Become a local traveling connoisseur by camping, fishing, hiking, or boating at any of our many Tennessee lakes. Although Tennessee has a plethora of lakes, rivers, and campgrounds, here are four lakes you can adventure closer to home.
Fall Creek Falls
Park visitors can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes currently through October. Activities include: biking, birding, boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, rock climbing, naturalist-led programs, educational experiences, and swimming. Lodge amenities come with private balconies, restaurants, lounge areas, a heated outdoor pool, fire pits, lake access, an 18-hole golf course, and an EV charger. What a relaxing, calm, and enjoyable experience away from the city, work, and stresses of weekday living. And don’t forget to waterfall chase with the many outdoor cascading showers, one even boasting a 256-foot drop.
Percy Priest Lake
Percy offers horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife watching, swimming, sailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, hiking, biking, boating, and camping. All types of water vehicles are welcome, from paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, sail boats, power boats, and houseboats. Boats ranging from pontoon party boats to ski boats are available for rent. There are developed campgrounds and also primitive camping on designated islands for those who want a more rugged experience. Fishing is the favorite activity on the lake, and make sure to bring your fishing license. The types of fish found in the lake include striped bass, white bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass, Cherokee bass, sunfish, catfish, trout, and bluegill. Straight from the lake to the grill or campfire, you can catch, keep, and cook.
Radnor Lake
Radnor is a quiet hideaway gem for bird-watchers, animal enthusiasts, nature enthusiasts, and hikers. They house bald eagles and owls in their nature preserve. There are so many species of animals to catch and spy on while taking a stroll on one of the hiking trails. Nature photographers will love the peace, stillness, and natural surroundings as they look at capturing a moment in nature from one of the many creatures who call this park home. Otters, turtles, birds of various species, deer, wildflowers, bubbling brooks, waterfalls, and lake views are all great shots. It’s your own National Geographic moment, locally.
Reelfoot Lake
This 15,000-acre natural lake is the biggest lake in Tennessee. Reelfoot offers scenic pontoon boat tours all summer through September. Reelfoot Lake is a flooded forest with stately Cypress trees extending upward from the lake’s waters below. The park is rich with wildlife and plant life. Naturalists can enjoy the wild setting by traveling along several hiking trails. Also, in the fall season, hundreds of white pelicans migrate to the lake and create a wondrous sight to observe. Two campgrounds are available and have full amenities ready for a cozy night around the campfire. You can roast hot dogs and enjoy a s’more or two. On July 5th, they will be having a sunset fireworks pontoon tour.
The Ultimate Caramel S’more for Campfire Chow
- Toast a marshmallow to your liking
- Place the toasted marshmallow on one graham cracker
- Drizzle your favorite caramel sauce on top of the marshmallow
- Sprinkle on some flaky sea salt
- Last cracker on top
- Devour
- Repeat