Surrounded by the gently rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Douglas Lake is a favorite destination for waterfront fun. In fact, Douglas Lake offers no shortage of recreational opportunities, as you'll find an endless array of activities from water sports to birding right along its 513 miles of shoreline. Read on to learn more about Douglas Lake in Tennessee!
Where is Douglas Lake?
Douglas Lake, also known as Douglas Reservoir, is one of East Tennesee's man-made wonders. It is located north of Pigeon Forge and is surrounded by the cities of Sevierville, Dandridge, Newport, and White Pine. Douglas Lake was built by the Tennesee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1942 and is formed by the French Broad River and tributaries of the Pigeon River.
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Things to Do at Douglas Lake
More than 1.7 million visitors come to this lake each year and it's easy to see why. No matter whether you're looking for a relaxing lakeside retreat or a wet and wild outdoor adventure, you'll find it at this beautiful location near Sevierville. Birding, boating, fishing, camping, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, and picnicking are all popular. You can enjoy it all from a lakeside cabin or condo!
Douglas Lake Fishing
The blue-green waters of Douglas Lake provide some of the best crappie and largemouth bass fishing in Tennessee. Other common catches are smallmouth bass, white bass, black bass, crappie, sauger, walleye, and bluegill. Fishing guides and charters on the lake can take you to the best spots. Learn more about fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Tennessee Fishing
Bill Dance Signature Lakes
Douglas Lake is one of fourteen Bill Dance Signature Lakes. In collaboration with several Tennessee agencies, Bill Dance Outdoors has endorsed and designed signature access points on ten large reservoirs and four small lakes in the state of Tennessee. Known as professional bass fishing's first superstar, Bill Dance has educated millions of fishing enthusiasts through television and writing; his program aims to entice anglers of all ages & experience to enjoy the outdoors.
Bill Dance Signature Lakes will connect the world's most-loved angler with some of Tennessee’s greatest natural resources — its lakes. Already known for its premier fishing spots, this program will make Tennessee a best-in-class destination for anglers worldwide — beginners, experts and every skill level in between.
TN Vacation
Douglas Lake Boat Rentals
Douglas Lake spans about 30,000 acres and reaches a depth of 140 feet. This makes the lake the perfect place to enjoy a day on the water! Tritoon and pontoon are the most popular boat rentals on Douglas Lake. Marinas on the lake offer hourly, daily, overnight, and weekly boat rentals. Jet skis and WaveRunners are popular rentals here too.
Lakeside Cabin Rentals
Enjoy lake life from a cabin! There are many cabins for rent at Douglas Lake, including everything from cozy lakeside cottages to expansive waterfront chalets with room for everyone. Douglas Lake cabin rentals on the water offer lakefront views and boat docks with Smoky Mountain splendor. Condos, lake houses, and resorts also offer accommodation options.
Campgrounds On The Lake
No matter whether you're looking for family-friendly accommodations or a romantic way to relax, campgrounds near Douglas Lake promise a comfortable stay with the amenities you need. You'll find everything from primitive tent sites to RV retreats to waterfront glamping resorts here! Get acquainted with the great outdoors by camping at Douglas Lake.
