Tennessee is home to 30 large reservoirs, offering plenty of opportunities for boating and watersports.
In addition, the state has about 200,000 ponds and small lakes, adding over 100,000 acres of water perfect for fishing trips.
These water bodies are managed by various agencies, including the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Many lakes are surrounded by beautiful scenery and have deep historical ties to the state’s development.
Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure on the water or a quiet spot to relax, Tennessee has something for every lake lover.
For fishing, winter and spring are the best seasons to visit. If you prefer swimming or boating, spring and summer offer ideal weather.
Many lakes have swimming beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, boat rentals, scenic overlooks, and other amenities to make your visit enjoyable. Here are some of the best lakes in Tennessee to explore:
Norris Lake
Located in Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, and Union counties, Norris Lake was created by the first dam built by the TVA in 1936.
Named after Senator George Norris, the lake spans 33,840 acres with 809 miles of shoreline.
It’s known for its clear water and is a great spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. Popular trails include the 3.1-mile River Bluff Trail for wildflower lovers and the Loyston Point trail system for mountain bikers.
Douglas Lake
Situated in Jefferson, Cocke, Sevier, and Hamblen counties near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Douglas Lake was formed by the Douglas Dam, which was built in 1942 in record time.
The lake covers 513 miles of shoreline and is a top destination for birdwatching, especially during winter when migratory birds gather. It’s also popular for fishing, particularly for largemouth bass and crappie.
Dale Hollow Lake
This 27,700-acre lake stretches through Clay, Pickett, and Overton counties in Tennessee, and Cumberland and Clinton counties in Kentucky.
Created by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1943, Dale Hollow Lake is known for scuba diving. Divers explore the sunken Willow Grove Schoolhouse and Diver’s Rock at Sulphur Creek’s outlet. The lake also offers campgrounds and picnic areas.
Cordell Hull Lake
Located in Smith, Jackson, and Clay counties, Cordell Hull Lake was created by damming the Cumberland River.
Named after Tennessee statesman Cordell Hull, who won a Nobel Prize in 1945, the lake covers about 12,000 acres.
It’s great for fishing, boating, and paddling and features campgrounds, swimming beaches, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Reelfoot Lake
Situated in Lake and Obion counties in northwest Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake is the only large natural lake in the state.
It was created by earthquakes in 1811 and 1812 and covers around 15,000 acres. Much of the lake is shallow and marshy, with cypress trees adding to its beauty.
The lake is part of Reelfoot Lake State Park and hosts the annual Reelfoot Eagle Festival each February, attracting thousands of bald eagles and migrating white pelicans.
Nickajack Lake
Created in 1967 by the TVA in Marion and Hamilton counties, Nickajack Lake covers 10,370 acres with 179 miles of shoreline.
It’s known for fishing and boating, and visitors can stay in floating cabins at Hales Bar Marina & Resort.
Nickajack Cave is home to a colony of endangered gray bats, which can be viewed from a platform from April to October.
Pin Oak Lake
Located in Henderson County within Natchez Trace State Park, Pin Oak Lake is part of a TVA project involving eight reservoirs.
The 690-acre lake is popular for fishing and offers excellent catches of bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Chilhowee Lake
Situated between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, this 1,743-acre lake is known for its scenic mountain views.
US 129, known as the Tail of the Dragon, runs alongside the lake, making it popular among motorcyclists and car enthusiasts. The lake is ideal for fishing, paddling, and camping.
Fall Creek Falls Lake
Located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, this 345-acre lake is known for its record catches of channel catfish and bluegill.
You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes or take a guided pontoon tour. The park also offers lakeside hiking trails and lodge accommodations.
Bays Mountain Lake
This 44-acre lake is part of Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport. Visitors can enjoy a barge ride to spot wildlife, including deer, turtles, herons, and beavers.
The park also has a planetarium, adventure course, and over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Fort Loudoun Lake
Spanning 14,600 acres with 379 miles of shoreline, Fort Loudoun Lake is located near Knoxville.
It’s a popular spot for kayaking, boating, and fishing. Knoxville Adventure Collective offers kayak rentals for exploring the city’s skyline and nearby wilderness.
Percy Priest Lake
Just 10 miles east of Nashville, Percy Priest Lake covers 14,000 acres and is ideal for a quick lakeside getaway. The lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating, with nearby campgrounds and marinas.
Center Hill Lake
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Center Hill Lake covers 18,220 acres and stretches through DeKalb, Putnam, White, and Warren counties.
The area includes three state parks—Edgar Evins, Burgess Falls, and Rock Island—offering hiking, fishing, and camping.
South Holston Lake
This 7,580-acre lake straddles Tennessee and Virginia and offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a top fishing spot for smallmouth bass and trout.
Visitors can explore the 1.8-mile wildlife loop trail on Osceola Island.
Radnor Lake
Close to downtown Nashville, Radnor Lake is part of a 1,368-acre wildlife sanctuary.
Created in 1914 by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company, the lake is now popular for ranger-led canoe tours and wildlife viewing.
Watauga Lake
Created by the TVA in 1948, Watauga Lake covers 6,430 acres with over 100 miles of shoreline, most of which is in Cherokee National Forest.
The lake offers fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and camping. The original town of Butler lies beneath the lake’s surface, with the new town built at a higher elevation.
Tennessee’s lakes offer a variety of activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife watching. No matter what type of water adventure you’re seeking, you’ll find it in Tennessee.
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