Paris Landing State Park is an 841-acre park located on the western shore of the Tennessee River, which is dammed to form Kentucky Lake (160,000 acres). The park sits on the widest part of the lake making it the perfect location for all water sports such as fishing, boating, swimming, and waterskiing. The park also offers a beautiful and challenging Par 72, 18-hole golf course. The park pro shop provides golfing supplies, lessons, rental clubs, and carts.
Founded in 1945, Paris Landing State Park was named after an old steamboat and freight landing on the Tennessee River. In the 1800s, the river landing was an important spot for the delivery of goods to serve the settlements of the region and shipping point for produce and other agricultural products. The site has long afforded good access along the Tennessee River.
On land, there are plenty of activities including golfing, hiking, camping or just relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife. Be on the lookout for deer, turkey, fox, and coyote that roam the park. Eagles are often seen in the winter months.
Fishing at its finest is found on beautiful Kentucky Lake and the park is equipped with one fishing pier. There are more than 100 species of fish scattered over broad expanses of fresh water and can be found in hundreds of secluded coves.
Paris Landing State Park has a public swimming area and beach on Kentucky Lake with picnic area and restrooms nearby. The park also has an Olympic-size public swimming pool with a children’s pool. The public pool is open from Memorial Day until the first week of August. The pool complex features a white-sand beach volleyball court, two diving boards, and a snack bar.
Activities
SWIMMING
Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, ages three years and older. Swimming lessons and water aerobics classes are offered. The pool is avalable for rent to groups. There is a public swimming area on Kentucky Lake. There are no lifeguards on duty.
HIKING
Paris Landing has three hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate.
BIRDING
Along the paved picnic loop, views of the lake are fantastic for migrating and wintering water birds. In late afternoon sunlight coots, geese, loons, grebes, cormorants and many bay ducks can be seen. In the shallows and swampy areas adjacent to the south and north sides of State Highway 79, marsh ducks congregate.
BOATING
The park features a full-service marina with annual and transient slips, and four lane public boat launch ramp. The ramp will accommodate wave runners and boats up to 72 feet.
GOLF
The Paris Landing State Park Golf Course is situated on the western shore of Kentucky Lake, located in the “Land Between the Lakes” area.
FISHING
Fishing is productive from the bank and fishing piers, but the best way to experience this large reservoir is by boat.
Campground
MAIN CAMPGROUND & PRIMITIVE SITES
The campground offers 45 sites with water and electric (30 amp), and 18 primitive campsites. There are two bathhouses and a dump station open March through November. Campsites can accommodate RV’s up to 38 feet in length. All pets must be kept on a leash. There is a launderette available. Camping is open year round by reservation. Make your reservation by calling the park or reserve online.
BIG EAGLE BASE GROUP CAMPSITE
Big Eagle Base Group Campsite is an approximately 2.5-acre tent camping area situated on the shores of Kentucky Lake. It features almost 700 feet of lake frontage and the majority of the camp area is grassy open space.
Amenities include a bathhouse with showers, a picnic shelter, three fire-rings, a large charcoal grill, and a kayak/canoe launch. Limited water and electricity are available on site. This site will accommodate groups up to 80 people or approximately 40 tents.