Recreation

Benton County is a treasure trove of historic and cultural attractions. Located along the shores of Kentucky Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and the Tennessee River, the county offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the south. Benton County is also famous for producing exquisite fresh water pearls and the best sorghum molasses in the world.

See Also in Tourism Section: Golf courses Camping

State Parks

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is one of two state parks located in Benton County. The park, located on Kentucky Lake, just nine miles from Camden is home to the Tennessee River Folklife Center. The center features a collection of audio and video recordings depicting the ways and customs of folks on the Tennessee River. The park also offers family camping, primitive camping, group lodge, overnight rental cabins, picnicking, hiking, general recreation area and managed hunting.

Natchez Trace State Park is located in the southwest corner of Benton County and is comprised of 48,000 acres in three counties. Natchez Trace features an inn, restaurant, cabins, swimming areas, family camping, hiking, fishing and boating on four lakes, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking and a recreation area.

Deer, turkey, ducks, geese and small game may be hunted on the State Parks areas, on over 40,000 acres of paper company land, and on thousands of acres of private land. Fishing in Benton County is some of the best in the country, offering bass, blue gill, catfish, crappie, rockfish, sauger and stripe.

The county also is home to two wildlife refuges where many species of wildlife can be observed.

Other recreational opportunities in Benton County are offered by city parks and include swimming, tennis, baseball, softball, basketball, playgrounds and picnicking.