Even though it’s a landlocked state, Tennessee has its share of beautiful beaches. From natural lakes to man-made reservoirs, there’s no shortage of places to swim, boat, and fish, all with fantastic views of the local landscape!
What Are the Best Beaches in Tennessee?
- Big Ridge State Park
- Cordell Hull Lake
- Grundy Lakes State Park
- Cherokee Lake
- Kentucky Lake
- Chickamauga Lake
- Dale Hollow Lake
- Cheatham Lake
- Center Hill Lake
- Douglas Lake
What Are the Best Tennessee Beaches for RVers?
| Park | Campsite Options | Hookups & Amenities | RV Friendliness | Best For | Key Advantage |
| Kentucky Lake | Numerous campgrounds and day-use areas around the lake | Full and partial hookups, marinas, boat rentals, beaches, restrooms, picnic areas | Very high; large lake with many established RV areas | Long stays, boating, water sports | Massive shoreline and abundant campground choices make it easy to find RV spots near the water |
| Dale Hollow Lake | Campgrounds, cabins, and marina areas with RV access | Partial to full hookups, marina access, beaches, restrooms, boat rentals | High; quiet and spacious with reliable camping infrastructure | Relaxing trips, fishing, houseboating | Less crowded feel with scenic waterfront camping and strong marina access |
| Center Hill Lake (Rock Island State Park) | Campgrounds in and near the state park | Basic to partial hookups, bathhouse, beach access, trails, river and waterfall access | High; good access with scenic state park camping | Hiking, kayaking, mixed outdoor activities | Combines beach swimming with waterfalls and diverse outdoor recreation |
Big Ridge State Park
The sandy beach at Big Ridge State Park is ideal for swimming and relaxing. The swimming area is open Memorial Day to Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and offers an enclosed area for children. The 49-acre lake offers boat rentals for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and paddleboating. There are also 15 miles of hiking trails around the lake.
Things to do near Big Ridge State Park
Maynardville is the nearest town with restaurants and shops. Chuck Swan State Forest is also nearby.
Cordell Hull Lake
Cordell Hull Lake is a 12,000-acre lake on the Cumberland River created by the Cordell Hull Dam. It offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Meanwhile, multiple day-use areas include beaches, picnic sites, playgrounds, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Things to do near Cordell Hull Lake
This lake is about 40 miles east of Nashville, with a range of nearby attractions and activities.
Grundy Lakes State Park
Part of South Cumberland State Park, Grundy Lakes features four lovely lakes. There are 90 miles of backpacking trails passing waterfalls, streams, and woodlands. The area includes a beach, bathhouse, playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to waterfalls. Small boats with paddles or trolling motors are allowed, as is fishing.
Things to do near Grundy Lakes
Tracy City is the nearest town, but Chattanooga is also nearby, with attractions like the zoo and aquarium.
Cherokee Lake
Located in the foothills of the Clinch Mountains, Cherokee Lake is one of the largest lakes in the state. It offers boating, fishing, and swimming, with species like bass, crappie, sunfish, and walleye. There are picnic areas and campgrounds, and Panther Creek State Park provides a designated swimming area.
Things to do near Cherokee Lake
Knoxville is about 30 miles away and offers dining, attractions, and entertainment.
Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake sits along the Tennessee River on the Kentucky–Tennessee border and spans 160,300 acres. It supports houseboating, jet skiing, pontoon boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Campgrounds and day-use areas around the lake include beach access.
Things to do near Kentucky Lake
The Land Between the Lakes area offers additional outdoor activities and Nashville is about two hours away.
Chickamauga Lake
Located about 20 miles from Chattanooga, Chickamauga Lake is a popular reservoir for both swimming and water sports. It features marinas, boat ramps, and access points, along with Booker T. Washington and Harrison Bay State Parks. Activities include waterskiing, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Things to do near Chickamauga Lake
Chattanooga offers attractions like the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake, on the Kentucky–Tennessee border, has sandy beaches and designated swimming areas. Popular activities include water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and houseboating. The area also offers campsites, cabins, and cottages.
Things to do near Dale Hollow Lake
Pickett County offers museums, shops, dining, and nearby state parks. Nashville is about two hours away.
Cheatham Lake
Cheatham Lake features 320 miles of shoreline with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. It includes a swimming area at Cheatham Dam Right Bank Recreation Area, along with boat ramps, marinas, and playgrounds. Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and hiking are also popular.
Things to do near Cheatham Lake
Located just outside Nashville, it’s an easy day trip from the city.
Center Hill Lake
Rock Island State Park sits at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake and offers hiking, swimming, and water sports. The area is known for paddling, whitewater kayaking, and scenic waterfalls. Amenities include a sandy beach, bathhouse, and parking.
Things to do near Center Hill Lake
Nashville is about 60 miles away. Cumberland Caverns offers an underground cave experience nearby.
Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and is popular for boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. It’s known for crappie and largemouth bass fishing. The lake has a public swimming beach, campground, boat ramps, and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
Things to do near Douglas Lake
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge are nearby, with Knoxville about 25 miles west.
Planning an RV trip to Tennessee
While exploring the state, make sure to visit the best state parks in Tennessee!
