Are you planning your vacation in 2023? So, are you looking for inexpensive places to visit with beaches? If so, add Tennessee beaches to your list. I know, when it comes to beaches, Tennessee might not be the first state that comes to mind.
But, believe me, you’ll be surprised by the number of beautiful and relaxing spots this diverse and scenic state has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a getaway from the city, a family-friendly destination, or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are beaches in Tennessee for everyone. Here are ten of the best Tennessee beaches that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Rock Island State Park Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Tennessee is this Rock Island State Park. It is situated at the confluence of three rivers names the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky rivers. These rivers form Center Hill Lake – a 64-mile-long reservoir with 415 miles of shoreline. The park features a natural sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Additionally, visitors can admire stunning waterfalls like Fancher Falls and Rock Island Falls from hiking trails or kayak tours.
2. Center Hill Lake Beach
Center Hill Lake is one of the second most popular Tennessee beaches on this list. It is surrounded by several state parks and natural areas and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife watching as well as water sports. Edgar Evins State Park is an excellent place to enjoy sandy beaches with designated swimming areas alongside picnic tables and grills.
3. Big Ridge Lake Beach
Big Ridge Lake Beach is nestled within Big Ridge State Park – sprawling across 3,687 acres along the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range. This small yet charming lake boasts sandy beaches in Tennessee on its north shore where visitors can swim while enjoying breathtaking views of wooded hillsides. The park also offers diving platforms alongside amenities such as bathhouses and snack bars for convenience.
Read More – 8 Stunning Beaches in Mississippi That You Need to Visit This Summer
4. South Holston Lake Beach
Spanning between Tennessee and Virginia lies South Holston Lake – a 7,580-acre lake known for its clear water, scenic shoreline, and abundant fish. And, the little Oak Recreation Area is an ideal spot to enjoy the lake’s Tennessee beaches, offering two sandy swimming areas complete with picnic shelters and restrooms. Renting boats or kayaks from the nearby marina allows visitors to explore the lake’s coves and islands. So, don’t forget to add South Holston Lake Beach, one of the popular Tennessee beaches to your bucket list.
5. Percy Priest Lake Beach
If you are crazy to spend your time in Nashville Tennessee beaches, then visit Percy priest lake beach. Situated just 10 miles east of Nashville, J. Percy Priest Lake is a convenient and popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Besides, the Anderson Road Recreation Area boasts one of the best beaches in Tennessee on the lake with plenty of amenities such as a large sandy beach for swimming, picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and nearby marinas where boats or watercraft can be rented.
6. Douglas Headwater Public Beach
Douglas Headwater Public Beach can be found on the north shore of Douglas Lake. This is a 28,420-acre reservoir fed by three rivers: French Broad River Nolichucky River Pigeon River. Operated by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this beach features a sandy shore with designated swimming areas alongside facilities like picnic spots, boat ramps, and restrooms. Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty of bass crappie or catfish along the shore or pier.
7. Obey River Beach
Located on Dale Hollow Lake – spanning between Tennessee and Kentucky – Obey River Beach offers crystal-clear waters which hold the world record for catching smallmouth bass. Being part of Obey River Campground operated by TVA, this beach provides visitors with sandy shores for swimming and picnicking. And, it also allows them to rent boats or kayaks from nearby marinas to explore coves and islands.
8. Dry Creek Beach
Nestled on Tims Ford Lake’s west shore lies Dry Creek Beach within Tims Ford State Park. It is a 10,700-acre lake renowned for its deep water and rocky bottom. This beach offers visitors a designated swimming area with sandy shores alongside amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms. Renting boats or paddleboards from the park’s marina provides an opportunity to appreciate the lake’s beauty and wildlife.
9. Chickasaw State Park Beach
Chickasaw state park beach is one of the famous beaches in Tennessee to visit in summer. Chickasaw State Park Beach sits on Lake Placid’s north shore – a small yet serene lake within Chickasaw State Park. This 1,400-acre park features sandy beaches complete with swimming areas, picnic spots, playgrounds as well as boat rentals. So, you can explore the calm waters and wooded shores while enjoying other activities like hiking trails horseback riding fishing ponds golf courses, and camping facilities.
10. Reelfoot Lake Beach
Last but not least on our list of Tennessee beaches is Reelfoot Lake Beach. Reelfoot Lake Beach can be found on Reelfoot Lake’s south shore – a 15,000-acre lake formed by earthquakes in 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to flow backward momentarily. It is unique for its shallow water and cypress trees growing throughout it. This beach is part of Reelfoot Lake State Park offering swimming areas alongside amenities such as picnic spots, playgrounds, restrooms, boat rentals, or canoes. These will allow visitors to explore the lake’s natural beauty and history.
