Tiptonville is the county seat of Lake County, Tennessee, and is located in the far northwest corner of the state. The town is located on a small dome between the Mississippi River and the southwestern shore of Reelfoot Lake, and there is frequent seismic activity in the area. The north end of the lake is surrounded by a National Wildlife Refuge, and the southern end is a state resort park.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Reelfoot Lake is located in the far northwest of Tennessee and is known as a fishing and hunting location. The 25,000 acre lake is home to almost every species of wading bird and is a wintering ground for bald eagles. Mallard populations in midwinter can number as many as 400,000 birds, and Canadian geese as many as 100,000. As many as 239 species of birds have been identified in the wildlife refuge at the north end of the lake, as well as 52 mammalian species and a further 75 reptiles and amphibians. The resorts that border the lake accommodate hunters, fishermen, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Privately-Owned RV Resorts
There are a number of RV parks in the Tiptonville area, most of them located on the shores of Reelfoot Lake. Cypress Point Resort is located at Whites Landing at the southern end of the lake. The resort provides full marina facilities with covered boat slips for its guests. RV spaces here have full hookups with sewer, water and electricity, and the resort has restrooms, showers, a swimming pool, dining shelters, a recreation room and a picnic area.
Reelfoot Lake State Park RV Resorts
There are two RV campgrounds at the lake operated by the Reelfoot Lake State Park. The main compound at the south end of the lake has 68 paved campsites and 18 gravel sites. All sites have 30-amp electricity outlets, and there is a dump station near the entrance. The camp has two bathhouses with showers, sinks, toilets, vending machines and a washer and dryer. You'll find a launching ramp for your boat and a full fish cleaning station. Their second campground has just 18 RV spaces, all gravel and with electrical power and is located at the north end of the lake. You'll also find a boat launch ramp at this campground.
Activities
Reelfoot Lake is a fishing and hunting lake, so don't expect to be able to indulge in water skiing or riding personal watercraft. Canoes and Jon boats are fine -- remember that this lake is actually a flooded forest, so the whole lake is littered with submerged tree stumps, and hitting one of those at speed can do a lot of damage. You will find three popular hiking trails in the state park and a motor tour that circles the lake's perimeter.
Fishing
Reelfoot Lake is stocked mainly with bass, bluegill, crappie, bream and catfish, although you will find other species. All anglers over the age of 13 require a valid Tennessee Fishing License. Bream and bluegill fishing is best April through July, yellow bass from July through September. Catfish are best caught spring through summer and crappie best throughout the winter months. Boats and bait can be obtained nearby from private concessions, but there are fishing piers available.
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