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Joel’s Journal: Paris Landing State Park
By Joel Raeber
 Paris Landing State Resort Park is not a park I typically would visit. Since I prefer a more rugged experience, I stay away from “resort” type camping. However, this visit was for a family reunion, and not all of my brothers and sisters are as at home in the outdoors. There were more than 30 family members here for the weekend.
The park is on the western side of Kentucky Lake in Buchanan, Tennessee, about 45 miles west of I-24 at Clarksville on US Highway 79. It is great for all water sports like fishing, boating, swimming, and skiing. There is also plenty of land-based activity as well, including golfing, hiking or just relaxing, and enjoying nature and wildlife. Turkey, fox, and coyote roam the park. Eagles can be seen in the winter.
The park has 45 camping sites with water and electric, and 18 primitive campsites. There are two bathhouses and a dump station. Campsites can accommodate RV's up to 38 feet. There is a laundry room as well.
Camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis; Tennessee parks do not take reservations. There are also cabins for those who do not camp. The public swimming area and beach on Kentucky Lake is a protected swimming area with a picnic area and restrooms nearby. There are no lifeguards. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is available at the park’s inn.
 Hiking at the park is limited. There are just two trails, ranging from easy to moderate. But nearby Land Between the Lakes has more than 100 miles of hiking. Golfing is on the Par 72, 18-hole course. The park has a pro shop for golfing supplies, rental clubs, and carts.
Fishing is popular on Kentucky Lake. Anglers 13 and older must have a valid Tennessee fishing license. Crappie, bass, catfish, walleye, bluegill, and stripes are some of the fish available. Some of the biggest fishing tournaments on the lake are staged here. There are also two fishing piers available, and a full-service marina and boat ramp that offers gas, diesel fuel, fishing licenses, bait, ice, and other boating needs.
Paris Landing State Park
16055 Hwy 79 N.
Buchanan, TN 38222-4109
731-641-4465
800-250-8614
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