When you think of beaches, Tennessee probably isn’t the first place that pops into your head.
But this landlocked state is hiding some seriously awesome shoreline spots where you can swim, float, and soak up the sun.
We’re talking real shoreline access to clear lakes, mountain views, and space to splash around all day.
Some are just minutes from big cities, others are tucked away in quiet parks, but every single one will make you do a double-take.
They might not all be your typical white sandy beaches, but you’ll regret not checking some of these out.
1. Big Ridge State Park – Big Ridge Lake
Big Ridge State Park in East Tennessee is about 40 minutes from Knoxville and is one of the few places where you have access to a sandy beach in Tennessee.
The park has a sandy swim beach along Big Ridge Lake, with calm water that’s perfect for floating, splashing, or just soaking up some sun.
You can rent a kayak or canoe, hike the 1.2-mile Ghost House Trail, or stay overnight in one of the park’s old-school cabins built by the CCC in the 1930s.
This place is all about chill lake days, forest hikes, and you’re still in Tennessee, not some faraway beach town.
2. Booker T. Washington State Park – Chickamauga Lake
If you’re more into wide-open lake views and shady picnic spots, Booker T. Washington State Park on Chickamauga Lake is calling your name.
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, this park also has an Olympic-size swimming pool with a grassy lounge area and tons of space to spread out.
It’s also a top spot for fishing, biking the 6-mile mountain bike loop, or launching a kayak right from the shore.
Whether you’re paddling out from the boat ramp or grilling by the shoreline, it’s hard to believe a lake day this good is hiding in the Tennessee hills.
3. Anderson Road Recreation Area – Percy Priest Lake
Just outside Nashville, Anderson Road Recreation Area on Percy Priest Lake gives you that beachy feeling without the long drive.
This spot has a designated swim beach with real sand, clear blue water, and shady trees nearby for those post-swim snack breaks.
It’s super popular for paddleboarding, picnicking, and sunset walks along the 1.3-mile Anderson Road Fitness Trail, which has awesome views of the water.
You’re only 15 minutes from downtown, but it honestly feels like you’ve escaped to a mini beach getaway right in the middle of Tennessee.
4. Panther Creek State Park – Cherokee Lake
If you like your shoreline with mountain views, then Panther Creek State Park on Cherokee Lake delivers.
The lake is open for all kinds of water fun, including fishing, boating, paddling, and launching your own kayak or canoe.
There’s also 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the 1.9-mile Point Lookout Trail that climbs 400 feet and gives you epic lake views from above.
Between the trails and the over 400 miles of shoreline along Cherokee Lake, it’s wild how much outdoor fun you can pack into one Tennessee park.
5. Pickwick Landing State Park – Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Landing State Park on Pickwick Lake brings full-on beach energy with its sandy shoreline and clear water that’s great for swimming.
It has 3 designated swim beaches to choose from, with the main two (Circle Beach and Sandy Beach) located in the day use area.
This beach is wide, flat, and super family-friendly, with restrooms, picnic tables, and easy lake access for paddleboards or floats.
You can rent a pontoon, kayak, or canoe from the full-service marina, or hit the 2.8-mile Island Loop Trail for some shady lake views and birdwatching.
With a full marina, an on-site restaurant, and even a golf course, this spot feels more like a lakeside resort than a regular ol’ state park.
6. Defeated Creek Day Use Area – Cordell Hull Lake
If you’re looking for a peaceful, no-fuss beach day, Defeated Creek Day Use Area on Cordell Hull Lake is a hidden gem worth the drive.
Tucked in the hills about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Nashville, this spot has a quiet, sandy beach with calm, glassy water that’s awesome for floating or kayaking.
The area has shaded picnic tables, a boat ramp, and if you’re up for an adventure, you can hike the 6-mile Bearwaller Gap Trail.
It’s low-key, uncrowded, and feels like one of those secret local spots where time slows way down.
7. Paris Landing State Park – Kentucky Lake
And if you’re craving wide-open water, Paris Landing State Park on Kentucky Lake totally brings the goods.
The grassy beach here sits right on one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, with space to swim, float, or just chill in the sun with a good snack.
You can also rent a kayak, try the 3-mile Raptor Ridge Trail, or hit up the park’s marina for a boat day on the lake’s 160,000 acres of water.
There’s also a lodge and a campground if you want to stay overnight.
8. Douglas Lake – Dandridge Area
Last but definitely not least, Douglas Lake near Dandridge is where beach day meets mountain views.
This lake has several swim spots, and Douglas Lake Campground is a fave for its riverside access, grassy hangout area, and clear water.
You’re about 40 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so with an early start, you can knock out an easy hike in the morning and spend the afternoon floating with a view of the peaks.
It’s chill, scenic, and seriously underrated.
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