There is a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs. Sites are available on a first-come, first served basis, however reservations may be made well in advance through the visitor center. Maximum stay limit is two weeks.

Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215

Events

2008 Calendar of Programs and Events

Fishing

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.

Special fishing permit required-can be obtained from park office

Free launch ramp available on Mississippi River

A park fishing permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 62.

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

Group Camping

There are two group camps at Meeman Shelby. The groups camps are available to youth groups and can accommodate up to 140 (Piersol Group Camp) and 100 (Mississippi River Group Camp) persons. They consist of a large dining hall fully equipped for food preparation and serving, clusters of group cabins, bathhouses and one with a swimming pool. Campers need only provide linens, food, medical and sanitary supplies and staff. At Piersol Group Camp, bathroom facilities are attached to the bunkhouse and there are 4 showers. At the Mississippi River Group Camp, there are separate showers and restrooms.

Group camps are available from April through October, the camps are rented by the week only during the summer months, and on week-ends at other times. Reservations should be made well in advance through the visitor center.

Reservations may be made for campsites and are recommended during major holidays Call to reserve: 1-901-876-5215

Hiking

Trails open year round

More than 20 miles of hiking trails meander throughout the park. Some are located in the Mississippi River bottoms and are off limits during managed hunts. Bicycle trail accessible to persons with a disability

Picnic Facilities

There are 300 picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park. Each is conveniently located near restrooms, water fountains and playgrounds. Several picnic shelters are available for rent for large family and other group gatherings. 7 picnic pavilions available

The recreation lodge facility is an air conditioned building with chairs and tables that can accommodate up to 100 people.

For reservation information call: 901-876-5215

Swimming

The pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes mid-August. Contact the park for exact closing dates as they vary season to season.

Nature Center

Nature Center Hours:
March-May: Saturday & Sunday 1pm-5pm
May-October: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 1pm-5pm
October-March: Sunday 1pm-5pm

Exhibits include live snakes, fish aquarium, stuffed animal exhibit, a touch table and a Native American exhibit.

Special programs at the center include live birds of prey and reptile programs, making bird feeders, homemade ice cream, nature videos, deep swamp canoe trips and pontoon boat rides.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome.