Lake Destinations in Tennessee and Kentucky to Explore This Summer

Tennessee and Kentucky have sparkling blue lakes popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and summer relaxation. If you are looking to unwind along some of this region’s most scenic shores, we’ve got you covered with a look at the best lake destinations in Kentucky and Tennessee. 

Buckhorn Lake is a large reservoir, created by the U.S. Army in the 1960s by altering the Kentucky River. It is now a picturesque 1,200-acre lake with a gorgeous Appalachian foothills backdrop. Lodging options and people fishing line the shores, and boaters are often on the water. 

Lake Cumberland is another reservoir, a sprawling waterway that encompasses more than 50,000 acres. Lake Cumberland is a paradise for water sports lovers and a hotspot for fishing, with Kentucky bass, crappie, and bluegill. Many lodges and resorts surround the lake, making it a busy summer destination. 

Lake Barkley is a large lake that stretches through several counties in Kentucky and reaches into Tennessee. This sparkling blue lake’s beaches fill up with visitors in the summer, and the lake itself is filled with canoers, kayakers, and boaters. Lake Barkley is also another sought-out fishing destination.

Kentucky Lake is the biggest lake east of the Mississippi by surface area. This sprawling reservoir offers over 160,000 acres of surface area and 2,300 miles of scenic shoreline. It is one of the best places in the U.S. for crappie fishing, and there are numerous marinas for easy boat access.

Norris Lake is a reservoir in Tennessee that has become a well-known summer attraction for families. With over 800 miles of scenic shoreline and thousands of acres of water, there is much to explore. Boating, water sports, and freshwater fishing are common activities, and the hiking trails by the lake are top-notch. 

Cherokee Lake near Knoxville is known for its clear blue waters. With over 400 miles of shoreline, the thick forests around the water are popular camping grounds. This is one of the best lakes for fishing in the state, and many marinas host an array of watercraft. 

Boone Lake, just a short drive from Johnson City, serves as a summer recreation hub. This small lake, ideal for fishing for bass, has swimming areas and a boat ramp. While it has a shallow shoreline, Boone Lake reaches depths of more than 100 feet, so it is still an excellent place for boating and water sports.

Percy Priest Lake is situated just outside Nashville, and it is a great weekend destination for city residents hoping to beat the heat. This lake covers more than 14,000 acres and is known as one of the best places in the state for largemouth bass fishing. It has busy marinas and camping grounds by the water.