Discover the perfect outdoor setting at Shelby Farms Park’s Beaver Lake Picnic Area—ideal for gatherings amid scenic lake views. Enjoy convenient amenities and a peaceful landscape for memorable moments with loved ones.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Flexible, from 1 hour to an all-afternoon event
Fitness Level
Minimal physical activity required, suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Shelby Farms Park was established in 1974 and has since become a centerpiece of Memphis outdoor recreation, emphasizing community and conservation.
Conservation
The park actively promotes sustainability by maintaining native habitats and encouraging eco-friendly recreational practices.
Shelby Farms Park
Discover the perfect outdoor setting at Shelby Farms Park’s Beaver Lake Picnic Area—ideal for gatherings amid scenic lake views. Enjoy convenient amenities and a peaceful landscape for memorable moments with loved ones.
Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering a wide range of outdoor recreation, rentals, and reservable event spaces. The park provides guided nature experiences such as ranger-led hikes and structured field trips tailored for school groups and youth organizations. Rentals include pedal boats on Pine Lake and three-speed hybrid and kids bicycles available hourly or for two-hour sessions, with helmets provided for safety.
Multiple pavilions and picnic areas—Hyde Lake Pavilion, Jones Pond Pavilion, Beaver Lake (#5) Uncovered Picnic Area, and Stables (#3) Pavilion—offer picnic tables, grills, firepits, electricity, and restroom access for family gatherings and celebrations. The First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center houses the Buffalo Room meeting space accommodating up to 40 guests with WiFi and a kitchenette, allowing outside catering for meetings and events. Community programming includes the Get Outside! Fitness initiative in partnership with Girls on the Run, focusing on physical activity and life skills for girls in grades 3–8 and culminating in a 5K celebration. Amenities on site include a gift shop and coffee house near pavilion areas. Shelby Farms Park supports conservation through activities like pedal boat rentals and maintains paved trails for biking and walking across scenic landscapes. Operating hours and rental availability vary by activity; bike rentals run Tuesday through Sunday. Shelby Farms Park serves families, schools, and event planners seeking accessible outdoor experiences in Memphis, combining recreation, education, and community-focused amenities. Visitors can reserve spaces and rentals online or by phone today.
Location
Memphis, TN
Accessible city park
Experiences
10 Experiences
Rentals, field trips, and pavilions
Rentals
Bike & Boat Rentals
Helmets provided, Tue–Sun
Meeting Space
Up to 40 Guests
Buffalo Room in Visitor Center
Check availability for pedal boats, bike rentals, pavilions, field trips, and the Buffalo Room meeting space — plan the perfect outdoor event.
Arrive Early for Peak Privacy
Getting to the picnic area early helps secure a preferred spot before the crowds arrive, especially during weekends.
Bring Your Own Firewood
Firepits are available, but packing your own firewood ensures a cozy night around the fire, especially in cooler weather.
Plan for Windy Days
Lake breezes can be strong, so secure loose items and consider windbreaks if grilling or setting up shade structures.
Use Reusable Dinnerware
Help keep the park pristine by bringing reusable plates, cups, and utensils instead of disposables.
Blanket or outdoor seating mat
Provides extra comfort on picnic benches or the grass, especially during cooler weather.
Sunscreen and bug spray
Protects against sunburn and insect bites during sunny days or evening hours.
summer
Reusable plates and utensils
Helps reduce waste and keeps the picnic environmentally friendly.
Portable speaker
Adds a lively atmosphere for family fun or celebrations without disturbing the natural surroundings.