Months ago we planned an anniversary weekend getaway to Shiloh National Battlefield in Shiloh, Tennessee. Predicting the weather in early June is hit or miss. Let’s just say we did not expect high 90’s for that weekend. Call us stubborn, determined or open minded we forged ahead with our tent camping plans and a reservation of campsite #11 at Pickwick Landing State Park. Located just south of Pickwick Dam, 12 miles south of Savannah, TN in Hardin County, a 1,533-acre park on the shores of Pickwick Reservoir. Packing for super high temps has its advantages… no need for sleeping bags indeed!
We left Thursday afternoon for the almost three-hour drive, following my iPhone GPS thru some beautiful country. Close to dusk Siri took us on a gravel road with no signage. Looking back we should have known better. We followed and turned a few times, then arrived in the back of a campground near the dam. Our reservation was for campsite #11; we found it and set up the tent. With air in the air mattress and most everything set up we decided to find the closest place to purchase ice. On the dark road that led us to Dollar General, we noticed a brown state park sign for Pickwick Landing — pointing away from where we had set up. REDFLAG.. we bought ice and on the return trip decided we better check it out.. the words were spoken, “I think we are in the wrong campground.” And that truth was soon discovered. Yes, we were in the TVA campground site #11.. and our Pickwick Landing State Park sight of #11 was empty.. and dark.. and the idea of loading everything up and moving in the dark didn’t seem possible. “Let’s just spend the night in the wrong place and move tomorrow..”
So off to the nicely set up WRONG #11 campground site we went to try and sleep. Leaving the rain fly off the tent and all the windows opened sounded like a great idea until my teeth were chattering about 1:30 am.. NO.. I didn’t bring the sleeping bags.. I didn’t even bring anything semi warm to sleep in.. or IMAGINE how cool it would be at night! So after the inevitable trip to the bathroom at 2:00am, I went digging thru my car and found a blanket and wrapped up snug. My sweet husband rose early. I stuck my head out from under the blanket about 6:30am and he was standing in the tent doorway..‘I have everything but you and the tent.. let’s go when you’re ready.” We rolled some of the air out of the mattress and got ‘me and the tent’ ready to make it out of the wrong #11 and into the right #11 all before mid morning even arrived.
Friday was our planned day to visit Shiloh National Battlefield. Being strategic with the temps so high, we dressed cool, took plenty of water and snacks with us. We visited the National Cemetery first. An amazing reverent beautiful resting place that brought tears to this Marine mom’s eyes. 
With information from Trip Advisor we knew of a driving audio tour. For more than two hours, within the coolness of our air-conditioned car we listened to the audio tour. Experiencing the park with stories of the battle it was both entertaining and informative. Each of the 15 stops were well narrated, with both sides of this war represented. We were able to get out, walk around and take our time. A great recommendation from Trip Advisor and well worth the $13.00 cost of the audio CD at the bookstore!
Also following Trip Advisor advice, the movie The Fiery Trail plays every hour at the visitor center. Great movie and cool inside.. one enjoyable 90-degree day in the books!
Saturday early morning we hiked the Island Loop trail at Pickwick Landing. A three-mile loop that showcases beautiful pine and hardwoods, plus views of the lake. Stopping along the way to enjoy the lake view, drink plenty of water and have snacks,
we made the most of yet another warm humid morning.
Saturday afternoon the temps rocketed well into the 90’s with humidity and sun that meant only one thing– HAMMOCK in the shade time! The campsite itself provided great shade. We hung our hammocks, read – listened to music, napped.. basically chilled all afternoon. It was quite refreshing.. lazy.. whatever you wanna call it. We ate an early dinner at the lodge, drove around and found a town Dairy Queen, then played SkipBo at the campsite along with conversation well into the evening.
Sunday morning we packed up and took the long way home. It seemed only fitting that as we celebrated our 33rd anniversary we take a memory stroll. Not too far off the beaten path home, we drove to Lawrenceburg, TN — and David Crockett State park. This sweet little park holds years of memories of our young family. We began camping at this park… riding the bike trail, blowing bubbles, fishing, hiking, the famous black snack and bathroom giggles.. the memories flooding of two little boys.. just by entering the front gate. It was an emotional flood — Davy Crockett days, tomahawk throws, chopping woods, turkeys, deer. So thankful to have these special places to remember! And each other to reach forward into the future with. Empty nest isn’t the end .. it’s a new season. A safe place to remember, enjoy and reach into the future.
Before heading home, we discovered an amazing restaurant for lunch in Lawrenceburg, TN – Strikers Steakhouse to end our anniversary weekend. Call us crazy, but now we know camping is possible in 90-degree weather. It all starts with finding the right sight #11.
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