TIMS FORD STATE PARK, located on the picturesque shores of Tims Ford Lake, is a true gem situated amongst the rolling hills of Winchester, Tn. Numerous recreational activities such as camping, biking, fishing, swimming, golfing, hiking, and boating all await you at this popular destination.
Opened in 1978, the 2,200 acre park sits in an area that was once used extensively by the Indians as a hunting and fishing territory. Archeological excavations have uncovered numerous artifacts, indicating that man may have occupied the area as long as 10,000 years ago.
So what can you expect on your visit? Let’s dive in a little deeper and explore the options!
One of the most well liked activities at the park is camping. Open year-round, the campground has 52 spacious RV and tent campsites, all equipped with electric and water hookups. Two centrally located and recently updated bathhouses provide showers and bathrooms. They are also heated, which is really nice on those cooler mornings and nights. Each site has the standard picnic table and fire ring with a grill. You will also find a playground for the kids and a camp store that is open year-round. For those who want to stay connected, WiFi is available. Need to wash clothes? No problem! A laundry facility is also on site. The campsites are limited to six people per site, and one RV and one tent, or two tents per site. Two sites are set aside to be ADA compliant. The maximum stay is 14 days March 
thru November, and 28 days December thru February. I don’t think there is a bad site on the property, but our favorites would be numbers 19, 22, 29, 31, 34, 35, 39, 40, 43, and 44. Don’t forget to bring the s’mores and leave the world behind!
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Paddle/Boat-in Island Sites
If you are looking for a more primitive experience, Tims Ford has seven campsites that have no amenities. Six of them are located on one of six nearby islands. The seventh is a paddle-in or hike-in back-country site located on the Evans Loop Trail. Reservations are required and can be made online. Don’t forget, all you will have is what you bring, and most importantly make sure you take it all back with you – NO LITTERBUGS!
If roughing it isn’t your thing (don’t be ashamed, it isn’t ours either!) you might look into one of the 20 cabins at the park. All are furnished with an oven, microwave, refrigerator, cooking utensils, coffee maker, toaster, and linens. You will also find a seasonal gas fireplace and an outdoor balcony to relax on, a charcoal grill and a TV. Cabins normally get booked up well in advance, so you will definitely want to plan ahead.
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Boating
You just can’t resist getting out on the clear and inviting waters of Tims Ford Lake. Lakeview Marina, located inside the park, provides pontoon boat rentals as well as a boat launch and courtesy dock. You will also find a snack bar, hand dipped ice cream (our favorite!), bait shop, and fish cleaning area. Canoe and kayak rentals are also a popular choice. Hours are seasonal, and the marina is usually closed November thru February. You can contact the marina at (931)967-6711 for hours and rental information. For information on all of the marinas on the lake, you can read our previous blog “Tims Ford Lake – The Lowdown on Marinas”
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Fishing
Don’t forget to bring your fishing poles! Tims Ford lake is known for its smallmouth bass, but many different species are sure to take an interest in your bait. Who knows, you might just catch the next state record!
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Golf Course
Be sure to make time for a round of golf at The Bear Trace at Tims Ford. The Jack Nicklaus designed course features Champion Bermuda greens and 419 Bermuda fairways. The 18 holes have an excellent balance of challenge and playability. For more information about all the golf courses in the area check out our previous blog “Tims Ford Lake Area Golfing.”
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Hiking
Inside the park you will find 6.5 miles of unpaved trails as well as 22 miles of bike trails that are also used for hiking. Most of the unpaved trails start at the visitors center, as does a paved ADA compliant trail and the paved bicycle trail. Some of our favorites are the Lost Creek Overlook Trail, Overlook Trail, and Marble Plains Loop Trail. Be prepared to cross a couple of swinging bridges, and be on the lookout for the antique car sitting mysteriously on the hillside amongst the trees! Just stop by the visitors center and grab a map or talk to the friendly staff to figure out which trail is best for you.
So go ahead and get your calendar out and make your plans. Tims Ford State Park is ready. The outdoors are calling. Fun and great memories are just waiting. We will see you on the lake!
Thinking about moving to Tims Ford Lake?
We would love to help! We live and work on Tims Ford Lake – it’s our happy place and we would love to help you make it yours! Use the searches below to start your home search or contact us directly for a personal tour of the lake (on our boat!) or just to chat about your home buying needs.
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