Douglas Lake TN is located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It stretches for 30,400 acres with a maximum depth of 140 feet. There is so much fun to be had at the lake, from swimming, to fishing, to boating. When you stay in our Smoky Mountain cabins, plan a day trip to the lake to see everything it has to offer! Here are the top 4 reasons to spend a day at Douglas Lake TN on your Smoky Mountain vacation:
1. Perfect Place to Relax
If you’re in need of the perfect place to kick back and relax in the great outdoors, head to Douglas Lake! There is nothing more peaceful than taking a boat out of the lake and soaking up the sun as you enjoy the gorgeous views around you. You can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, paddle boats and more! Whether you’re just floating on the water or sitting on the shore admiring the view, you won’t have trouble relaxing at Douglas Lake TN.
For the ultimate relaxation, take a boat out on the water at sunset for some incredible views! Check out the video below to see what we mean:
2. Fun on the Water
There are plenty of adventures to be had at Douglas Lake TN. The lake is open to swimming everywhere, so you can cool off from the heat and wade in the water anywhere you want! If you want a more thrilling experience, rent a jet ski and race across the water, or go wakeboarding. You can also go tubing, water-skiing and even parasailing. And, of course, you’ll be able to see a gorgeous view of the mountains in the distance!
3. Great for Fishing
Fishing is arguably the most popular thing to do at Douglas Lake. So popular, in fact, that Douglas Lake in TN is ranked in the top 10 in the nation for largemouth bass and crappie fishing! You can fish during any season at the lake. Depending on the time of year, you can catch sauger, white bass, largemouth bass and more. A fishing license is required to fish at the lake, which can be purchased at major department stores like Wal-Mart, K-mart and other smaller convenience stores. Bring your fishing gear with you on your vacation to the Smoky Mountains and take advantage of the fishing opportunities Douglas Lake offers!
4. Enjoy a Picnic
Another benefit of spending the day at Douglas Lake is that there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy a picnic! Though you can dine on the deck of our Smoky Mountain cabins, the lake provides a nice change of scenery for a day. Douglas Lake has designated picnic areas with tables that are great for families or groups to share a meal together before hitting the water for some more fun. Pack some sandwiches and other tasty treats that will give you the energy for an exciting day in the lake!
About Douglas Lake TN
Douglas Lake, also known as the Douglas Reservoir, is formed by the French Broad River and the tributaries of the Pigeon Rivers. Each year, it welcomes more than 1.7 million visitors. It was formed when the Tennessee Valley Authority built Douglas Dam to provide hydroelectric power to help with downstream flood control of the Tennessee River Valley. The lake helps with overall water control, with a flood-storage capacity of 1,082,000 acre-feet. To prepare for the winter, TVA lowers the water level to make room for the runoff from winter storms. In the summer when the flood risk is lower, lake levels stay higher to support recreation. Now, Douglas Lake is a top spot for fishing, as well as boating, picnicking, and camping.
Directions to Douglas Lake
For help finding Douglas Lake, use the map below.
Where to Stay When You Visit Douglas Lake TN
Douglas Lake is just a short distance from both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, so our cabins are the perfect place to stay! Our Smoky Mountain cabins range from 1 bedroom to 15 bedrooms, so we can accommodate any type of vacation, from a couple’s retreat to a large family reunion. We have fantastic cabin amenities available, from pool tables, to fireplaces, to hot tubs and even theater rooms! You’ll love spending your day at Douglas Lake before returning to the comfort of your cabin.
Browse all of our Smoky Mountain cabins and start planning your visit to Douglas Lake TN!
