Camping near Hickman, Kentucky centers around Reelfoot Lake, a natural body of water formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812. This northwestern corner of Tennessee offers shorelines with cypress trees that create distinctive wetland habitats for wildlife viewing. Fall and winter months generally provide more comfortable camping conditions with significantly reduced insect populations.
What to do
Pontoon tours: Take a guided boat tour at Reelfoot Lake State Park Campgrounds. These ranger-led excursions provide close wildlife encounters and historical information. "We did a bird watching tour that was incredible, we got close to so many different species," notes one visitor who stayed at the North Airpark campground.
Eagle watching: Winter months bring bald eagles to the region. "The visitor center is always a must, to check out the eagles, owls and snakes!" according to a camper at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Serious photographers often visit during winter months when migratory birds are most active.
Fishing: Multiple access points around the lake offer fishing opportunities. "Reelfoot lake is beautiful, this was our first time kayaking the lake and it was really nice," reports a regular visitor to Reelfoot Lake State Park. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased at local bait shops.
What campers like
Lakefront camping experiences: Several sites provide water views at South Campground. "We snagged a lakeside spot and listened to the water lapping up against the bank while we slept. Quiet and peaceful," shares one visitor who gave the campground five stars.
Space between sites: Layout at some campgrounds prevents crowding. "The campground was laid out well in the fact that you didn't feel crowded at all, even when there were lots of campers," explains a visitor who stayed at South Campground. Sites with more buffer space include those in the 40s section.
Local restaurants: Several dining options near campsites. "We did choose one night to go to the resort restaurant (a fish house) next door to the campground (a quick walk even with small children)," notes a visitor to South Campground. Boyettes is another recommended local eatery mentioned by reviewers.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Many campgrounds experience water issues during rainy periods. A visitor to Airpark North Campground reported, "After making part of the first loop, we immediately saw why there were so many unreserved spots...A good 90% of the campground was underwater!" Spring visitors should call ahead for current conditions.
Insects: Summer months bring significant bug populations. "We almost didn't stay the night. Actually, we were schedule to stay two nights and left around 9 the next morning. The mosquitoes, gnats, and flies were so overwhelming that we couldn't go outside," warns a South Campground visitor. Fall and winter visits avoid most insect problems.
Site conditions: Uneven terrain affects some camping spots. "The land is low so if there is heavy rain it will be soggy in many places," notes a visitor to South Campground. Areas with cypress tree roots can create lumpy ground surfaces for tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: South Campground offers play facilities for children. "This campground had a lot of families, a simple but age appropriate playground (ages 5-12), and many spots with views of the lake," reports a visitor to South Campground. The playground is centrally located near shower facilities.
Mini-golf: Available at Columbus-Belmont State Park. "Columbus has plenty of areas to have a cookout, an abundance of trails to explore, a ton of scenery for your eyes to enjoy, history woven into it's fabric which is narrated to you by way of signs and a museum, a beautiful campground, a pleasant little food shack with reasonable food prices, and cute mini Golf course!" reports a visitor.
Civil War history: Educational opportunities for school-age children. "Great little Civil War museum," notes a Columbus-Belmont visitor. The park offers self-guided walking tours through historic trenches with interpretive signs appropriate for elementary-age children and older.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Options vary across campgrounds. "The sites that back up to the river are full hookup," notes a visitor to Columbus-Belmont State Park. Sites with the best views often have fewer amenities, requiring strategic planning for longer stays.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustments. "These sites were paved, but not level, so be prepared to level," advises a Columbus-Belmont camper. Bringing appropriate leveling equipment is essential for RVs at most area campgrounds.
Site width considerations: Some areas accommodate larger rigs better than others. "Site 43 has trees on both sides of the pad and, based on comments from another camper, can be difficult to back in a larger camper," warns a visitor to South Campground. Reserving early provides better options for larger RVs.
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