Edgar Evins State Park
Directions and Description
Site Directions: The park is located in DeKalb County, 20 miles north of Smithville, 20 miles west of Cookeville, and 60 miles east of Nashville. It is easily accessible from I-40 at exit 268 at State Hwy. 96 and Center Hill Lake. Lat: 36.08763°N Long: -85.81287°W
The WMA is open year-round 6 am-10:30 pm, note hunting seasons. License fees may apply. Fees apply for cabins and camping.
Managed by: Edgar Evins State Park — Tennessee State Parks (tnstateparks.com)
TWRA Contact Information: Region 3 Office: 1-931-484-9571, Toll-Free: 1-833-402-4698, E-mail the office
The largely forested 6,000 acre Edgar Evins State Park is located on the shores of Center Hill Lake in the steep, hilly Eastern Highland Rim. The park has ample recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching around every corner. An observation tower at the Visitor Center offers a spectacular view of Center Hill Lake and the surrounding hillsides.
Wildlife is abundant at nearly any time of the year. Visitors may find at least 3 species of owl, bald eagles, as well as many forest songbird species including Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood-pewee, Kentucky Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, and Cerulean Warbler.
The Cerulean Warbler, a summer resident of the park's mixed hardwood forests, which include stands of Tulip Poplar, Oak, Hickory, Buckeye and Wild Cherry, is uncommon across most of Tennessee but is a common breeder at this park. The best opportunity for viewing this canopy top species is from the observation tower at the Visitor's Center.
Bobcats may be seen by lucky visitors.
Regulations & Dates
Edgar Evins State Park — Tennessee State Parks (tnstateparks.com)
Big Game and Small Game - same as statewide seasons, except as noted.
Spring Squirrel - Closed to hunting on the north side of Center Hill Lake.
Quail - Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 15, 2025.
Dog training - Same as statewide seasons, except closed on the north side of Center Hill Lake.