Pickwick Lake

Hardin County, Southwest Tennessee, USA

Pickwick Lake, located in southwest Tennessee along the Tennessee River, is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the region.

43,100 acres

Surface Area

59 ft

Max Depth

496 miles

Shoreline

1938

Created

Cereice Morris

Realtor- Lake Homes Realty, LLC

Whether buying or selling on Pickwick Lake, count on Cereice Morris - a lifelong lake enthusiast and dedicated real estate professional.

901-331-7089

CMorris@lakehomes.com

www.lakehomes.com/agents/cereice-morris

Find Your Lake Home

About Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Lake was created in 1938 with the completion of Pickwick Landing Dam by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The dam was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal projects, designed to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and improve navigation along the Tennessee River. Today, the reservoir covers over 43,000 acres, stretches 53 miles in length, and boasts nearly 500 miles of shoreline. Its waters are clean and deep, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and recreation.

The Tennessee side of Pickwick Lake is anchored by Pickwick Landing State Park, a 1,400-acre recreational haven located near Savannah, TN. This park, once a riverboat stop, now provides modern amenities including marinas, golf courses, campgrounds, and sandy beaches. From professional fishing tournaments to summer family picnics, Pickwick Lake in Tennessee has earned its place as a year-round destination for residents and visitors alike.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Pickwick Landing State Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Size: 43,100 acres of surface water
Shoreline: Nearly 496 miles
Length: 53 miles along the Tennessee River
Max Depth: 59 feet near the dam
Built: 1938 by TVA with Pickwick Landing Dam
Location: Hardin County, Southwest Tennessee
Elevation: 414 feet above sea level
Average Summer Temp: 85°F (29°C)
Fish Species: Over 100, including smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, sauger, and bluegill

Pickwick Lake Vacation Homes For Rent

📅

Pickwick Lake EVENT GUIDE

Coming Soon

🍽️

Pickwick Lake DINING GUIDE

Coming Soon

What you can do there

Swimming – Sandy swimming beaches at Pickwick Landing State Park provide family-friendly places to cool off, complete with picnic tables and shaded areas.

Boating – Wide, open waters make it ideal for sailing, pontoon cruising, and speed boating. Families often enjoy tubing and wakeboarding, while houseboaters take advantage of long coves and marinas.

Fishing – Tennessee’s section of Pickwick Lake is world-famous for its smallmouth bass, attracting anglers from across the country for tournaments. Crappie, catfish, bluegill, and sauger also thrive here. Many Tennessee guides offer chartered fishing trips year-round.

Golfing – Pickwick Landing State Park features an 18-hole championship golf course surrounded by rolling Tennessee hills.

Wildlife Watching – Deer, turkey, bald eagles, and migratory birds are frequently spotted along the Tennessee shoreline and adjacent woodlands.

Camping & Cabins – Tennessee visitors can choose from RV campgrounds, primitive camping, and fully equipped cabins available at Pickwick Landing State Park.

Access, marinas & ramps

Pickwick Landing State Park Marina (Savannah, TN): A full-service marina with boat slips, fuel, boat rentals, and on-site lodging options.

Bruton Branch Recreation Area: A Tennessee access point with boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping facilities.

TVA Public Boat Ramps: Multiple free ramps maintained by TVA along the Hardin County shoreline allow easy trailer launch.

Road Access: U.S. Highway 64 and State Highway 128 provide direct access to Pickwick Landing State Park and marinas. Memphis, Nashville, and Jackson are all within a few hours’ drive, making the Tennessee side highly accessible.

Safety & regulations

Life Jackets: Tennessee law requires one U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket per passenger, with children 12 and under wearing them at all times.
Fishing Licenses: A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for anglers. Reciprocity agreements allow fishing in some sections with Alabama and Mississippi licenses, but most anglers should purchase Tennessee permits for convenience.
Boating Laws: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) enforces no-wake zones, speed limits near marinas, and safe operation rules.
Alcohol Rules: Open container laws apply; boating under the influence is treated the same as DUI on the road.
TVA Water Levels: TVA monitors and regulates lake levels, posting updates online to ensure safe boating and navigation.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Shiloh National Military Park: Just 20 miles north of the lake, this Civil War battlefield is one of Tennessee’s most significant historic sites.
Savannah, Tennessee: Known as the “Catfish Capital of the World,” Savannah offers dining, small-town shopping, and riverside parks.
Tennessee River Museum: Located in Savannah, it provides an educational look at the history of the Tennessee River Valley.
Natchez Trace Parkway: A scenic byway popular for biking, hiking, and road trips, located less than 30 minutes from Pickwick.
Saltillo, TN: A charming river town known for festivals and antique shopping.

Events & community

Pickwick Lake in Tennessee is a hub for fishing tournaments, including nationally recognized bass events hosted by organizations such as B.A.S.S. and FLW. The lake community also celebrates with seasonal festivals, summer fireworks over the water, and local music events in Savannah. Pickwick Landing State Park regularly hosts family-friendly gatherings, ranger-led programs, and outdoor events that connect residents and visitors with Tennessee’s natural beauty and heritage.