There are plenty of beautiful lakes in Tennessee, 30 reservoirs, and a single natural lake, and folks love to get out on the water and enjoy the sunshine come the warmer seasons. Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Lake Guntersville are considered the “major” lakes of Tennessee, but the ever-beautiful Douglas Lake remains one of the Volunteer State’s hidden gems. There is nothing quite like a camping trip or staying in a cabin that boasts waterfront views, and this human-made lake is one of the best in Tennessee.

Douglas Lake
Brian McConnell - Flickr
Douglas Lake is also known as the Douglas Reservoir, and you can find it on the eastern edge of Tennessee. It’s just a hot second from the popular Gatlinburg-Sevierville area, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits sentry above it.
Jacob Ian Wall - Flickr
The reservoir was created by a man-made impoundment in the mid-1940s to provide hydroelectric power to the Tennessee River Valley. The French Broad River provides the water for the lake, and the Douglas Dam controls water flow.
Douglas Lake
DARSHAN SIMHA - Flickr
Douglas Lake itself is roughly 28,000 acres in total, and almost 2 million visitors make their way to the clear, cool lake on an annual basis. The surrounding hills and mountains make for a bucolic scene.

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Brian McConnell - Flickr
Swimming is popular, as is boating and camping along the coastline. Fishing remains the most popular activity, and Douglas Lake has been named one of the best bass fishing lakes and crappie fishing spots in the nation.
Brian McConnell - Flickr
You can stay along the lake in towns like Baneberry or Dandridge, but quite a few folks head to Sevierville and plan a day trip. There are plenty of cabins and rentals available for a weekend or weeklong stay.
Brian McConnell - Flickr
Have you been to Douglas Lake? Will you be visiting sometime soon, for your next family vacation perhaps?

Interested in seeing an aerial view of this gorgeous lake? If so, check out this incredible YouTube video by Andrew Davidson:

What a beautiful place to visit! You can learn more about this gorgeous lake and all the fun you can experience in the area by visiting the Douglas Lake official website. Happy swimming, friends!

And if you’re searching for more outdoor fun, here’s an article with some of the best state parks in Tennessee featuring lots of adventure.

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TENNESSEE LAKES & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | May 12, 2023

Are there alligators in Douglas Lake Tennessee?

Swimming is allowed at Douglas Lake, and while in the water, it is wise to be aware of what could dwell within. Recently, there have been several reports about alligators showing up in Tennessee lakes. In fact, a seven-foot alligator was spotted in the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. Though no alligators have been reported at Douglas Lake, it is not unlikely that there could be a gator sighting, especially with alligators moving into more Tennessee territories. In my opinion, the best way to be safe is to always be aware of your surroundings. If you’re searching for some great swimming holes to cool off, be sure to check out this article on the best swimming spots in Tennessee. 

What are the best Tennessee lakes for swimming?

One of my favorite Tennessee lakes for swimming is Percy Priest Lake. But there are many other lakes that also offer swimming as well as other water recreation. Here are some of the best Tennessee lakes for swimming:

  • Watauga Lake - Johnson, Carter Counties
  • Norris Lake - Great Appalachian Valley
  • Nickajack Lake - Marion, Hamilton Counties
  • Indian Boundary Lake - Monroe County
  • Dale Hollow Reservoir - Northern Tennessee
  • Chickamauga Lake - Southeast Tennessee
  • Fort Dickerson Quarry - Knox County
  • Old Hickory Lake - Sumner, Davidson Counties
  • Cherokee Lake - Jefferson County
  • Boone Lake - Sullivan, Washington Counties


Here are some of the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee according to our readers. 

What are some of the waterfront campgrounds in Tennessee?

There is no shortage of waterfront campgrounds in Tennessee, and many are located inside our beautiful state parks. And here are some of the best ones that are worthy of a visit: 

  • Bledsoe Creek State Park, Gallatin
  • Edgar Evins State Park, Silver Point
  • Standing Stone State Park, Hilham
  • Cove Lake State Park, Caryville
  • Rock Island State Park, Rock Island
  • Natchez Trace State Park, Wildersville
  • Pickwick Landing State Park, Counce
  • Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, Jamestown
  • David Crockett State Park, Lawrenceburg
  • Mousetail Landing State Park, Linden


Be sure to read this previous article about these waterfront campgrounds in Tennessee.

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Douglas Lake, Tennessee, USA