• Does Tennessee have beaches despite being landlocked?
    • For a landlocked state, Tennessee has a surprising number of very pleasant beaches.
  • What types of beaches can be found in Tennessee?
    • Most Tennessee lakes, both natural and reservoirs, have scenic sandy shores all around, some designated for swimming, with facilities such as picnic areas, while others feature pretty little hidden coves perfect for kayaking and swimming.
  • Where are most of Tennessee's beaches located?

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1. Big Ridge State Park


Explore forested trails and enjoy lake views on a peaceful retirement weekend.

Big Ridge State Park


  • What is Big Ridge State Park?
    • Big Ridge State Park is a densely forested, 3,687-acre park that includes the Valley Range and the Appalachian Ridge.
  • What is the topography of Big Ridge State Park?
    • The park's topography is characterized by three narrow ridges surrounded by fertile valleys, creating breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
  • Are there hiking trails in Big Ridge State Park?
    • Yes, the park has over 15 miles of hiking trails, some of which run along dry ridges, old roadbeds, lush hollows, and lakeshores, passing by old cemeteries and early historic settlements.
  • Does Big Ridge State Park have a beach?
    • Yes, there is a sandy beach on the banks of Big Ridge Lake that is great for swimming and cooling off in the summer.
  • Is there a designated swimming area for children?
    • Yes, the park has a concrete-bottomed area specifically for children.
  • What recreational facilities are available?
    • The park has facilities for sand volleyball, tennis, a basketball court, and softball.
  • When is the best time to visit Big Ridge State Park?
    • The best time to visit is during the annual Bluegrass Festival in August.

Address: Big Ridge State Park, 1015 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807, Phone: 865-992-5523

2. Center Hill Lake, Tennessee


Go boating or relax lakeside on a scenic, affordable summer trip.

Center Hill Lake, Tennessee


  • Where is Center Hill Lake located?
    • Center Hill Lake is an 18,000-acre lake in the Tennessee Eastern Highlands, about 60 miles from Nashville, surrounded by dense lush forests.
  • How much shoreline does Center Hill Lake have?
    • The lake has 400 miles of shoreline with lovely small sandy beaches, coves, and inlets.
  • Are there boating facilities at Center Hill Lake?
    • Yes, the lake has 20 boat ramps and seven marinas for visitors.
  • What recreational activities are available at Center Hill Lake?
    • Three state parks surround the lake, offering camping, hiking, boating, and swimming, as well as a range of water sports.
  • Are there any waterfalls near Center Hill Lake?
    • Yes, there are three scenic waterfalls nearby for visitors to explore.
  • What kind of fish can be found in Center Hill Lake?
    • The lake is very popular with anglers who come for largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky bass, as well as crappie, catfish, bream, bluegill, and other fish species.

Address: Center Hill Lake, 158 Resource Dr, Lancaster, TN 38569, Phone: 931-858-3125

3. Cheatham Lake


Fish quiet waters or walk along scenic shorelines with easy access and sights.

Cheatham Lake


  • What is Cheatham Lake?
    • Cheatham Lake is more of a wide spot in the Cumberland River than a traditional lake, but it creates a rich opportunity for recreation in the area.
  • How was Cheatham Lake created?
    • The lake was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a consequence of constructing the Cheatham Lock and Dam near Nashville.
  • How many visitors does Cheatham Lake receive annually?
    • Every year, the long, narrow lake provides about two million people with opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, and wildlife observation.
  • What recreational facilities are available at Cheatham Lake?
    • The lake has one swimming beach at the Cheatham Dam Right Bank Recreation Area, nearly 100 picnic sites, two campgrounds, 14 playgrounds, 18 boat ramps, and two marinas.
  • What water activities are popular at Cheatham Lake?
    • Many boaters visit Cheatham Lake every year, and it is also popular for sailing, water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing.
  • Is kayaking a good activity at Cheatham Lake?
    • Yes, kayaking is a great way to explore the lake’s little coves and small hidden patches of sand.

Address: Cheatham Lake, 1798 Cheatham Dam Rd, Ashland City, TN 37015, Phone: 615-792-5697

4. Cherokee Lake, Tennessee


Visit for kayaking or picnicking and enjoy relaxing spring views with family.

Cherokee Lake, Tennessee


  • Where is Cherokee Lake located?
    • Cherokee Lake is located at the foothills of the Clinch Mountains in East Tennessee, about 30 miles from Knoxville. It is surrounded by picturesque rolling pastures and rich farmlands.
  • How was Cherokee Lake created?
    • The 30,300-acre lake was created from the Holston River and its tributaries.
  • How large is Cherokee Lake?
    • Cherokee Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Tennessee and has 463 miles of shoreline.
  • What facilities are available at Cherokee Lake?
    • The lake has several boat docks, a park, and a number of campgrounds.
  • Why is Cherokee Lake popular with fishermen?
    • Fishermen love Cherokee Lake for its abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, white bass, and stripers.
  • What amenities are offered at Cherokee Dam Campground?
    • The campground has many tent and trailer sites and offers heated showers, a playground, a group pavilion, picnic tables with grills, and a lovely swimming beach.
  • Are there boat ramps and trails at Cherokee Lake?
    • Yes, there are boat ramps both above and below the dam as well as paved walking trails for visitors.

Address: Cherokee Lake, Cherokee Marina, 9499 Hwy 11 W., Moorseburg, TN 38380

5. Chickamauga Lake


Fish or paddle through scenic waterways on an exciting outdoor adventure.

Chickamauga Lake


  • Where is Chickamauga Lake located?
    • Chickamauga Lake is a popular recreational reservoir in southeast Tennessee, about 20 miles from Chattanooga.
  • How large is Chickamauga Lake?
    • The lake has more than 810 miles of shoreline and was originally developed for flood control and power generation.
  • What recreational activities are available at Chickamauga Lake?
    • The lake is heavily used for watersports, boating, hiking, sailing, biking, camping, wildlife observation, fishing, golf, and swimming.
  • How many marinas and boat ramps does Chickamauga Lake have?
    • The lake has 15 marinas and 35 boat ramps, providing excellent access for boaters.
  • Which state parks are located at Chickamauga Lake?
    • The lake is home to two state parks – Booker T. Washington State Park and Harrison Bay State Park.
  • What amenities are available around the lake?
    • There are campgrounds of all kinds, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and seven well-maintained swimming areas.
  • What services do the marinas offer?
    • Marinas offer slips for boating, fuel, food, and boat rentals.
  • Does Chickamauga Lake have a golf course?
    • Yes, Harrison Bay State Park features an 18-hole PGA golf course.
  • What kind of fish can be found in Chickamauga Lake?
    • Fishermen enjoy a wealth of black bass, crappie, largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.

Address: Chickamauga Lake, TN-153, Chattanooga, TN 37406, Phone: 256-267-4881

6. Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee


Walk along wooded trails or go camping with kids and fun outdoor stuff.

Cordell Hull Lake, Tennessee


  • Where is Cordell Hull Lake located?
    • Cordell Hull Lake is a 12,000-acre lake in north-central Tennessee, on the Cumberland River, about 40 miles east of Nashville.
  • How was Cordell Hull Lake created?
    • The lake is a reservoir created as a result of building the Cordell Hull Dam.
  • When was Cordell Hull Dam built and for what purpose?
    • Cordell Hull Dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers between 1963 and 1973 for hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and recreation.
  • What outdoor activities are available at Cordell Hull Lake?
    • The lake offers a range of activities such as camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation.
  • What campgrounds are available at Cordell Hull Lake?
    • There are two campgrounds: Defeated Creek Campground and Salt Lick Creek Campground.
  • Are there swimming and picnic areas at Cordell Hull Lake?
    • Yes, three day-use areas have pleasant swimming beaches, picnic sites, and kids’ playgrounds.

Address: 71 Corps Ln, Carthage, TN 37030-2264

7. Dale Hollow Lake


Savor peaceful waters and explore houseboat options on a romantic summer escape.

Dale Hollow Lake


  • Where is Dale Hollow Reservoir located?
    • The Dale Hollow Reservoir is located on the Kentucky/Tennessee border and was created by the damming of the Obey River, primarily for flood control.
  • How large is Dale Hollow Lake?
    • The lake has more than 620 miles of lush undeveloped shoreline and clear, spring-fed waters, making it a very popular recreation spot for neighboring counties.
  • What makes Dale Hollow Lake famous?
    • Dale Hollow Lake is particularly famous for its beautiful houseboats.
  • Where can visitors swim at Dale Hollow Lake?
    • Visitors can swim almost anywhere on the lake, but swimming in designated swim areas with nice sandy beaches is much safer, as these areas are off-limits to boaters.
  • Is there a lifeguard on duty at Dale Hollow Lake?
    • No, there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimmers should take extra precautions.
  • What are the most popular watersports at Dale Hollow Lake?
    • Of all watersports, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are the most popular activities.
  • What is the main recreational activity at Dale Hollow Lake?
    • The main recreational activity is fishing, and the lake is a prime location for smallmouth bass fishing.

Address: Dale Hollow Lake, 540 Dale Hollow Dam Rd, Celina, TN 38551, Phone: 931-243-3136

8. Douglas Lake


See rolling hills and enjoy water activities during a quick weekend getaway.

Douglas Lake


  • Where is Douglas Lake located?
    • The 28,000-acre Douglas Lake is located about 25 miles east of Knoxville in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • How much shoreline does Douglas Lake have?
    • The lake has 500 miles of shoreline, mostly used as farmland and for residential development.
  • How was Douglas Lake created?
    • Douglas Lake was created as a result of the construction of Douglas Dam on the French Broad River.
  • What recreational activities are available at Douglas Lake?
    • Douglas Lake is a popular recreation destination with twelve boat ramps and facilities for fishing, watersports, boating, swimming, and birdwatching.
  • Why is Douglas Lake popular with anglers?
    • Anglers love Douglas Lake for its abundance of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
  • Is there a swimming beach at Douglas Lake?
    • Yes, Douglas Dam Headwater Campground has a nice sandy swimming beach open for day use, which stretches along the shore next to the boat ramp.
  • What type of landscape surrounds Douglas Lake?
    • The beach and the campground are backed by a beautiful hardwood forest.

Address: Douglas Lake, Dandridge, TN

9. J. Percy Priest Lake


Swim, boat, or hike and enjoy affordable fun on a sunny spring day.

J. Percy Priest Lake


  • Where is J. Percy Priest Lake located?
  • What recreational activities are available at J. Percy Priest Lake?
    • The lake offers a wide range of opportunities for recreation, including boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, wildlife watching, picnicking, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, water skiing, hiking, and more.
  • Are there marinas at J. Percy Priest Lake?
    • Yes, there are several marinas that accommodate all kinds of boats, which can also be rented.
  • Where is the best beach at J. Percy Priest Lake?
    • The best beach is at the Anderson Road Recreation Area, a nice stretch of sand with grills and picnic tables.
  • Is there shade available at the beach?
    • Yes, there is plenty of shade if it gets too hot.
  • What types of fish can be found at J. Percy Priest Lake?
    • Fishermen come for striped, largemouth, smallmouth, white, and Cherokee bass, as well as catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and trout.

Address: 3737 Bell Rd, Nashville, TN 37214, Phone: 615-889-1975

10. Kentucky Lake


Discover wide open waters and admire sunset views on a relaxing couples trip.

Kentucky Lake


  • What is Kentucky Lake?
    • At 160,000 acres, Kentucky Lake is one of the world’s largest man-made bodies of water.
  • Where is Kentucky Lake located?
    • The lake is located only 3 hours from St. Louis and 6 hours from the Smoky Mountains.
  • How was Kentucky Lake created?
    • The lake was created in 1938 as a result of building the Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River.
  • What recreational activities are popular at Kentucky Lake?
    • The lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, especially for those who love fishing, hunting, and boating.
  • Are there designated sandy beaches at Kentucky Lake?
    • Outside of better campgrounds, there are no designated sandy beaches and no lifeguards.
  • Where is the most popular swimming area?
    • The Moss Creek Day Use Area on the north end of the Land Between The Lakes (the area between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley) is the most popular swimming area.
  • What amenities are available at Moss Creek Day Use Area?
    • It is a pebble beach with picnic tables, grills, and public bathrooms.

Address: Kentucky Lake, Buchanan, TN

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