Do you ever crave a perfect family getaway in solitude near sparkling blue lakes while being surrounded by rolling mountains? If that brings a smile to your face, Tennessee should be at the top of your travel list. This scenic destination is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and brings a blend of adventure and relaxation. With its many scenic lakes, Tennessee offers experiences that bring families closer together.
From fishing with your kids for the first time to simply enjoying a picnic during sunset, the big lakes in Tennessee ensure you make memories for a lifetime! You can spend a lazy afternoon kayaking across calm waters or enjoy the view of the Appalachian hills, and every moment spent here will feel timeless.
Best lakes in Tennessee for a family vacation
If you enjoy mountains and lakes, Tennessee is a perfect destination for you and your family. Most of the lakes in Tennessee are easily accessible from major cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Perfect for weekend getaways or family holidays, these places offer you a mix of water sports, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Here’s your complete travel guide to the 10 best lakes in Tennessee for a family vacation. For your ease and convenience, we have included tips on what you can do, the ideal time to visit, and how to make the most of your lakeside escape. Here is a list of lakes in Tennessee that you can enjoy with your family:
- Dale Hollow Lake
- Norris Lake
- Cherokee Lake
- Douglas Lake
- Reelfoot Lake
- Center Hill Lake
- Percy Priest Lake
- Watauga Lake
- Chickamauga Lake
- Old Hickory Lake
1. Dale Hollow Lake
- Location: On the Kentucky–Tennessee border
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Ideal For: Fishing enthusiasts, families who love water sports and picnics, and camping lovers
- Things to Do: Go boating and tubing with family, stay in a houseboat for an overnight lake experience, and visit Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park for hiking trails
- Pro Tip: Book your houseboat rentals early during the summer.
Dale Hollow Lake is one of Tennessee’s most popular lake destinations. It is a crystal-clear water reservoir situated on the border between Kentucky and Tennessee. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it is known for its peaceful surroundings, world-class fishing, and record-breaking smallmouth bass. With over 600 miles of shoreline, the lake is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
2. Norris Lake
- Location: East Tennessee, near Knoxville
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Ideal For: Boating, swimming, and large family gatherings
- Things to Do: Rent a pontoon or jet ski, visit Norris Dam State Park for hiking and picnic spots, and go fishing for bass, crappie, and walleye
- Pro Tip: Consider visiting the lake in the spring for fewer crowds and better fishing conditions.
Norris Lake is a large reservoir in East Tennessee. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Stretching over 800 miles of shoreline, the lake offers a calm atmosphere and some of the cleanest waters in the state.
3. Cherokee Lake
- Location: Eastern Tennessee, near Morristown
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Ideal For: Fishing families and water recreation
- Things to Do: Fish for bass, catfish, and crappie, camp at Panther Creek State Park, and take a scenic boat tour
- Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your binoculars as this lake is excellent for birdwatching, especially near the coves.
Cherokee Lake is an artificial reservoir located in Eastern Tennessee. The lake is a popular destination for recreation and fun, particularly fishing. With 400 miles of shoreline and a surface area of about 28,000 acres, it also has a hydroelectric power plant at the dam. Managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the lake is a paradise for anglers and water lovers alike.
4. Douglas Lake
- Location: Near Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains
- Best Time to Visit: May to August
- Ideal For: Families seeking lake fun with mountain adventures
- Things to Do: Enjoy water skiing or paddleboarding, visit nearby Sevierville attractions, and explore the Douglas Dam overlook
- Pro Tip: Enjoy breathtaking mountain-lake views by staying in one of the lakeside cabins.
Douglas Lake is a reservoir in East Tennessee, created on the French Broad River. To enjoy a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, you can enjoy activities like boating, swimming, and fishing here. It is located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is also home to the Douglas Lake Cattle Company, which raises cattle and forage crops.
5. Reelfoot Lake
- Location: Northwest Tennessee, near Tiptonville
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, and September to November
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers
- Things to Do: Go on a guided wildlife boat tour, birdwatch and spot bald eagles in winter, and visit the Reelfoot Lake Museum
- Pro Tip: Consider visiting in January or February if you wish to experience the annual bald eagle population.
Reelfoot Lake is a natural, shallow lake located in northwest Tennessee. It was created by earthquakes in the early 1800s that caused the Mississippi River to flow backward. This lake is known for its cypress trees, shallow waters flooded-forest ecosystem, and is a popular destination for fishing, particularly for crappie and bluegill. A large part of the lake is encompassed by the Reelfoot Lake State Park.
6. Center Hill Lake
- Location: Middle Tennessee, near Smithville
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Ideal For: Families seeking relaxation and scenic views
- Things to Do: Visit Edgar Evins State Park for scenic trails, try wakeboarding or tubing, and enjoy a picnic by the shore
- Pro Tip: If you wish to experience truly spectacular views, consider taking a sunset cruise.
Center Hill Lake is a man-made reservoir in Middle Tennessee, created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and hydroelectric power. This lake boasts 415 miles of shoreline and calm blue waters. It is a popular spot for activities like fishing (bass, catfish, crappie) and water skiing.
7. Percy Priest Lake
- Location: Near Nashville
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Ideal For: Weekend getaways and family camping trips
- Things to Do: Camp at Anderson Road Recreation Area, go kayaking or rent a pontoon boat, and visit the nearby Nashville Shores Waterpark
- Pro Tip: As the lake gets crowded during summer, consider arriving early on weekends.
Percy Priest Lake is a reservoir located in Middle Tennessee, near Nashville. Formed on the Stones River, the lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is a very popular recreational area for activities like boating, fishing, camping, and hiking, and for offering you an easy escape from city life.
8. Watauga Lake
- Location: Northeastern Tennessee, near Butler
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Ideal For: Peaceful retreats and hiking enthusiasts
- Things to Do: Hike nearby on part of the Appalachian Trail, go paddleboarding or sailing, and enjoy a lakeside barbecue
- Pro Tip: To experience stargazing in the incredibly clear skies here, consider staying overnight in a lakeside cabin.
Watauga Lake is a scenic, high-elevation reservoir in northeastern Tennessee, created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest, it is renowned for its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain backdrop. It offers many recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and hiking along the Appalachian Trail.
9. Chickamauga Lake
- Location: Near Chattanooga
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Ideal For: Fishing families and outdoor adventurers
- Things to Do: Try kayaking or jet skiing, fish for bass, catfish, or striped bass, and visit nearby attractions in Chattanooga
- Pro Tip: If you are someone seeking perfect scenic photography, plan your visit around sunrise or sunset.
Chickamauga Lake is a reservoir in the United States on the Tennessee River, formed by the Chickamauga Dam. It is a popular destination for recreation, particularly boating and fishing, and is known for its excellent fishing for bass, catfish, and striped bass. Located near the city of Chattanooga, this lake offers numerous marinas and picnic spots.
10. Old Hickory Lake
- Location: North-central Tennessee, near Hendersonville
- Best Time to Visit: April to September
- Ideal For: Family picnics, camping, and fishing
- Things to Do: Camp at Sanders Ferry Park, enjoy fishing or sailing, and visit Rockland Recreation Area
- Pro Tip: If you are visiting here on weekends, consider booking ahead, as campgrounds fill up quickly.
Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir in north-central Tennessee. The lake is a popular recreational area for activities like boating, fishing, and camping, and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Surrounded by multiple parks and marinas, this destination is perfect for families looking for outdoor fun and picnics.
Fun and adventure await at the lakes of Tennessee
If you’re dreaming of a vacation amid nature, start your day fresh with every sunrise and laugh your heart out when the day ends, the cleanest lakes in Tennessee are waiting for you. Apart from calm surroundings and clean water, you can enjoy a number of activities during your visit to the lakes of Tennessee. These recreational activities include the likes of:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Camping
Here is a short itinerary for a 3-4 day trip:
After you step out of the airport, check into a nearby hotel and take some rest, and explore the nearby areas. On day 1, start at Norris Lake for clear waters and enjoy swimming and boating there. For day 2, drive to Tellico Lake for scenic beauty, fishing, boating, and waterside walks. Then, on the next day, drive to the nearby seashores for a picnic with the kids. Lastly, on the day of departure, enjoy near the lake one last time before your journey back home.
Final words
To conclude, Tennessee is a great place to enjoy a family vacation, offering numerous activities that help in family bonding. The lakes in Tennessee are spread across the state, with each one of them offering something unique. While Dale Hollow Lake offers crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the majestic mountains, Watauga Lake provides serenity. On the other hand, the vibrant atmosphere at Percy Priest Lake makes it a perfect spot for every kind of traveler. So, whether you wish to travel with families and seek fun, or are looking for a romantic getaway, or are a solo explorer seeking peace, these lakes in Tennessee are perfect for you!
