Sunset over a lakeside with people on a dock and boats, silhouetted trees frame the scene, calm water reflecting colors.
A blue heron standing on a wooden pier by a calm pond, with green trees and reflections in the water.
A wooden pier extends over calm lake water toward a small tree on a distant shore under a blue, partly cloudy sky.

Reelfoot Lake

Description

Located in the upper northwest corner of the state, this 10,247-acre lake is the largest natural lake in the state. The lake was formed by an earthquake in 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to flow backward into a shallow basin. Reelfoot is famous for its bluegill and crappie which rank among the best in the state.  

Optimized Fish:
Crappie
Crappie
Catfish
Catfish
Bluegill
Bluegill
Enhancements
  • Continued management for quality bluegill, crappie and bass fishing.
  • Continued habitat management and improvements.
Activities:
Camping
Cabins
Hiking
Fishing
Boating
Paddling
Birding
Pontoon
Four people in kayaks paddling on a calm body of water, moving toward the camera; distant shoreline in background.
Outside games at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Hornbeak, Tennessee.
RV at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Hornbeak, Tennessee.
Kayaking at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Hornbeak, Tennessee.
Camping at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Hornbeak, Tennessee.
Location
  • Lake
  • Obion
Reel Foot Lake logo. Map section shows Lake and surrounding counties; blue lake shape near top left of the map.
Rules & Regulations

For rules and regulations, please visit TWRA.com.

Hours of operation may vary.

The Real Seal

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Some basic retouching can still be part of a certified photo, but only when it helps to better reflect what was already there.

The Tennessee Real Seal sets a new standard for travel content that people can trust. So even when the landscape looks too beautiful to be true, you know it didn’t come from a prompt. It’s a real place in Tennessee, waiting for you to explore.

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