Park Overview
Park Grounds
Winter: November 1 – February 28
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Sunday
11 am – 5 pm
Nature Center
Winter: November 1 – February 28
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday
11 am – 5 pm
Sunday
11 am – 5 pm
Park Grounds
Spring – Fall: March 1 – October 31
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 8 pm
Saturday
8:30 am – 8 pm
Sunday
11 am – 8 pm
Nature Center
Spring – Fall: March 1 – October 31
Monday-Friday
8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday
11 am – 6 pm
Sunday
11 am – 6 pm
Park Grounds
New Year’s Day
8:30 am – 5 pm
Memorial Day
8:30 am to 8 pm
Labor Day
8:30 am to 8 pm
Thanksgiving
Closed
Christmas Eve
Closed
Christmas Day
Closed
Nature Center
New Year’s Day
Closed
Memorial Day
8:30 am to 6 pm
Labor Day
8:30 am to 6 pm
Thanksgiving
Closed
Christmas Eve
Closed
Christmas Day
Closed
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, nestled in scenic Kingsport, Tennessee, is a 3,788 acre nature preserve and the largest city owned park in the state. The park features a picturesque 44 acre lake, a Nature Center with a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater and immersive native animal habitats.
Planetarium
Bays Mountain Park is home to a state-of-the-art planetarium theater
Our Planetarium
Animal Habitats
Features a wonderful collection of animals that are native to the area
Our Habitats
Nature Programs
Learn about the natural world through interactive and educational programs
Our Nature Programs
Barge Rides
Enjoy the beauty of Bays Mountain Lake aboard a pontoon boat
Our Barge Rides
Trails
44 miles of trails for activities like hiking, biking, and trail running
Our Trails
Astronomy
Learn about our observatory structures and astronomical observing activities
Our Astronomy Program
Day Camp
Day Camp offers attendees a week full of adventure and education
Day Camp Registration
Camping & Fishing
Overnight camping is permitted for scout groups and recognized organizations
Learn More
Volunteer Programs
Assist with trail maintenance, animal care, history programs, and more
Our Volunteer Programs
Park Improvement Plan
The Park Improvement Plan (PIP) is a long-term plan and vision for improving the animal habitats at Bays Mountain Park. The PIP incorporates the latest standards for animal care and welfare and expands opportunities for visitor engagement. Improvements proposed under the PIP extend accessibility and connect key park assets particularly those related to observing and learning about wildlife including: the Nature Center, the Herpetarium, the animal habitats, viewing experiences and walking trails.