Watauga Lake
Directions

Watauga Lake is located on the Watauga River in Carter County, Tennessee, and is only eight miles from the county seat, Elizabethton.

This lake is one of TVA's most beautiful lakes. Watauga is a Native American word meaning "beautiful waters". Most Eastern of the TVA's "Great Lakes of the South" Watauga Lake is a beautiful body of water which laps the bases of the surrounding mountain of the Cherokee National Forest.

Picnic Areas , Campgrounds and Boat Ramps on Watauga Lake:
Shook Branch Recreation Area: (Elevation 1980) located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County. This 20-acre site includes a large grassy area for picnicking and sunbathing, picnic tables with grills and a designated swimming area in the lake. Some shade is provided by large trees that border grassy areas. The Appalachian Trail passes through Shook Branch Recreation Area.
From Elizabethton, take US 19E/321 south for five miles to Hampton. Turn left onto Us 321/TN 67 for two miles, then turn left into Shook Branch.

Watauga Point Recreation Area: (Elevation 1980) located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County. Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas provide a park setting for picnicking and sunbathing. In addition to picnic facilities there is a designated swim area in the lake and gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest.
From Elizabethton, take US 19E/321 south for five miles, then turn left into Watauga Point. Fee: Day use, $2 per vechile

Y's Men Picnic Ground: Picnicking and fishing. Four miles east of Hampton on US 321. Fee: Day use, $2 per vechile.

Marinas on Watauga Lake
Cove Ridge Marina
Offers covered and uncovered boat slips, camping areas, dry storage, handicapped accessible, bath and shower house and deli. 910 Pierce Town Rd., Butler (423) 768-2532.

Fish Springs Marina
Fish Springs Marina and dock, located on the Watauga Lake, has ample fishing supplies, lifejackets and all your boating needs. Newly installed gas tanks that can be accesed by boat, after hours with a credit card. Captain Wally Bender's Toy Box a division of the Marina offers sight seeing, sunset cruises on the lake and family fun with kayaks and tubings. Pontoon boat rentals also avaliable. 191 Fish Springs Road, Hampton, TN 37658. www.fishspringsmarina.com Phone #: 768-2336

Lakeshore Resort & Marina & Captain's Table Restaurant
2340 Hwy 321, Hampton, TN, (423)725-2223; boat launch and boat rental, fishing license, supplies, full service restaurant, motel and cabins.

Mallard Cove Marina & RV Resort
Hwy 321, Butler, TN, (423)768-3440; tent and RV sites, sewer and electrical hook-ups, dump station, supply store, water equipment rentals.

Boat Ramps on Watauga Lake

Rat Branch Boat Ramp: Concrete launch ramp and parking area. Three miles east of Hampton on US 321. Fee: Day use, $2 per vechile.

Little Milligan Boat Ramp: Concrete launch ramp and parking area. Nine miles east of Hampton and 22 miles west of Boone, NC on US 321. Fee: Day use, $2 per vechile.

Sink Mountain Boat Ramp: Concrete plank ramp and parking area. On Forest Road 298 approximately 10 miles southwest of Mountain City via TN 67 and 167. No Fee.

Campgrounds at Watauga Lake
Cardens Bluff Campground:(Elevation 1990)- Located on a peninsula on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County. Forty three well-screened sites are terraced along a narrow lane that winds from the top of the bluff to the shoreline of the lake. A 7/10-mile trail skirts the lakefrount. Fee: $10/ site each night.
From Elizabethton, take US 19E/321 south five miles to Hampton; turn left onto US 321/TN 67 south for three miles and turn left inot Cardens Bluff.

Watauga River
The Watauga River stretches approximately 19 miles between Wilbur Dam and Boone Lake offering some of the best fishing and floating in Northeast Tennessee. The river and species of trout are managed by Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA).
The River offers some beginning rafting and kayaking waters for those who are interested in learning. Rapid classification runs from I to II, and an occasional III. In swift water it is always important to wear a personal floation device (PFD).