Quick Definition
Savannah is the Hardin County seat with a population of around 7,000, situated on the Tennessee River in southwestern Tennessee, 120 miles east of Memphis via US-64. This small river town serves as the gateway to two major attractions that define its character and draw thousands of visitors annually.
Shiloh National Military Park sits just 10 miles south of Savannah and marks one of the bloodiest battlefields of the Civil War. The Battle of Shiloh occurred April 6–7, 1862, resulting in approximately 23,000 total casualties in just 2 days of fighting. The park encompasses over 4,000 acres and includes Pittsburg Landing on the Tennessee River, where Union forces maintained their supply lines during the engagement. The visitor center operates 8am–5pm daily (closed Christmas) and offers free admission to all guests.
Pickwick Lake, created by the TVA's Pickwick Landing Dam in 1938, sprawls across 43,100 acres and is one of the most productive fishing reservoirs in the region. Pickwick Landing State Park sits directly adjacent to Savannah and includes an inn, 18-hole golf course, and full marina facility. Downtown Savannah hosts the Tennessee River Museum, which documents the river's critical role in transportation, Civil War campaigns, and the Tennessee Valley Authority's transformation of the region.
For RV travelers heading south from Memphis or north from the Gulf Coast, Savannah offers a perfect confluence of natural recreation, military history, and year-round fishing opportunities. See West Tennessee RV Parks for additional options across the region.
TL;DR
- Hardin County seat with 7,000 residents on the Tennessee River in southwestern Tennessee
- Located 10 miles north of Shiloh National Military Park (free admission, 23,000 Civil War casualties April 1862)
- Home to Pickwick Lake (43,100 acres, TVA-managed reservoir since 1938)
- Pickwick Landing State Park directly adjacent with inn, marina, 18-hole golf course, and electric hookup camping ($28–$38/night)
- Full-hookup RV parks throughout the Savannah area range from 38–55 per night
- Strong spring fishing season for crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and striped bass
- Tennessee River Museum downtown offers free admission and covers 150+ years of river history
- Civil War history tourism drives steady visitation year-round; summer lake recreation and spring fishing season peak busy periods
Savannah TN RV Zones
Savannah's geography creates four distinct RV camping zones, each offering different primary benefits.
Pickwick Landing State Park Zone sits directly on Pickwick Lake in Hardin County. The state park campground features 48 electric hookup sites priced from $28–$38 per night, making it the most affordable full-service RV facility in the immediate area. Amenities include the 18-hole golf course, 50-room inn, boat ramp and marina (with rentals from $45–$75 per half day), and a designated swimming beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day. This zone offers the best direct lake access and is ideal for anglers targeting crappie, bass, and catfish.
Shiloh Approach Zone stretches south from Savannah along TN-22 toward Shiloh National Military Park, covering roughly 10 miles. This corridor includes smaller private parks and church camping facilities positioned for visitors making the pilgrimage to the battlefield. While less developed than Pickwick Landing, this zone places campers within minutes of the park's visitor center and 7-stop driving tour.
Savannah City / Tennessee River Corridor runs east-west along US-64 through downtown Savannah, offering scenic riverside positions with walkable access to the Tennessee River Museum, local restaurants, and river views. Several private RV parks position themselves in this zone for travelers who prioritize town access over direct lake or battlefield proximity.
Counce / Pickwick Dam Zone extends 5 miles south of Savannah toward the Pickwick Landing Dam and its tailrace section. The dam's water releases create excellent catfish and bass fishing conditions in the tailrace, and this zone hosts several private RV facilities catering specifically to anglers. Water release schedules vary seasonally and dramatically affect fishing opportunity in this section.
For comparison with larger regional markets, explore RV Parks in Memphis TN, located 120 miles northwest via US-64.
Things to Do Near Savannah TN
Savannah's position between a major Civil War battlefield and one of the South's most productive fishing lakes ensures year-round activity options for RV visitors.
Shiloh National Military Park is a National Park Service site (NPS code: shil) spanning over 4,000 acres. The Battle of Shiloh on April 6–7, 1862 stands as one of the conflict's turning points and costliest engagements, producing approximately 23,000 Union and Confederate casualties in 48 hours. Pittsburg Landing on the Tennessee River served as the Union army's primary supply point and remains visible from the park's interpretive areas. The park includes a 7-stop driving tour that takes 30–45 minutes to complete and covers the major engagement zones. The visitor center includes detailed exhibits and film presentations. Shiloh National Cemetery on park grounds holds 3,584 Union burials. Notable battlefield sites include Bloody Pond (used as a field hospital) and the Peach Orchard (site of intense fighting on April 6). Most visitors allow 3–4 hours to experience the park thoroughly, combining the driving tour with selective walking trails.
Pickwick Lake Fishing attracts anglers from across the South. The 43,100-acre TVA reservoir holds crappie (peak season March–May), largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish (best May–September), and striped bass. Pickwick Landing State Park marina rents boats from $45–$75 per half day and offers bait, tackle, and fueling. Spring crappie slab fishing is particularly productive, with many guides operating out of the marina. Tennessee fishing licenses (required for all anglers age 13 and older) are available online at tnwildlife.org or at local tackle shops throughout Savannah.
Tennessee River Museum occupies 507 Main Street in downtown Savannah and offers free admission. Exhibits trace the Tennessee River's role in commerce and transportation dating back centuries, document Civil War campaigns and the context of Shiloh's engagement, showcase the river's mussel industry heritage (Savannah was a major center for pearl button manufacturing from the 1890s through the 1960s), and explain the Tennessee Valley Authority's dam construction and management. The museum is open Monday–Saturday, 9am–4pm, and most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours reviewing exhibits.
Pickwick Landing State Park Recreation extends far beyond fishing and boating. The on-site inn features 50 rooms for visitors preferring lodging to RV camping. The 18-hole golf course charges $25–$45 per round and is playable year-round. A designated swimming beach operates seasonally (Memorial Day–Labor Day). Tennis courts serve active visitors. Three miles of maintained park trails wind through the property. A boat ramp and full-service marina support all vessel types. The campground with electric hookups provides RV-specific amenities. Pickwick Landing stands among Tennessee's most complete state park facilities.
David Crockett Birthplace State Park makes an excellent day trip, situated 45 minutes north near Limestone, Tennessee. Davy Crockett was born August 17, 1786, in a log cabin on the Nolichucky River. The park features a reconstructed cabin replicating the original structure, spans 105 acres, and offers free admission. Modest camping is available on-site. History enthusiasts will appreciate the interpretive center and context the site provides for understanding frontier Tennessee.
For additional activity ideas across the region, visit RV Parks in Jackson TN.
Practical Tips for Savannah RV Trips
Timing and knowledge of local conditions significantly impact the quality of a Savannah camping experience.
Shiloh NMP Timing matters for both experience quality and visitor comfort. Weekdays before 10am or after 3pm typically avoid school bus groups and organized tour clusters, allowing for quieter battlefield reflection. Spring wildflowers bloom throughout April and create a poignant natural backdrop for walking the battle lines. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85 degrees—bring sufficient water, a wide-brimmed hat, and plan for early-morning or late-afternoon visitation. Fall foliage peaks in October and creates visual depth across the open fields that reinforces the magnitude of the 2-day engagement.
Pickwick Lake Wind and Weather require attention, especially for boaters. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August. Pickwick is wide-open water with minimal shoreline protection; wind can develop quickly and capsize small craft. The NOAA marine forecast at weather.gov provides detailed lake-specific predictions. Exit the water immediately when lightning appears. Morning hours, typically before 11am, offer the safest boating conditions throughout the year.
US-64 Access is straightforward for RV travel. This main east-west artery through Hardin County features wide lanes designed for commercial traffic. No unusual height or weight restrictions apply. The 120-mile drive from Memphis takes approximately 2 hours and is suitable for rigs of all standard sizes. The highway parallels the Tennessee River at points and provides scenic viewpoints.
Tennessee Fishing License for Pickwick is required for all anglers age 13 and older and is inexpensive (under $30 for non-residents). Licenses are available online at tnwildlife.org or at local tackle shops in Savannah. Check the current TVA Pickwick dam schedule before fishing the tailrace section—water release timing dramatically affects depth and current conditions. Releases are published in advance and coordinated with fishing season guidance.
Seasonal Wildlife varies throughout the year. Bald eagles winter at Pickwick Lake December through February and are regularly sighted from the dam and tailrace areas. Osprey arrive in April and nest throughout the spring and summer. Great blue herons and egrets are year-round residents. Spring migration through Hardin County peaks in May and draws birders from throughout the Southeast.
For broader Tennessee RV planning, see Tennessee RV Parks.
Cost Math
A 3-night Savannah camping trip via RV delivers substantial savings compared to Memphis hotel alternatives. Pickwick Landing State Park campground costs $33 per night times 3 nights equals $99 total. The equivalent Memphis hotel stay runs $169 per night times 3 nights, plus meals ($120), plus fuel and tolls ($40), totaling $667. RV savings: $568.
Attraction costs also favor the RV approach. Shiloh National Military Park admission is free (normally a $15+ value at comparable museums). The Tennessee River Museum is free (comparable museum admissions in Memphis run $15–$25 per person). Combined free attraction access totals $50+ in value per person. The Pickwick Lake fishing opportunity carries no entry fee beyond the licensed angler's $30 fishing license (one-time for the year).
A family of four spending 3 nights in an RV at Pickwick Landing saves approximately $568–$650 compared to equivalent hotel, meals, and attractions spending in Memphis, while experiencing closer proximity to both Shiloh and superior fishing access.
Savannah TN Area RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickwick Landing State Park | Hardin County, on Pickwick Lake | Yes (48 sites) | Limited | $28–$38 | Yes | Limited |
| Shiloh area church camping | TN-22 south toward battlefield | Some | Varies | $20–$30 | Varies | No |
| Pickwick Dam RV Park | 5 miles south of Savannah | Yes | Yes | $32–$40 | Yes | Yes |
| Savannah riverside private | Downtown US-64 corridor | Some | Yes | $35–$48 | Yes | Yes |
| Counce RV Resort | Pickwick Dam tailrace | Yes | Yes | $36–$50 | Yes | Yes |
| Shiloh National Military Park camping | Adjacent to visitor center | Some | Limited | $18–$24 | Limited | No |
| Private lakeside (spring season) | Pickwick Lake north shore | Seasonal | Varies | $30–$55 | Varies | Limited |
| Full-service (year-round) | Savannah town area | Yes | Yes | $40–$55 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission to Shiloh National Military Park free? Yes. Shiloh NMP offers free admission to all visitors. The visitor center opens at 8am and closes at 5pm daily (closed Christmas). The 7-stop driving tour is self-guided and takes 30–45 minutes to complete.
Do I need a Tennessee fishing license to fish Pickwick Lake? Yes. All anglers age 13 and older must have a valid Tennessee fishing license. Non-resident short-term licenses are inexpensive (under $30) and are available online at tnwildlife.org or at local tackle shops in Savannah.
What is the best season for crappie fishing at Pickwick Lake? Spring, specifically March through May, is peak crappie season. Both black crappie and white crappie spawn during this period and are extremely aggressive, making for excellent slab fishing from boats and docks. April is typically the strongest month.
Should I stay at Pickwick Landing State Park or a private RV park? Pickwick Landing State Park offers the best value ($28–$38/night) with direct lake access, marina, golf course, and inn amenities. Private parks range from $32–$55/night and offer variations in hookup quality and Wi-Fi availability. Choose the state park for budget-conscious lake-focused stays; choose private parks for specific amenities or season-specific pricing.
How far is Savannah from Memphis? Savannah is 120 miles southeast of Memphis via US-64, approximately a 2-hour drive by passenger car and 2.5–3 hours by RV (depending on size and load).
What are the Tennessee River Museum's hours of operation? The Tennessee River Museum is open Monday–Saturday, 9am–4pm. Admission is free. The museum is located at 507 Main Street in downtown Savannah.
When can I see bald eagles at Pickwick Lake? Bald eagles winter at Pickwick Lake and are regularly sighted December through February. Early morning and dusk hours offer the best viewing opportunity. The dam tailrace and open water sections of the lake are prime viewing locations.
What size RV can I accommodate at Pickwick Landing State Park? Pickwick Landing State Park's 48 hookup sites are designed for rigs up to approximately 40 feet, though 35-foot rigs offer easier maneuvering in the campground. Confirm site-specific dimensions when reserving. The state park staff can accommodate special requests for larger rigs on a case-by-case basis.
Should I take a self-guided or guided tour of the Shiloh battlefield? The self-guided 7-stop driving tour (30–45 minutes) is excellent for independent travelers and provides interpretive signage at key battle locations. Guided tours are available through private contractors and are ideal for visitors wanting deeper historical context or preferring not to drive. Both approaches are popular.
Can I camp at Savannah in winter? Yes. Pickwick Landing State Park is open year-round, and several private RV parks operate through the winter season. Winter temperatures average 40–50 degrees during the day, and nights drop to 30–40 degrees. Bald eagle viewing is a winter highlight. Reserve in advance, as winter camping fills quickly during peak eagle season.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park Near Savannah?
RV parks positioned in the Savannah and Pickwick Lake area benefit from multiple converging demand drivers. Shiloh National Military Park, with free admission, attracts 200,000+ annual visitors—many of whom travel by RV. Civil War history tourism creates steady spring and fall visitation. Pickwick Lake's 43,100 acres and proven fishing reputation generate strong May–September occupancy, with particular peaks during spring crappie season (March–May). Summer lake recreation and water sports drive family visitation. Year-round TVA tailrace fishing maintains occupancy during slower seasons.
Well-positioned Pickwick Lake RV parks with modern hookups, marina access, or direct water frontage typically command cap rates of 10–14%, reflecting strong operational cash flow and consistent booking patterns. Parks offering full-service amenities (laundry, Wi-Fi, pull-through sites, pet accommodation) command premium rates.
If you're exploring options for your RV park, Jenna Reed at jenna@rv-parks.org specializes in acquisitions throughout Tennessee and the Southeast. Visit /sell to learn more about the acquisition process.