Bledsoe Creek State Park is rich in history. It was once a prime hunting ground for the Cherokee, Creek, Shawnee and Chickamauga Native American tribes. Once English settlers arrived to the area, the once great herds of animals were dispersed, never to return. The area is home to a wealth of Native American history along with various historical sites nearby. The Bledsoe Creek territory became a Tennessee State Park in 1973.
The park features 57 campsites. There are more than six miles of scenic hiking trails. The trails meander through the forest and along the lakeshore of the park. One mile of these trails is paved making it accessible to persons with disabilities. The trails are open year round.
Bledsoe Creek offers two boat launch ramps, one for registered campers only and the other open for the general public. Other activities include fishing at Old Hickory Lake, picnic facilities (the largest able to accommodate up to 150 people) and park programs which provide entertainment for all ages and change annually.
Activities
PADDLING
Bledsoe Creek offers kayak and paddleboard rentals through PaddleEZ. The price is $18 per hour. Once you complete your online reservation and payment, you will receive a code to access your boat and equipment.
HIKING
Visit any of the seven trails of Big Hill Pond, ranging in difficulty and distance, including Fox Hollow Trail and Rocky Knob Trail.
FISHING/BOATING
Old Hickory Lake (22,500 Reservoir) provides fishing, skiing, and other water recreation activities.
BIRDING
One hundred and sixteen species have been recorded at the park.
Campground
LEVEL CAMPSITES
Bledsoe Creek has 57 level campsites, 65 feet in length and 25 feet wide. Campsites are paved, have new borders and fire rings, grills, lantern holders, and picnic tables. Forty-three campsites have 50/30 amp service, and 14 have 30 amp service available. Water for each site and a dump station are available year-round. Recent improvements also make the campsites compliant with the American Disabilities Act.
PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES
We also have eight primitive waterfront sites available. These waterfront sites have beautiful views of the lake. Each site is drive-in, has a grill, picnic table, and a fire pit. There is ample room to put up to four tents and plenty of trees for hammocks. Each site accommodates up to eight people. Campers have access to potable water, but no electricity. It is a very short walk to the bathhouse and only steps away from our popular Shoreline Trail and a fishing area.
The two bathhouses are ADA compliant and have hot showers and heat. The laundromat is open year-round.
Pets are allowed, but must be leashed and may not be left unattended. Firewood may be purchased at the park.