Tennessee is packed with lakes, but not all of them are made for epic camping trips, campfire s’mores, and lazy days by the water.
But today, we’re going to uncover some of the best places in Tennessee to go lakeside camping.
Some have crazy-clear water perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while others are surrounded by forests, cliffs, or even cypress trees straight out of a nature documentary.
You’ll find spots with hiking trails, secret coves, sandy beaches, and the best lakeside restaurants.
Whether you’re a tent camper, RV pro, or just someone who wants to wake up to lake views with a cup of coffee, this list has the best of the best (and a few hidden gems you’ve probably never heard of).
1. Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake sits in the Appalachian Mountains in Carter and Johnson counties in Tennessee, and it’s considered one of the cleanest lakes in the U.S.
It covers 6,430 acres and has 105 miles of shoreline, which means plenty of space for swimming, kayaking, fishing for smallmouth bass, or just floating around with a cold drink.
Cardens Bluff Campground is a favorite for lakeside camping, with shady sites right on the water, fire pits, picnic tables, and amazing sunrise views across the lake.
You can even hike a segment of the Appalachian Trail near Watauga Lake, such as the 5.7-mile out-and-back from Oliver Hollow Road to Watauga Dam.
If you want to take it easy, you can rent a pontoon from Lakeshore Marina and spend the whole day cruising around.
2. Douglas Lake
Next up is Douglas Lake, located less than an hour from Pigeon Forge, and it’s huge, with over 30,000 acres of water and great views of the Smoky Mountains in the background.
This lake is famous for its bass fishing (it’s hosted big tournaments like Bassmaster), but it’s also great for jet skiing, wakeboarding, and splashing around in quiet coves.
There are multiple decent campgrounds around the lake, but Anchor Down RV Resort is one of the go-to spots for camping here, with full hookups, firepits, lakefront sites, and even a sandy beach and waterslide.
Grab dinner at nearby restaurants, then kick back and watch the sunset light up the mountains across the water.
3. Norris Lake
Then there’s Norris Lake, which has more hidden coves and quiet camp spots than you’ll know what to do with.
It’s about a 45-minute drive from Knoxville to get to the Big Ridge State Park area of the lake.
It stretches across five counties with a whopping 800 miles of shoreline, and the water is a pretty shade of green thanks to the clean mountain runoff.
Mountain Lake Marina & Campground is a camper’s dream, with lakefront tent sites, boat rentals, a seasonal lakeside restaurant, and a full-service marina.
Spend your days fishing, tubing, or hiking the 2.25-mile Elkins Trail at Norris Dam State Park.
Whether you just want to relax or you want to be active, Norris Lake is a great option.
4. Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake is right next to Chattanooga, and it’s perfect if you’re into boating, fishing, or just chilling with a view.
It covers about 36,000 acres and is famous for its giant largemouth bass (like record-breaking big), so if you’ve got a fishing pole, bring it.
Book a spot at Harrison Bay State Park for lakeside camping with shaded sites, clean bathhouses, and easy access to hiking trails like the 4.5-mile Bay Point Loop.
You can kayak through quiet backwaters, grab lunch in downtown Chattanooga, or bike the 4.5-mile paved trail along the shoreline inside the park.
5. Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake sits on the Tennessee-Kentucky border and is super famous for being the spot where the world’s biggest smallmouth bass was caught (11 pounds, 15 ounces)!
This lake has crystal-clear water, with over 600 miles of shoreline, and hidden swimming spots that feel like your own secret hangout.
Some examples of campgrounds include the Dale Hollow Dam Campground near Celina on the Tennessee side and the Dale Hollow Lake State Park Campground on the Kentucky side.
There are also primitive campsites dotted around the lake.
Spend the day paddleboarding through the coves, hiking the 1.5-mile Eagle Point Trail, or just floating in the water with zero cell service and no stress.
6. Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake is a total stunner in central Tennessee, with steep bluffs, deep blue water, and tons of cool little inlets to explore.
With over 18,000 acres of water, it is surrounded by the lush forests of Edgar Evins State Park, where you can camp in platforms built into the hillside.
The park also has a marina, boat rentals, and the 5.5-mile Merritt Ridge Trail that winds through the woods with awesome lake views.
Whether you’re kayaking into quiet coves or cooking s’mores by the fire, Center Hill feels like summer adventure central.
7. Percy Priest Lake
If you’re camping near Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is where it’s at, as it’s just 15 minutes from downtown, but packed with outdoor fun.
The lake covers 14,200 acres and is awesome for paddleboarding, tubing, and swimming at places like Anderson Road Recreation Area, with its sandy beach and picnic spots.
You can hop on the 4-mile Day Loop Trail, rent a pontoon at Elm Hill Marina, or head into the city for hot chicken before crashing back at your campsite.
Some of the top picks for camping near the lake include ‘Seven Points Campground’ and ‘RV Park & Campground at Nashville Shores’.
8. Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford Lake near Winchester is all about relaxing on the smooth, glassy water, perfect for a morning paddle.
It stretches across 10,700 acres and is surrounded by Tims Ford State Park, where you’ll find comfy cabins and even a marina with pontoon rentals.
The 1.3-mile Lost Creek Overlook Trail is a must-do hike, with awesome views and just enough uphill to earn that post-hike swim.
Whether you’re kayaking through tree-lined coves, fishing for smallmouth bass, or grilling dinner by the fire, Tims Ford is a great option for a peaceful camping experience.
9. Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Lake is about a 20-40-minute drive (depending on which part of the lake you’re going to) from Savannah, Tennessee.
The lake is on the border with Mississippi and Alabama, and it’s the go-to spot if you’re into big lakes and even bigger catfish.
The lake covers 43,100 acres, with wide open space for kayaking, paddleboarding, or cruising all day on a pontoon from Pickwick Landing Marina.
Camp right at Pickwick Landing State Park, where you’ll get lakeside sites, clean showers, and easy access to hiking trails like the 2.8-mile Island Loop Trail.
You can tour the historic Shiloh National Military Park nearby, fish from the shoreline, or just chill at the sandy swim beach with a float and zero plans.
10. Reelfoot Lake
Last but definitely not least, Reelfoot Lake is unlike any other lake in Tennessee.
It was formed by a massive earthquake in the early 1800s, and it’s filled with cypress trees, lily pads, and all kinds of wildlife.
It’s located near Tiptonville and spans Lake and Obion counties.
It covers 15,000 acres of shallow, calm water, and it’s perfect for canoeing and spotting bald eagles.
Reelfoot Lake State Park has several campgrounds, but South Campground is the local favorite, with shady spots right by the water and front-row views for birdwatching.
You can fish for bluegill, hike the 1.2-mile out-and-back Keystone Trail, or join a ranger-led boat tour to see the spooky-looking cypress stumps poking out of the water.
Please note that at the time of writing, Reelfoot Lake State Park’s South Campground is closed for a complete renovation that began in May 2024 and is expected to last until September 2025, so be sure to check their official website or social media for the latest updates before you go!
Related Posts
