910 Riddick Road, Millington Tennessee 38053

901-876-5218     http://tnstateparks.com/parks/campground/meeman-shelby

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a 13,476-acre park bordering the Mississippi River and roughly 15 miles north of Memphis.  The campground has 49 campsites equipped with table, grill, electrical and water hookups.There is a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs. Fees for the sites are $20 per night, with a $3 online reservation fee. There are discounts available for military and public employees.  Cabins are available for $95 plus tax per night on weekends and $85 on weekdays.  These are full-service with linens, dishes, etc. There is also a group camp that can accommodate 140 with a dining hall, bunkhouse and shower – $1050/week. We stayed at site #20, which was nicely shaded and near the bath house. There is a campstore with souvenirs and a selection disc golf disks and spotters. Unfortunately, there is no firewood or ice sold at the campstore.  For food items and camp supplies you need to go to the Shelby General Store about 2 miles away.  It is open 7 days a week but has inconsistent hours (Closes around 4:30 pm).

Appearance:

There is not much to speak of in the way of landscaping or beautification throughout the campground but it is very wooded with mature trees and has a secluded feel.  There are paved roads and camp pads. The sites were level and fairly spacious.   It was nice that each campsite had its own charcoal grill. The area is kept mowed and well-maintained.  Be sure to bring your bug spray in the summer months, the mosquitos seemed to love it here! You are permitted to gather downed wood throughout the campground to use as firewood, which we took advantage of.

Rating: (One to Five lanterns with Five being the highest)

Area Attractions:

We stayed at this campground due to its close proximity to Memphis.  It is nice that there is a secluded and scenic state park so conveniently located within 15 minutes from the city. Be sure to visit Beale Street for shopping, food and entertainment while visiting the area.  We had a great dinner at Central Barbecue.  It had a nice spicy flavor and the green beans were delicious! Beale Street is home to Blues music. Many Blues artists began their careers here in Memphis. Also, be sure to check out Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.

The State Park also has a boat launch to the Mississippi River.

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Family/Pet Friendly:

There is a basic playground and the campground roads are paved which is good for biking.  There are 20 miles of hiking throughout the park – some of which were fairly challenging. One very nice feature is that there is a 36 hole disc golf course with many shaded, forested holes. There is a lake within the park with fishing availability. The nature center exhibits include live snakes, turtles, salamanders, fish aquariums, stuffed animal exhibit, indoor live butterfly garden, bone table, insect table and a Native American exhibit. Be sure to check out the hummingbird feeders outside the visitor’s center.  I counted 10 hummingbirds on one feeder at one time!  Quite a show they put on.  🙂

There is no fenced in dog park area but many of the trails were good for walking dogs.

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Bathrooms/Showers:

The bath and showers houses were not that great.  They certainly are in need of updating.  Although cleaned daily, they seemed musty and not clean smelling.  The showers were hot with good water pressure but the floors were always really wet and slippery surrounding the shower area.  The showerhouse is not very well-lit.  The sink area was nice with soap dispensers and paper towels provided.  There is only one bathhouse for all 49 sites, although one shelter house did have additional restrooms.

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