See All Available Dates

You can now view all available dates, up to a full year ahead, of any facility that is showing unavailable for your selected dates. Unavailable facilities are shown on the map or list as gray icons.

Show Available Dates

The description window of any unavailable facility includes a large blue button with "Show Available Dates". Use this button to reveal an interactive calendar that shows every available date for that facility — allowing you to easily change your dates so you can reserve that favorite facility.

This will also reset your selected dates so that you can select more than one facility for the same date.

If you need assistance making facility reservations, please give us a call. We'll be happy to help!

Picnic Shelter Reservations Policy

Picnic shelters or pavilions may be reserved with a paid reservation fee. Online reservations are available up to one year in advance. Groups may contact the park directly for reservations up to two years in advance.

Cancellations should be made by calling the park directly during normal business hours or online. Cancellations may not be made via voicemail, email or social media.

• Picnic shelter reservations cancelled 8 days or more in advance of the arrival date may be refunded the full advanced deposit minus a $5.00 cancellation fee.
• Reservations cancelled 7 days or less in advance of the arrival date will forfeit the entire deposit paid.
• Refunds to credit / debit cards can take up to 7 days to post to your account.
• If payment is made using a gift card, please retain this gift card in case you cancel your reservation. Any refunds must be made to the original gift card.
• If this reservation is part of a contracted group, then the contract's cancellation policies supersede the above individual cancellation policies.

TDEC / TN State Parks reserves the right to cancel a reservation and/or contract anytime with 100% refund of all monies received for the reservation.

Picnic Shelter Amenities

A great location for a picnic or small gathering, each shelter is equipped with 5 picnic tables including 1 that is wheelchair accessible. There is 1 large grill, electricity, trash receptacles and water nearby.

Picnic Shelter Policies

Your reserved shelter is available from 9 am - 4 pm Sunday - Saturday. Later stay arrangements must be made in advance by calling the park office at 423-543-5808.

A DAMAGE OR CLEANING fee will be charged if you do not clean the shelter when you leave (tables, trash, etc.) or if State property is damaged. Minimal fee will be the cost of the shelter or package you rented, and increase based on cost of damage incurred.

• Tents, other structures along the side of the entrance road, in the field or around the shelters are prohibited.
• Need more room or need to set up tents, chairs or other structures? Rent our Expanded Area Package which includes all 3 shelters (Dogwood, Redbud and Sweetgum) with the use of the large field beside the shelters. Please call the park to reserve this option.
• No cancellations will be accepted due to weather.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
• No fireworks are allowed.
• Help us maintain the beauty of the park by placing all trash in the containers provided.
• Recycling containers are located at the park Visitor's Center.
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The Gathering Place, Meeting & Community Room

If you have reserved the Gathering Place, Meeting & Community Room, located in the park Visitors Center, for your event, we thank you for choosing this facility and wish to share some information about the facility with you. The room has an elevated stage across the front with a large, retractable projection screen, three microphones & two wall mounted speakers. Excellent lighting with the optional use of a dimming system provides for a wide variety of lighting possibilities. Ample electrical outlets are placed along two walls. A refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and small coffee maker are also provided. There are up to 120 chairs available and 25 six-foot tables.

As you plan your event, please remember this room does not have a private area for changing clothes if that need may arise. Our Visitors Center lobby and rest rooms are public areas and not appropriate for these types of needs.

You may arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time to set up for your event, with earlier arrival possible depending on the rental schedule. We ask that you clean up all trash, any spills, and leave the room ready for the next person. Please vacate the room at the specified end time to avoid being charged for an additional half day.

Also located in the Visitors Center is our award-winning museum and Patriot Theater. Our gift & book shop, John Carter's General Store offers a wide array of great books, historic souvenirs, park apparel, and so much more!

You may arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time to set up for your event, with earlier arrival possible depending on the rental schedule. We ask that you clean up all trash, any spills, and leave the room ready for the next person. Please vacate the room at the specified end time to avoid being charged for an additional half day.

Also located in the Visitors Center is our award-winning museum and Patriot Theater. Our gift & book shop, John Carter's General Store, offers a wide array of great books, historic souvenirs, park apparel, and so much more!

If you need to cancel your reservation for the Gathering Place, you will receive a full refund, minus a $5.00 cancellation fee, if you contact the park 8 days or more prior to your scheduled reservation.

Reservations for the Gathering Place cancelled 7 days or less in advance of the reservation date will forfeit the entire deposit paid.

A DAMAGE OR CLEANING fee will be charged if you do not clean the room (tables, chairs, floors, trash, etc.) or if State property is damaged. Cleaning supplies are under the microwave; mops/brooms are by the refrigerator. Minimal fee will be the cost of the room for your rental and increase based on cost of damage incurred.

Tennessee Conservationist Magazine

Want to learn more about your Tennessee State Parks as well as native species, history, conservation, archaeology, and Tennessee culture? If so, we invite you to check out a sample of the Tennessee Conservationist Magazine, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks! Our bi-monthly print and online publication features smart articles and stunning photography. In our pages, you'll discover insider tips on things to see and do, and find ways to connect with resources and activities in Tennessee State Parks and across our state. And if you like what you see, be sure to subscribe online to the Tennessee Conservationist Magazine, where you may opt for a print version or a digital version, or both!

Supporting TN State Parks

Thank you for supporting your Tennessee State Parks. Your reservations and purchases provide critical funding for this park system. Want to learn how you can do even more to support the parks? Visit https://tnstateparks.com/donate to learn about volunteer and fundraising opportunities.