Big Ridge State Park - Maynardville, TN - Tennessee State Parks

Planned programs
Seasonal Interpretive Rangers provide many free activities for the entire family during the summer months including guided hikes, movies, campfires, arts and crafts, nature programs and organized sports activities. Schedules are updated weekly.

Recreation Hall
Experience the true craftsmanship of yesteryear in our Recreation Hall. Offering a spectacular view, the facility is a stand alone, self-contained dining hall for daily use available by reservation only. It includes seating for up to 60, a massive fireplace, a covered porch, a kitchen and two restrooms. Adjacent to the Rec Hall is a small amphitheater.

Picnic Pavilions and Playground Areas
Open picnic areas with tables and grills are available and are generally located near restroom facilities. The park also has four covered shelters/pavilions that may be reserved for a nominal fee or are available on a first come, first serve basis. Capacity for each is 25 people. The shelters are equipped with picnic tables, a grill, an electrical outlet and water spigots are conveniently located nearby. We have a sand volleyball court, softball field, two tennis courts, several horseshoe pits and a basketball court. Located next to the park office, the playground has a variety of swings and equipment for children of all ages and abilities and has wheelchair access.

Fishing
You can fish year-round anywhere from the shore of Big Ridge Lake, (except the swimming beach), or from the many miles of shore along Norris Lake which is famous for its striped bass fishery. State license requirements apply to all fishing.

Gift Shop
Our gift shop is located inside the park office/visitor’s center and is open during office hours. Big Ridge State Park shirts, and souvenirs and other items are available.

Biking
Bicycles are welcome on the park’s roads and parking areas, but not on the trails. Remember to wear your helmet if you are under 16 years of age.

Swimming
A sandy beach next to Big Ridge Lake provides swimming enjoyment from before Memorial Day through after Labor Day. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Cabins
The park has 20 rustic cabins available from April through October. Most cabins can accommodate six people. All but one of the cabins were built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and retain the charm and design of that time. Five cabins are located on the lakeside and 15 sit on the heavily wooded ridge.

Boating
Canoe, pedal boat, tandem kayak and rowboat rentals are available on the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake. The boat dock is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Please call the park office for specific hours of operation. Visitors may use their own electric trolling motors on park rowboats. Privately owned boats, including canoes and kayaks, can be launched on Big Ridge Lake for a nominal fee. Fishing boats, ski boats, and wave runners can be launched at the boat ramp on Norris Lake just outside the park entrance drive. Due to the low lake level, there is no access to the park boat ramp on Norris Lake during winter months.

Camping
Big Ridge has 50 year-round campsites on or near Norris Lake to accommodate RVs, trailers and tent campers. Most sites have water, 50-amp electrical
hookups, picnic table and a grill. A dumping station is available at the entrance to the campground. There are three bathhouses with hot showers and restroom facilities in the summer months, and one is available year-round.

Group Camp
Accommodating up to 120 persons, the group camp has 19 screened-in bunkhouses, sleeping six to eight each. Also included is a dining hall with commercial kitchen and three bathhouses. The group camp is open from April through October and reservations are required.

Hiking
Over 15 miles of hiking trails travel along dry ridges, lush hollows, old roadbeds, lakeshores and beside cemeteries and remnants of early settlements. Trails range from easy to very rugged. Free trail maps are available at the park office. Trails are open year-round and overnight camping is allowed on designated backcountry campsites by permit only.

Event and Venue Options
We have areas around the Grist Mill, some open lawn areas and other spots that are available for rent. Please call the office for more details.