COUNCE, Tenn. — World-class smallmouth fishing has long been a claim to fame for Pickwick Lake, listed 13th in Bassmaster Magazine’s Best Bass Lakes of the Decade in 2020. Now, there are even more reason to visits for tournaments, fun fishing and family vacations.
Look no further than Pickwick Landing State Park on Pickwick Lake, Tennessee for resort level amenities and activities for a memorable vacation and fishing experience in southwestern Tennessee.
The park recently underwent an $11.7 million renovation to Lodge Pickwick Landing, with updates to the 119 guest rooms, all facing the Tennessee River. Renovations also included the restaurant, conference center, lobby, kitchen, restrooms and public areas.
The Lodge features an updated gift shop, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, exercise rooms and a newly opened dog park. There is also an indoor and outdoor pool, and three swimming beaches. The renovated conference center and meeting spaces provide 6,000 square feet of event space, making the lodge an ideal destination for weddings, meetings and group gatherings.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brandon Lester, from nearby Fayetteville, Tenn., calls the lake where he grew up fishing, and sharpening his skills, a favorite to compete on and enjoy with his family.
“Pickwick Lake is more magical than anywhere else on the Tennessee River,” he said. “You get the trifecta of bass fishing opportunities with big smallmouth, big spotted bass and big largemouth.”
Lester’s accolades are part of a vision to shine the spotlight on what is a premier destination for bass tournaments, including the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open.
“We want to attract more tournaments, because our park has everything needed to support them, from lodging and dining, to weigh-in space and more,” said Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner of Parks and Conservation for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
“The events are good for our park, and good for the economic development of Hardin County and the surrounding area,” he added.
Tournaments provide a broad appeal to visiting the park, and so do the amenities. There is a full-service marina and two public boat ramps, each of which is available free of charge.
In addition to water sports, visitors can enjoy golfing, birding, picnicking, disc golf, nature walks, and tennis. The park contains 1,416 acres of forested hills and hollows.
Here is a rundown of the key amenities.
- Lodge rooms: Choose from a private patio on the first floor or a private balcony on floors two through six. There are six pet friendly rooms located near the dog park. Queen beds are available in the Double rooms, and there are King rooms and six suites.
- Restaurant: A full-service restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner features a full bar serving craft cocktails, beer and wine. You get a great view too, with the space overlooking the Pickwick Dam and lake.
- Cabins: The seven premium cabins feature spacious living, dining and kitchen areas. Bedrooms have a combination of configurations. Kitchens have a full-size refrigerator and stove, microwave, coffeemaker, and dishwasher. All cookware, dishes, and linens are provided. Each cabin has WiFi, a gas grill, patio table and chairs, cable TV, central heat and air, and a gas fireplace. Free shuttle service to the restaurant and marina is available.
- Marina: The full-service marina sells ethanol-free gas and diesel fuel, ice, beer, general supplies, has a 24-hour self-serve pump-out service, and offers free transportation to the park inn, restaurant, campground and golf course. Boat rentals are also available. A three-lane boat ramp is available for no fee. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, fishing boats and pontoon boats are available for rent.
- Camping: The wooded campground has 48 sites, each equipped with a table, grill and electrical and water hook-ups. There is a centrally-located bathhouse and dump station. The campground is open year-round.
- Golfing: Strategically located sand traps, tight fairways and water hazards make the 6,400-yard, par 72 course one of the highest rated public courses in the state.
The park is located 14 miles south of Savannah in Hardin County, and 117 miles east of Memphis. Find out more about the park at tnstateparks.com