8 Best Lakes in Tennessee for Lakefront Property

Not everyone first thinks of Tennessee as a state for waterfront living. People typically consider it for its mountains. However, Tennessee has about half a million acres of lakes and 50,000 miles of streams and rivers. What does that mean for you, the home buyer? The lakes in Tennessee mean you don’t need to choose between living in the mountains or waterfront. You can have both!

Add to that Tennessee’s incredible housing affordability and low property tax rates. Why wouldn’t you want to buy a waterfront home in Tennessee?

Of course, not all lakes and rivers have waterfront access or property for sale. The US Army Corps of Engineers created some reservoirs that do not permit residential structures along the shoreline. However, there are plenty of lakes that do! Find these lakes from the Appalachian Mountains across the rolling foothills to the western plains and the mighty Mississippi. Check out these best lakes to live on in Tennessee:

Norris Lake

Probably the star of all the lake options, Norris Lake is one of Tennessee’s cleanest lakes. Not only is it clean, but this man-made reservoir is massive! With 34,000 acres of water and 800 miles of shoreline, Norris Lake pushes up the Powell and Clinch Rivers.

Located in northeastern Tennessee, the Cumberland Mountains surround Norris Lake. The result is sparkling deep blue water and scenic views. Wildlife management areas, three state parks, and 59 public access sites keep the shoreline pristine. Spot eagles, deer, herons, and more enjoying the lake, too.

But Norris Lake is not all rural. With 21 marinas, the lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. Believe it or not, scuba diving is a popular activity!

Just 20 miles from Knoxville, it’s convenient to a large metro area with an airport for easy transport, work, and live entertainment. Some properties are vacation homes catering to weekends away from the Knoxville hustle. However, plenty are owned by full-timers who love the peacefulness of lake living. Anderson is the closest community to the lake. Depending on where you buy, Maynardville or New Tazewell may be closer for your shopping needs.

Douglas Lake

Discover the beauty and excitement of Douglas Lake, nestled in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. With over 1.7 million visitors each year, this stunning location draws people for its boating opportunities. Locals and visitors come for the fishing, camping, and swimming all year round. The waters cover 30,400 acres and run 43 miles back from the Douglas Dam.

Located near the mountain towns of Sevierville, Dandridge, Newport, and White Pine, Douglas Lake is conveniently situated for exploring popular tourist towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The combination of entertainment attractions and the lakefront makes for incredible recreational opportunities.

As the top crappie lake in East Tennessee and one of the top five in the nation, Douglas Lake is ideal for fishing enthusiasts. It’s also ranked in the top ten for largemouth bass and regularly hosts professional tournaments in the spring and fall.

For nature enthusiasts, the Rankins Bottom area is a must-see birding spot in East Tennessee. The French Broad River, Pigeon River, and Nolichucky River feed this magnificent lake and are also destinations for fly fishing and whitewater rafting.

Most of the lake is highly rural, with large swaths owned by the TVA. However, there are developed sections with lake views and access, making owning a home on Douglas Lake a real treat.

Chickamauga Lake

Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. Lonely Planet has ranked it among the “Best in the US” because of its quality fishing and access to big-city amenities.

It covers 57 miles and 36,200 water acres between the Watts Bar and the Chickamauga Dam in Hamilton County. When you add together the Tennessee River and tributaries, Chickamauga Lake has over 800 miles of shoreline.

The southern end is busier with jet skiing and power boating, as it’s closer to Chattanooga and its suburbs. As you move away from the Watts Bar Dam, the lake shore becomes quieter. Eight scenic parks and two wildlife areas highlight southern Tennesee’s natural beauty. The varied habitat is home to many fish species, with several bass types, walleye, sunfish, and sauger.

If you want to settle down, the lakefront has plenty of spacious estates in quiet neighborhoods and towns. Chattanooga surrounds the lower end of the reservoir, including the suburbs of Harrison and Lakesite. The smaller town of Dayton is about midway on the lakefront.

Kentucky Lake

Although most of Kentucky Lake lies in Kentucky, it extends miles into western Tennessee, making it another option for stunning lakefront properties. Its vast size and excellent fishing make Kentucky Lake a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and the perfect getaway destination.

TVA built the dam on the Tennessee River in 1944 for flood control and electricity generation. The resulting lake is massive, with a whopping 2,000+ miles of shoreline and 160,000 acres of water. That earns it status among the largest artificial lakes in the US. Sections of the lake are two miles wide!

A good chunk of that shoreline is in Tennessee. Large parts are protected as the Big Sandy Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and smaller historic parks and recreation areas. But the lake is also highly accessible, with multiple marinas and public boat ramps.

On the Tennessee side, the lakefront towns include Big Sandy, Dover, and New Johnsonville. These small towns have few permanent residents and tend to cater to vacation homes. Properties tend to be rural, making for a rustic lakefront retreat. Kentucky Lake is a paradise for the nature lover.

Old Hickory Lake

Named after Tennessee native and 7th US President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was “Old Hickory,” this reservoir is conveniently just a few miles northeast of Nashville. The former President’s home, The Hermitage, is near the Cedar Creek Campground off the lake.

Formed by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam constructed in 1952, the lake section stretches for about 97 miles and covers approximately 22,000 acres with water. The waterway is a part of the Cumberland River, so it winds and twists following the riverbed.

If you’re looking for waterfront fun near Music City, Old Hickory Lake won’t disappoint. Eight commercial marinas plus many other public access areas help locals get out on the lake for a day of sailing, paddle boating, or pleasure craft. The lakefront facilities include camping, pier fishing, and hiking at the parks surrounding the lake. Visitors can spot diverse wildlife, including waterfowl and wading birds, making it a perfect spot for photography and bird-watching.

But it’s also easier to find homes along this lake’s shoreline. Much of Hendersonville, TN, is lakefront, and several other towns and neighborhoods increase your choices. The western shoreline is closer to Nashville, more developed, and has more housing options. As you head eastward, there are more parks and undeveloped lands.

Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake frames the east side of Nashville and its suburbs. The proximity to the metro attracts locals for water sports and outdoor activities.

The Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Stones River. The created a lake covering 14,000 acres for 42 miles.

The western shoreline has more infrastructure. Find five commercial marinas and at least seven public boat launches. The surrounding lakefront parks have camping, horseback riding, hiking, and biking facilities. You’ll spot sailboats, rowing boats, water skiing, wakeboarding, and bass fishing on the waters.

One of its best perks is that the lake is about 15 minutes from Nashville, depending on where you buy a home. It’s also beside the suburbs of La Vergne and Smyrna. Percy Priest Lake is Nashville’s easiest choice for lakefront and waterfront living. Lakefront communities include Woodland Point, Harbour Town, Priest Lake Park, Villages of Long Hunter, and Forest Ridge.

Tellico Lake

Tellico Lake has been a hidden gem on the Little Tennessee River, but that secret is getting out if the new developments along its peninsulas and shores are any indication. It was formed in 1980 when the Tellico Dam was completed. The waters extend 33 miles into the Little Tennessee and 20 miles up the Tellico Rivers. A canal connects it to Fort Loudoun Lake.

With 357 miles of shoreline, this East Tennessee wonder has a reputation for clean water. The reservoir reaches a depth of 80 feet. It has a current, unlike other man-made lakes. Part of the lake forms the Great Loop with the Tennessee River.

Living here, you get stunning views of the Smoky Mountains framed by crystal-clear waters. Residents access miles of pristine waters for kayaking and motorboat adventures at its marinas and public access points. Find more shoreline public access at state parks, including Fort Loudon State Historic Park. A visit is worth it for the views and to check out its reconstructed British fort used as an outpost in the French and Indian War.

Tellico Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. National bass tournaments draw the sport’s best in hunting for large and smallmouth, crappie, walleye, and sauger.

Along the shoreline are the towns of Sweetwater, Vonore, Greenback, and Madisonville. There are also residential master-planned communities like Tellico Village and Rarity Bay.

Dale Hollow Lake

The calm waters of Dale Hollow Lake lure outdoor adventurers in all four seasons. Besides the excellent opportunities for fishing and boating, Dale Hollow is prized as a getaway destination with multiple campgrounds and lakefront cabins. Bass fishing is particularly prized, with record-sized smallmouth bass caught here. Below the dam, exceptional trout fishing and the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery are also available.

The Dale Hollow Dam on the Cumberland River creates 620 miles of shoreline, much of it rural and protected. It straddles the Kentucky border, with the nearest town being Celina, TN.

Tennessee Lakefront Living

This list is a small sampling of the lakefront available in Tennessee. These choice lakes have thousands of acres of waterfront and residential options to explore. But you can find even more lakefront properties, some with limited residential options, at reservoirs like Watts Bar, Tims Ford, or Watauga Lakes. A local real estate agent can help you narrow down your ample choices for lakefront living in Tennessee.

FAQ

What is the nicest lake in Tennessee?

That will be a matter of personal opinion and preference. All the lakes listed could be considered nice for their listed reasons, from their recreational opportunities to scenic views. Generally, Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake, and Dale Hollow Lake frequently appear on ranked lists.
What is the cleanest and clearest lake in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) regulary tests its reservoirs for their sediment quality, bottom life, dissolved oxygen and other related measures. The Blue Ridge Reservoir consistently had “excellent” ratings over a 26-year testing period. Chickamauga Lake only had two years not rated “excellent,” and in those years it was considered “fair.”  Melton Hill Lake and Wautauga Lakes also trended near the top for cleanliness. These are only the TVA-tested lakes.
What is the best lake to retire on in Tennessee?

Tellico Lake has purpose-built retirement communities with lakefront living, Tellico Village and Rarity Bay. These combine exceptional amenities like golfing and social clubs with the relaxed pace of life found in a beautiful outdoor setting.

What is the best lake to buy a house at in Tennessee?

Again, that answer depends on your lifestyle and budget. Douglas Lake homes trend towards higher price tags because they are near the tourist center of Pigeon Forge. Those seeking a rural lifestyle may prefer other lakes, like Fontana Lake or Watts Barr.

What lake in TN has a town under it?

It’s a good bet that if it’s a large, manmade reservoir there’s a town underneath the waters. Couchville residents moved in the 1960s to make way for Percy Priest Lake near Nashville. The 1850s town of Await hides under Tim Ford Lake. Loyston hides under Norris Lake. These are just three of many underwater ghost towns in Tennesee Lakes.