In 1993, state legislature authorized private, non-profit groups to organize for maintaining and enhancing the purposes, programs, and functions of the state park system. These groups, known as Friends, are concerned citizens who have banded together to assist in protecting, preserving and promoting the beauty and the splendor of their favorite state park.
Since 1978, a group of rangers and their horses have responded to emergencies, patrolled remote areas of state parks and been friendly faces at park events. Today, there are six parks that are home to Mounted Patrol Rangers.
Tennessee State Parks mean something special to each of us. From hiking trails to family picnics, these natural spaces give us room to breathe, play, and reconnect. In 2025, the My TN State Park Fundraiser gave park lovers a chance to show how much they care, and their response made it a remarkable year. Through generous donations, supporters showed appreciation, improved their favorite parks, and championed continued investment in Tennessee’s outdoor future.
The 2025 My TN State Park Fundraiser brought in strong support from across Tennessee, with 1,305 donors contributing $109,394. Each donation doubled as a vote, letting supporters back the parks they love in a fun and interactive way.
This engaging format helped raise essential funds while sparking friendly competition and deeper connections to Tennessee State Parks statewide. Every dollar will support meaningful projects that preserve our state’s natural beauty and enhance park experiences for future generations.
Love Tennessee’s natural beauty? Now’s your chance to make the difference. The My TN State Park Fundraiser is your opportunity to give back—and make a real impact.
This April, you have a purposeful opportunity to support the places that bring peace, adventure, and connection with nature—our Tennessee State Parks. Through the annual My TN State Parks campaign, you can give directly to trail restoration, Kids in Parks, or the parks you love most.
As the year draws to a close, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for all we’ve achieved together in 2024. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you and the dedication of our incredible Tennessee State Parks team, we’ve celebrated monumental milestones. For this, we have been gratefully reflecting on a year of progress and gratitude.