Cedars of Lebanon State Park — Attraction in Lebanon

We had an absolutely beautiful and super fun wedding weekend at Cedars.

However. Our experience with Tennessee Park Rangers over the years has never been that positive - they’re overbearing, inflexible, power hungry and absolutely obnoxious. They practically stalk you so they can catch you make the slightest of errors and give you a citation, which is totally annoying for folks who are trying to enjoy the beautiful nature of Tennessee… in the parks which our tax dollars pay for.

We wanted to host a wedding in a State Park so that we could spend the entire weekend with the people we love the most in a gorgeous park setting where people could camp out. We figured - sure, we’ve had bad experiences with TN park rangers in the past, but surely if we’re throwing THOUSANDS of dollars their way they will be cool. Nope. They harassed us the entire weekend, despite us crossing all our t’s and dotting all our i’s with Emily in terms of alcohol permits and again, giving them THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

They profiled us from the moment we entered the park. Very unwelcoming. They sat outside of all our events in their trucks, very menacing. They even aggressively threatened the groom MOMENTS after his wedding ceremony. Completely unacceptable. I feel like I’m speaking for the majority of people when I say… I don’t choose to spend time in state parks so that I that I can be harassed by nature cops. Despite all this garbage, we managed to look past the negative and have an absolutely perfect and wonderful weekend and over 100 of our guests paid to stay on the campgrounds and cabins at the park.

Other notes: the electricity in the Juniper Gazebo didn’t work and caused a 30 minute delay in our ceremony. Rickett’s Cabin is pretty overpriced; it smells weird, there was no sponge or soap for doing dishes, and the bedding was incredibly uncomfortable (not even a fitted sheet). Also, they are pretty uptight about check-in and check-out times, even when you ask in advance for an extension. We got multiple late check-out charges for being 30 minutes to 1 hour late to check out of a few cabins, despite calling the park office to let them know. Not really what I expected after spending $8K or more on facilities, campgrounds, cabins, etc.

If you’re looking for a laid-back park to host a camping wedding, I’d...

Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a remarkable natural haven, nestled in the heart of Tennessee's Central Basin. This park is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the region's landscapes.

One of the standout features of this park is its captivating trails. These trails wind through a landscape that is both lovely and challenging, making them a treat for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. The terrain, sprinkled with rocky grounds and small caves, adds an element of excitement to the hiking experience. Exploring these trails offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rugged beauty of the area.

The park's rich natural history is equally fascinating. The presence of cedar glades, a natural rock garden ecosystem, is a true gem. The thin or absent soil, coupled with limestone rock close to the surface, creates a harsh yet distinctive habitat that hosts nineteen rare and endangered plant species found nowhere else in the world. This ecological diversity is a testament to the park's significance in preserving Tennessee's unique natural heritage.

Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a destination that not only offers a chance to connect with nature but also provides a glimpse into the area's historical roots.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, a deep dive into Tennessee's natural beauty, or simply a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a captivating destination. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking to explore the rich history of the region, this park has something special to offer. Enjoy your journey through this remarkable slice of...

This is a large park with three RV Camping loops. We stayed in Loop 1 but I think Loop 2 is far better, more space between sites and the bathrooms/showers have been updated. There is wifi available but you have to log in through the Internet Provider and you are limited to 300mb. Very few of the sites are full hookups, most are water/electric. There are two park stores, the first at the entrance is mainly for cabins and the second at the intersection to the three RV Loops is for camping. Small store, ice and fire wood is available. There is an attached laundry and this is one of the main reason for the three-star rating. The laundry room is locked between 1600-1630 until 0800 the next morning. No clue why - yes there is a locked door between it and the store and the Host Family are parked next to the store but seriously. Quite a few campers we spoke to were upset - staying one night and arriving at 1600 and couldn't do laundry. The second is the sites are not cleaned or inspected between usage. Campers are expected to clean their own site on departure. Well, another reason for the three-star is our fire ring was loaded with trash and the ground surrounding our picnic table was a garden of cigarette butts. The smell was so bad, it was almost like someone was standing there smoking. Yes we would stay here again but in Loop 2. We camped at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in a...