Keeping Visitors Healthy

Overnight Accommodations

Cabins & Camping

Cabins, campsites, and campgrounds are open. Online reservations are available. Reservations are also accepted over the phone by calling the particular park you wish to visit. Normal cancellation policies apply to upcoming reservations. 

The CDC recommends physical distancing from people outside your traveling party.

Lodges (Hotels)

Tennessee State Parks operates several hotel properties across the state. The Lodges at Tennessee State Parks staff are working to ensure overnight Lodge guests have a safe and pleasant experience. We have made a few changes to our processes to make this possible during your stay:

• Room Cleaning Procedures. In accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, we will not be servicing occupied lodge rooms. This is for your continued safety and the safety of our staff. However, we will continue to offer the quality service you deserve by providing the traditional amenities that you have come to expect from our Lodge. These include replacement towels, coffee, and other amenities. To receive these amenities, simply call or visit the front desk between the hours of 9 am-4 pm or ask one of our staff members when you see them. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
• Lobbies and common spaces. We encourage physical distancing in high traffic areas including lobbies, foyers, gift shops, restaurants, etc.  We encourage you to wash your hands frequently, especially after coming in contact with frequently touched surfaces.
• Dining services. Our restaurants may have adjusted hours and service offerings during your visit. 
• Safe outdoor recreation. We have developed general recommendations for all Tennessee State Parks visitors to help control the spread of COVID-19. We ask that you read our Keeping Visitors Healthy information to prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Group Facility Rentals

Group facilities are available for rent, provided that groups adhere to current CDC guidelines and Tennessee State Parks requirements for events during COVID-19. Details about these requirements are available on the COVID-19 Event Planning page.  

Safety Tips for Visitors

Travel Planning & COVID-19

Wondering how to plan a safe trip to a Tennessee State Park during COVID-19? Here are the tips, FAQs, and links to help you plan. This page includes information like

• Links to pages explaining state and major city responses to COVID-19
• Rules pertaining to pets, discounts, reservations, etc.  

Covid-19 Response Tips for Safe Travel

Tennessee State Parks have implemented policies designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and will monitor all aspects of the issue to ensure continued safety. Staff urges the public to help keep state parks open by doing their part to stay apart, by maintaining proper social distancing and practicing personal hygiene. The CDC has recommendations for those looking to visit public lands.

Here are some specific things you need to know as you plan your visits: 

• Don’t visit if you’re sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.

• Give people space.

  • Appropriate space on trails and at gathering areas fosters a pleasant outdoor experience for all visitors.

• Don’t visit crowded areas.

  • If parks are full, consider coming back at a different time.

  • Consider coming earlier in the day to allow for plenty of time if an area is full and you need to adjust your plans. Tennessee State Parks may limit access to certain parks or areas if capacity is reached.

• Only park in designated areas.

  • Please do not park along the shoulders of roads. If a parking area is full, please adjust your plans and find another area to visit. 

• Follow all park rules and regulations. 

  • You can find Tennessee State Park rules and regulations here.

  • Please stay on the trail and do not enter areas that are closed or restricted. 

• Face coverings are optional in state buildings.

  • Face coverings are optional and are no longer required for visitors and employees entering state buildings with limited exceptions or to participate in a program.

  • In some pre-determined functions or locations, face coverings may be required.

  • During periods of prolonged close proximity, physical distancing should be considered.

• Plan ahead.

  • Understand if a park or area of the park you plan to visit is open or closed. Specific details about any closures is available on the alerts page.

  • Bring everything you will need to have a safe and enjoyable day in the park. 

• Pack out your trash.

  • When it’s time to leave, please clean up after yourselves. Carry out any trash or dispose of it in the appropriate containers.

• Contact Information.

  • Park offices and Visitors Centers are open normal business hours to assist you during your visit. 
  • If a facility is closed, there should be signage providing phone numbers and methods for reaching staff or rangers.
  • In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

General Safety Tips for Visitors

Our Tennessee State Parks are full of beauty and adventure; however, they are also natural and wild places. Our park resources, wildlife, and staff depend on you to enjoy them safely and responsibly during your next visit. Please check the Alerts page or the particular park's homepage on our website for updated information or emergency bulletins. If you have any questions about the park, please contact the park office, visitor center, or on-duty Park Ranger directly.   

While planning your next visit to a Tennessee State Parks, please keep in mind a few safety tips to ensure your adventure is a safe and enjoyable one:

• BE WEATHER AWARE- Tennessee weather can change quickly. Know the day's forecast and plan accordingly. 

• KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS- Understand your fitness level and experience with hiking and outdoor activity. Know the distance you plan to hike, and always carry adequate food and water. Always wear appropriate footwear for the type of activity you are planning to enjoy. Flip flops are not the best for hiking and often result in injured ankles. 

• HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN- Always tell someone where you are going, and when you return. If possible, keep a cell phone or communication device with you. Always register at designated trailheads where kiosks are present. Give yourself plenty of time to return before sundown or close of day. We recommend visitors not hike alone in case of an emergency.

• LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES!- While recreating on or near water, always wear your life jacket. Tennessee State Law requires everyone under the age of 12 to wear a life jacket.

• NO RISKY BUSINESS- Always abide by park rules and regulations. Do not jump or dive from cliffs or waterfalls. Don't risk going around barricades or off-trail into dangerous or protected areas for shortcuts or Instagram selfies. Always stay on the trail and enjoy the scenery from overlooks and safe locations. Never recreate in Tennessee State Parks under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

• SECURE YOUR CAR AND VALUABLES- Always lock your vehicle at parking lots or trailheads. Limit break-ins by not leaving items such as cell phones, electronics, purses, or valuables in plain sight. 

• BE PET RESPONSIBLE- All pets much be on a six-foot physical leash while in Tennessee State Parks. Pack plenty of water and food for your pet, and clean-up any pet waste.

• IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING- Every day, visitors help to save lives and protect our parks by alerting Park Rangers or staff to dangerous situations or behavior occurring in the park. We depend on you to help us preserve and protect our greatest resources in Tennessee State Parks. 

Other Park Facilities

Boat Rental Operations 

Hours and operating procedures for boating rentals vary by park. Each park is implementing additional safety and sanitation protocols to protect park staff and visitors and encourage social distancing. Boaters are encouraged to bring their own life jacket or approved personal floatation devices (PFD).

Golf Courses

TN Golf Trail courses are open and have implemented a few best practices to increase social distancing and combat the spread of COVID-19. 

Find a course

Outdoor Grilling Areas

Parks that offer outdoor grills for visitors’ personal use are available. Please practice social distancing while using these facilities. 

Restaurants

Restaurants are open. Service, menus, and hours will vary at each location. Please visit the specific restaurant webpage, or call the restaurant, for more information.