The park was named for General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the intrepid Confederate cavalry leader, who on November 4, 1864, attacked and destroyed the federal supply and munitions depot at (Old) Johnsonville at the mouth of Trace Creek. His operations were concentrated along the river in the vicinity of the park and the town of Eva.

In 1929 the park was dedicated to Nathan Bedford Forrest on land acquired in part from Benton County. Forrest was one of the greatest military tacticians and leaders of the American Civil War.

The park has three campgrounds, two of those being primitive. Happy Hollow camping area has 38 sites, each equipped with tables, grills, water and electrical hookups. This area is served by a playground, a central bathhouse with showers, lavatories, and commodes. A dump station for self-contained trailer rigs is available.

The second campground is primitive camping with 15 available sites. Water is available, but not at each site; and there is a central restroom. All campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

The third campground is available for supervised youth groups such as scouts, etc. This campground is available upon request and is located on Kentucky Lake near the park office. The area is served by porta-johns and water is located nearby. There is no charge for use of the area, but adult supervision is required.

The campground renovation is complete. The twenty-four sites have new electrical service boxes with 50 amp, 30 amp, and 20 amp receptacles.

Group Lodge:

This modern group lodge has a maximum capacity of 64 persons. It is divided into two units, each with toilet facilities. It is completely equipped for food preparation and serving, but no linens are provided. The kitchen is equipped with 2 commercial ovens, stove with 10 burners, 4 large commercial refrigerators and an 18 cu. ft. freezer.

Reservations for this facility should be made well in advance by writing or calling the park office.

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is proud to announce the addition of 7 new cabins at the park. Six will feature 2 bedrooms with 2 full size beds in each room and 2 full baths. One cabin will be accessible to persons with a disability that will feature 3 beds and 2 accessible bathrooms. Each cabin will feature a furnished kitchen, air conditioning, gas log fireplace, phone and outside grill. Fresh linens are provided although there is no maid service. There will be a three night minimum on holiday weekends.

Boating, skiing, and fishing are very popular activities on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Three boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.

Fishing is very popular on 200,000-acre Kentucky Lake. Commercial marinas and public boat docks are located nearby. Large catches of smallmouth, largemouth, striped bass, sauger, crappie, bream, and catfish are not uncommon on Kentucky Lake. Two boating accesses are available in the park and there is no fee required.

A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.