Fort Pillow State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Pillow State Park is located in Lauderdale County, Tennessee, not in the state of Illinois.


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Summary

It is situated in the Mississippi River Gorge, offering scenic views of the river.

The park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. The park has a total of 38 campsites, picnic areas, and a swimming pool.

One of the main attractions of the park is the historic Fort Pillow site. The fort was built by Confederate troops during the Civil War and was the site of a brutal battle in 1864. Today, visitors can explore the park's museum and learn about the history of the fort and the Civil War.

Other points of interest in the park include the Chickasaw Bluffs Trail, which offers a scenic view of the Mississippi River and the surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching as the park is home to a variety of bird species.

The best time to visit Fort Pillow State Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the off-season.

In summary, Fort Pillow State Park is a historic and scenic park located in Tennessee. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and boating, as well as explore the historic Fort Pillow site and take in the beautiful views of the Mississippi River Gorge.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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