New and Renovated Tennessee State Park Lodges Attract Discerning Travelers

That real estate adage, “location, location, location,” applies to lodges in the Tennessee State Park system. The lure of these accommodations is the proximity to all the parks have to offer. But it also doesn’t completely apply, because for years, some of the lodges were a little neglected. They offered easy access to the parks, but didn’t have the amenities many travelers wanted. Some had dated décor, wonky air conditioning and views of the parking lot.

Not anymore. Tennessee State Parks has invested in its lodges, resulting in a multi-year, multi-administration effort to upgrade old buildings and construct new ones. By the end of 2028 there will be six lodges in state parks that rival boutique hotels, says Shannon Bowles, director of hospitality for the Tennessee State Parks.

“First with Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration, and then into Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, we’ve really been making a concerted effort to implement industry standards and bring our hotels and facilities up to par,” Bowles says.

The standard in the hotel industry, she explains, is to renovate hotels every seven to 10 years. And some, including the lodges at Montgomery Bell and Pickwick Landing state parks, had gone more than two decades without a refresh. Some just needed updating, but for others, it made more financial sense to start from the ground up. In addition to rising to meet a boutique-hotel standard, the lodges will have better restaurants, moving away from the buffet-restaurant model. 

Access 2030 is a Tennessee State Park system initiative prioritizing accessibility, with the ultimate goal of making our park system the most accessible in the country. That means many state parks will not just meet, but exceed, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. All guest rooms, whether designated as accessible or not, will provide a wheelchair-accessible turning radius, so guests with limited mobility can easily visit family and friends in other rooms.

That hard work has been noticed. Bowles was sitting in the Lodge at Paris Landing a few weeks ago when she watched a gentleman walk in, head to the front desk, drop his luggage, say “Wow,” and look across the lake. “This is unbelievable,” he said. “I never expected to find this in a state park.”

While many states contract with a hotel firm to manage their property, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation oversees ours, which is one of the reasons Bowles joined the team. She’s leaned on her industry experience and connections to hire folks that deliver a hospitality-level of service to people who visit the properties. 

As with boutique hotels, room rates vary by time of year and room size, and the new state park lodges are priced more competitively with nearby hotels than in the past. Most parks have cabins for rent, which will be upgraded in the future. Meeting and group reservations for corporate retreats, family reunions and weddings are available too.

Here are details on the six lodges worth considering for your next Tennessee State Parks trip:

The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls State Park

Spencer, Tenn., 85 rooms

Fall Creek Falls, the 256-foot waterfall after which this park is named, is one of the tallest single vertical drops this side of the Rocky Mountains. Opened in 2022, the new lodge takes advantage of its setting, with a glass lobby and many rooms that overlook the lake and have private balconies and patios. When you step out of the lodge, you’ll find piers for paddling on the lake, plus hiking trails and scenic overlooks. The lodge, which was a $40 million project, has meeting space for corporate events, including a divisible ballroom and outdoor space.

The Lodge at Montgomery Bell

Burns, Tenn., 117 rooms

Opened in 2020, this $12 million renovation features event space, a new restaurant and some guest rooms that feel like they’re in treehouses, looking out at the woods. That’s perfect at Montgomery Bell, which is known for its birdwatching. Many rooms have private balconies overlooking Lake Acorn. Once outside the lodge, you can take to 20 miles of trails, paddle on the lake or just make s’mores around the firepit. Toss in your golf clubs when you drive the 35 miles from Nashville, because the park has an 18-hole golf course.

The Lodge at Paris Landing

Buchanan, Tenn., 91 rooms

Situated on Kentucky Lake, this lodge is a prime spot to enjoy the bounty of Land Between the Lakes. The hotel features a lobby with the head-turning view Bowles heard a guest discuss, plus some rooms with lake views and private balconies. There are some pet-friendly rooms too, as well as a divisible ballroom and outdoor space.

The Lodge at Pickwick Landing

Counce, Tenn., 119 rooms

Lake access is the calling card of this park in West Tennessee. The lodge showcases Pickwick Lake, with some rooms offering lake views and private balconies. This is a particular gem in autumn, when fall colors turn the area into a jewel box. It’s hard to stay inside here, but if you choose to, you can take a dip in the indoor pool.

The Lodge at Henry Horton

Chapel Hill, Tenn., 72 rooms

Scheduled to open in 2027, the lodge will be fully modernized, with an aesthetic that leans into the park’s 1960s roots. Expect a big, glass lobby overlooking the Duck River, native plants, a zero-entry pool, and divisible ballroom and outdoor space. The Duck River is the most biodiverse in North America, and the lodge will allow guests to access the wilderness by paddling, biking and hiking. There will also be an accessible playground and splash pad for families with kids.

The Lodge at Natchez Trace

Wildersville, Tenn., 49 rooms

Also called the Pin Oak Lodge, this lodge is one of the more remote in the state park system, offering a real outdoor getaway with indoor luxury. Scheduled to reopen in 2028, it will include many views of Pin Oak Lake, a zero-entry pool, and divisible ballroom and outdoor space. The light-filled lobby will be designed for hanging out and taking in the views, not just for passing through. And each room will have a private balcony or patio.