Located on the Tims Ford Reservoir, the 1,321-acre Tims Ford State park sits in the shadows of the Cumberland Plateau in south-central Tennessee. The Tims Ford Lake is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in Tennessee and is regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast.
The Lake View Marina, located within the park, provides pontoon boat rentals as well as a boat launch and courtesy dock. The marina also includes a snack bar, bait shop and fish-cleaning area. There is also a small inventory of canoes and kayaks available for rent.
Tims Ford State Park offers multiple lodging opportunities. The park has 20 beautiful cabins situated on the wooded slopes of Tims Ford Lake. The cabins are completely equipped, including appliances, cooking and serving utensils and linens. The park has two campgrounds for tent or RV campers. In addition, tent campers may camp on any of the six islands on the lake or at our Turkey Creek area.
Another popular activity is golfing. The park is home to the Bear Trace at Tims Ford which is part of the Jack Nicklaus-designed collection. The Tims Ford reservoir is visible from most holes on the course and comes into play on several of the 18 holes, giving the course an excellent balance of challenge and playability.
Activities
BOATING
Tims Ford State Park manages eight public boat ramps around the lake and leases two marinas, providing ample access to Tims Ford Lake.
SWIMMING
The pool at Tims Ford opens for the season on the Saturday before Memorial Day.
HIKING
There are 6.5 miles of unpaved hiking trails in addition to the 22 miles of bike trails that are also used for hiking. Two of the three trails begin at the visitor center, while the third wraps the shoreline near our marina. Pets are allowed on the hiking trails, but must be on a leash at all times.
GOLFING
Just an hour-and-a-half south of Nashville lies another star of the Jack Nicklaus-designed collection. The Bear Trace at Tims Ford has received widespread acclaim almost from the day of its opening.
BIKING
There are seven miles of paved biking/hiking trails that connect all the major areas of the park. A multi-use mountain bike/hiking trail has an out and back total of over 16 miles and runs along the shoreline of Tims Ford Reservoir.
FISHING
Tims Ford Lake is a long winding reservoir (10,000 acre) providing boating, skiing, fishing and other water recreation activities.
BIRDING
Essentially an upland park, open field birds such as indigo bunting, song and field sparrow share created meadow areas on either side of the park road past the visitor center.
Campground
MAIN CAMPGROUND
Open year-round, the campground has 52 RV and tent campsites. All sites have 30-amp electric service and water hookups. Four sites also have sewer hookups. A dump station is located at the entrance to the campground for self contained rigs. Two centrally located, heated bathhouses provide hot showers and bathrooms. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with grill. A playground is located within the campground, and several other playgrounds are located throughout the park. The camp store is open year-round and WiFi is available.
The campsites are limited to six people per site, and one RV and one tent, or two tents per site. Two of the campsites are ADA compliant and are set aside for that reason. Maximum stay is 14 days March through November. Maximum stay is 28 days December, January and February.
PADDLE-IN ISLAND SITES
Tims Ford has six paddle-in campsites, each one is located on one of the six nearby islands. These are primitive campsites, there are no amenities. You will need to bring what you need in, and carry out. Please practice Leave No Trace.
FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND
This campground is located eight miles away from the main park. The 82 campsites have 20, 30, 50-amp electrical hookups and water hookups. Sewer hookups are available on 31 sites. A dump station and bathhouse with hot showers are centrally located. Wi-Fi is available. Each site includes a table and fire ring with grill.
Sites 1-18 are auctioned off for the Season (April – September) on the last Friday in March. The other 63 sites, (19-82) are available for daily rental year-round. Maximum stay is 14 days March through November. Maximum stay is 28 days December, January and February.
TURKEY CREEK TENT ONLY PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES
Turkey Creek is located North of the main park. There are 10 tent only, primitive sites. All offer a grassy surface and range from sunny to partial shade. There is no water or electric. Each site is limited to two tents and six people.
Reservations are required and may be made by calling the park at 931-962-1183.
EVANS LOOP BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITE
Located on the Evans Loop Trail, this backcountry campsite is a hike-in site. The hike is approximately six miles. There is no water or electric. Campers will need to carry-in and carry-out all items and trash.
