Boating At Cherokee Lake In Tennessee

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Cherokee Lake, situated in northeastern Tennessee, is a picturesque reservoir surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. The lake's location near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

With its vast expanse of clear waters, Cherokee Lake is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can explore its many coves and inlets, engage in water sports such as water skiing and tubing, or simply cruise along the tranquil waters to soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Cherokee Lake is home to several marinas that provide essential services to boaters, including boat rentals, fueling stations, boat repairs, and supplies. These marinas make boating on the lake convenient and enjoyable.

Water sports enthusiasts will find an array of activities to engage in, such as jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, adding an extra element of excitement to their visit.

The lake features multiple boat launch ramps, making it easy for boaters to access the water and start their adventures promptly.

For visitors who don't own boats, rental boats are available from local establishments, allowing them to experience the joy of boating and explore the lake's attractions without the commitment of boat ownership.

The boating season on Cherokee Lake typically runs from spring to early fall, providing ample time for boaters and water enthusiasts to enjoy the lake's offerings throughout the warmer months.

Fishing is popular on Cherokee Lake, attracting anglers seeking to catch various fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and more.

While camping directly at Cherokee Lake is limited, there are nearby campgrounds and recreational areas where visitors can set up camp and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the region.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Wrapped in a green belt of trees and grass, Cherokee Lake is a scenic, boating reservoir with plenty of outdoor and water sport activities. Plenty of boat launch ramps are distributed around the lake for convenient launching of all types of boats - from canoes and kayaks to larger pleasure and fishing boats. Fishing is especially good at this fertile, 30,000-acre impoundment in the northeast part of the state. Striped bass, walleye, sauger, saugeye, bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish all thrive in these forage infested waters. Whether fishing from shore or from a boat, fish seem to be everywhere along these 390 miles of shoreline, especially in spring. In both hotter and colder months the fish tend to school deeper on the many channels, ledges, points and humps throughout the lake. There are multiple marinas and boat docks offering products and services for boaters and anglers.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Card'nal Cove Resort Campground - 865 828-5300

Cherokee Dam Campground - 865 632-3791

Maysprings Campground - 865 828-4802

Everhart Campground - 423 587-3559

Lawson Campground - 423 272-5291

Greenlee Campground RV & Marine - 865 828-4802

Cherokee Park Campground - 423 586-5232

Greenlee Campground, Fallcreek - 423 587-8866

Park Place Lakeside Campground - 423 923-5950

Cherokee Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Cherokee Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, sauger and saugeye.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Blue catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redear Sunfish Rock Bass Warmouth Sunfish White Bass Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Sauger Saugeye