Day Trips from Memphis
← All Memphis day tripsDay Trips from Memphis: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Memphis, TN. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Memphis
Petit Jean State Park
Morrilton, AR 72110
Just 2 hrs 58 min from Memphis, rated 4.9 stars by 6,854 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Just 2 hrs 34 min from Memphis, rated 4.8 stars by 343 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ghost River State Natural Area
Moscow, TN 38057
Just 57 min from Memphis, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
William B. Clark State Natural Area
Rossville, TN 38066
Just 43 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Nature Center
Millington, TN 38053
Just 27 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars by 163 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Lake Catherine State Park
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Just 2 hrs 50 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars by 3,255 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Millington, TN 38053
Just 23 min from Memphis, rated 4.6 stars by 1,474 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Tishomingo State Park
Tishomingo, MS 38873
Just 2 hrs 13 min from Memphis, rated 4.6 stars by 1,005 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Mineral Slough Boardwalk, Ghost River State Natural Area
Moscow, TN 38057
Just 1 hr 7 min from Memphis, rated 4.6 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge
Turrell, AR 72384
Just 25 min from Memphis, rated 4.4 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Holly Springs National Forest
Potts Camp, MS 38659
Just 54 min from Memphis, rated 4.4 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Riverwoods State Natural Area
Germantown, TN 38138
Just 26 min from Memphis, rated 4.3 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Memphis
What are the best state parks near Memphis, TN?
The best state parks near Memphis offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Memphis?
Most state parks near Memphis charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Memphis are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Memphis offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Memphis?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Memphis. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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