Big Hill Pond State Park encompasses more than 4,000 acres of forested terrain in Pocahontas, Tennessee, and its campground sits close to the park's namesake lake, with hiking trails branching out in multiple directions from the sites. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation manages the facility year-round, and recent renovations have noticeably improved the grounds. Reviewers consistently note fresh gravel, wooden railings, and a clean bathhouse with accessible showers. Sites are level and wooded enough to support hammocking, and firewood is available on site.
The campground is primitive in character, meaning there are no electrical hookups at any site, water only. That limitation is worth knowing before arrival, particularly for RV travelers: while the listed maximum length is 75 feet, multiple campers flag that the access road is rough and that larger rigs may have difficulty maneuvering. Smaller campers and tent setups have fewer issues. Pets are welcome, and reservations are available. The park also designates separate areas for scout troops, which keeps group camping activity away from the main campground loop.
Activity options are a genuine draw here. "Lots of hiking trails and a fire tower that you can climb," notes Shana D., and kayaks and fishing boats are available to rent on site. A boardwalk trail receives repeated mention in reviews. The park sits in a designated dark sky area, making new moon weekends worth timing a visit around. Campers looking for places to camp near Big Hill Pond will find this one of the more activity-rich options in the area. The campground makes the most sense for tent campers, paddlers, and hikers who can work within the no-hookup setup.
Description
Big Hill Pond State Park is located in the southwestern part of McNairy County and encompasses 4,138 acres of timberland and hardwood bottomland. Cypress Creek and Tuscumbia River border the property. The flood plain, adjacent to the river and creek contains small oxbows and swampy areas which are desirable habitats for waterfowl, wildlife, and fish.
Big Hill Pond highlights include the 70-foot observation tower that offers panoramic views of Travis McNatt Lake and the boardwalk that winds through Dismal Swamp. Guests visiting Big Hill Pond State Park enjoy camping, hiking, birding, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling on Big Hill Pond Lake in the summer. The park is home to thirty miles of overnight and day-use trails with four backpack trail shelters.
Fee Info
Nightly rates vary based on date and availability.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Due to major infrastructure improvements happening at the lake, the Travis McNatt Lake remains closed.
Visitors are welcome to bring small paddling boats to Big Hill Pond Lake during this time.
When the lake reopens, it will be a part of the multi-departmental program, the Bill Dance Signature Lakes, and visitors will find:
- A rebuilt bridge on the east side of the lake
- A new, wider boat ramp
- Two new docks: a fishing pier and kayak-friendly courtesy dock
- Spillway repairs
- Improved bank fishing areas
- Invasion vegetation removal and fish habitat installation
- Fishery rebuilding and fish restocking
If you have additional questions, please submit them here: https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/ask_tn_state_parks
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Hill Pond State Park Campground is located in Tennessee near Corinth
Public CampgroundDirections
Located on Highway 57 at the junction of the Tuscumbia and Hatchie State Scenic Rivers.
Address
1435 John Howell Road
Pocahontas, TN 38061
Coordinates
35.0633365 N
88.7197565 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 56 min from Jackson, TN
- 1 hr 20 min from Memphis, TN
- 1 hr 27 min from Florence, AL
- 1 hr 55 min from Decatur, AL
