• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Big Ridge State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Melinda Fawver/stock.adobe.com

2. Center Hill Lake, Tennessee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© kitty45/stock.adobe.com

3. Cheatham Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Baronb/stock.adobe.com

4. Cherokee Lake, Tennessee

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© diy13/stock.adobe.com

5. Chickamauga Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Alysta/stock.adobe.com

6. Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Amy Nichole Harris/stock.adobe.com

7. Dale Hollow Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Melinda Fawver/stock.adobe.com

8. Douglas Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Olegs Mareida/stock.adobe.com

9. J. Percy Priest Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© AnnaMoskvina/stock.adobe.com

10. Kentucky Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© baon/stock.adobe.com

11. Lake Barkley

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© schankz/stock.adobe.com

12. Nickajack Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Stan Reese/stock.adobe.com

13. Norris Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© quasarphotos/stock.adobe.com

14. Old Hickory Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Brad/stock.adobe.com

15. Paris Landing State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© jdross75/stock.adobe.com

16. Reelfoot Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© jerzy/stock.adobe.com

17. Rock Island State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Michael Shake/stock.adobe.com

18. Tellico Reservoir

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Tonya/stock.adobe.com

19. Watauga Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Melinda Fawver/stock.adobe.com

20. Watts Bar Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© michaelheim/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • For a landlocked state, Tennessee has a surprising number of very pleasant beaches.
  • Most Tennessee lakes, both natural and reservoirs, have scenic sandy shores all around, some designated for swimming, with facilities such as picnic areas, and others with pretty little hidden coves to tie the kayak and go for a dip.
  • Many of the beaches are located within state and federal parks, are surrounded by lush forests, and are within one of the campgrounds.

Map:


Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.