Pickwick Lake and its principal recreation hub, Pickwick Landing State Park, sit on the Tennessee River in Hardin County, approximately 120 miles east of Memphis. The lake was formed in 1938 when the Tennessee Valley Authority completed Pickwick Dam, creating a reservoir pool stretching across portions of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. The park's sandy swimming beach occupies the eastern bank of the river below the dam, where deep-released tailwaters meet the upper reservoir pool and produce some of the clearest, most temperate water found at any Tennessee lake beach during summer.
The beach at Pickwick Landing is a relatively wide, well-maintained sandy shoreline with a gradual water entry. Water clarity here is notably better than at most TVA reservoir beaches, a result of the dam's deep-release mechanism maintaining cooler, cleaner flows downstream from the reservoir bottom. The swimming area is marked with buoys, and the surrounding landscape of gently rolling hardwood forest frames open river views that give the beach a scenic, unhurried quality. The combination of clear water and sandy bottom makes Pickwick one of the premier lakeside swimming destinations in the western half of Tennessee.
Beyond the beach, Pickwick Landing is one of Tennessee's most fully-equipped state parks. An inn and restaurant operate within the park, an 18-hole golf course is available, and a marina with boat rentals, multiple boat ramps, and a campground round out the amenities. This full infrastructure makes the park well-suited for multi-day stays in any weather. Fishing at Pickwick is particularly renowned: the tailwaters below the dam produce excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass, sauger, crappie, and catfish, drawing serious anglers from across the Mid-South region.
The social atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed. Weekend visitors typically arrive from Memphis, Corinth (Mississippi), and Muscle Shoals (Alabama). Access is by private vehicle via US-72 and TN-57 from Corinth or US-64 from the east, a drive of about two hours from Memphis. Day-use fees apply to non-camping visitors during peak season; parking is available throughout the park grounds.
Amenities
- Sandy swimming beach on Tennessee River
- Heated indoor pool
- Boat ramps
- Marina with rentals
- 18-hole golf course
- Inn and restaurant on-site
- Campground
Good to know
- Best for
- families, fishing, swimmers, couples, sunbathers
Location
146 State Park Rd, Pickwick Dam, TN 38365
35.0621, -88.2462 View on map
Highlights
- Wide sandy beach on the Tennessee River with notably clear tailwater below Pickwick Dam
- Full-service state park with inn, restaurant, 18-hole golf course, and marina—ideal for multi-day stays
- World-class bass, sauger, and crappie fishing in the productive Tennessee River tailwaters
- Scenic riverside setting framed by hardwood forest in rural Hardin County, western Tennessee
Tips for visiting
- Confirm lifeguard hours at the park office on arrival—staffing can vary by season and budget year
- Contact the marina directly to book boat rentals for summer weekends; availability fills quickly in July and August
- Day-use fees apply for non-camping visitors; the park inn and restaurant are open to day visitors as well
- Anglers should target the tailwater area immediately below the dam for the best bass and sauger action, especially in spring and fall
- Pack sunscreen and a beach umbrella—shade on the main beach area is limited during clear summer afternoons
When to visit
May through September for beach swimming; spring and fall are ideal for fishing in the tailwaters. Summer weekends are busiest; weekday visits allow more relaxed beach conditions and easier parking.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a sandy beach at Pickwick Landing State Park?
Yes. The park features a sandy swimming beach on the Tennessee River below Pickwick Dam, with a gradual sandy bottom and marked swimming areas. Water clarity is above average compared to most Tennessee reservoir beaches.
What accommodation is available at Pickwick Landing State Park?
The park includes a full inn with motel-style rooms, a campground with electric hookups and restroom facilities, and an on-site restaurant. Advance reservations are recommended for summer weekends and holiday periods through Tennessee State Parks.
Is Pickwick Lake good for fishing?
Yes—Pickwick is considered one of the premier fishing destinations in the Mid-South, known for largemouth and smallmouth bass, sauger, crappie, and catfish. The tailwaters below the dam are particularly productive year-round and draw tournament anglers from across the region.
How far is Pickwick Landing State Park from Memphis?
Approximately 120 miles via US-72 and TN-57, a drive of about two hours from downtown Memphis under normal traffic conditions.
Is there a fee to use the beach at Pickwick Landing?
Day-use fees apply for non-camping visitors during the peak summer season. Current fee information is available directly from Tennessee State Parks.