Water Activities
Whitewater runs through the mountains of Cherokee National Forest creating deep river gorges, world-class whitewater, premier trout streams, scenic waterfalls and reservoirs with undeveloped shorelines.
The U.S. Forest Service cooperates with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and local outfitter/guides to offer a variety of water-based recreation experiences.
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Indian Boundary Lake
Site Open
This 96-acre lake provides a scenic backdrop for camping, fishing, picnicking and boating from the hub at Indian Boundary Recreation Area. The lake features a sandy swim beach, boat launch and…
Indian Boundary Recreation Area
Site Open
If you are looking for a base camp to explore the vicinity or a destination campground with modern facilities and a family atmosphere, try Indian Boundary Recreation Area (IBRA), accessed off…
Jacobs Creek Recreation Area
Site Closed
JACOBS CREEK CAMPGROUND AND DAY-USE AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO EFFECTS FROM HURRICANE HELENE. Jacobs Creek Recreation Area is located on a peninsula on the eastern shore of South Holston…
Kings Slough Boat Launch
Site Open
Kings Slough is a fairly shallow boat launch providing access to the western side of Parksville Lake. It has ample parking for boat trailers and individual vehicles, a vault toilet, and a boating…
Little Milligan Boat Launch
Site Open
Little Milligan Boat Launch is located on the Eastern half of Watauga Lake off US 321 and Moody Road.
Little Oak Campground
Site Open
Looking to camp near a large lake? Try Little Oak Recreation Area, located on a peninsula along the eastern shore of South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. In this campground, most of the 68…
Mac Point Beach
Site Open
 Bring a picnic and spend the day! A white sand beach and shady picnic area with tables and grills occupy a small peninsula jutting out into Lake Ocoee. Restroom/changing facilities are nearby.…
McKamy Lake
Visitors to Chilhowee Recreation Area are drawn to McKamy Lake for swimming, fishing picnicking, sunbathing and canoeing. The seven-acre lake was built in the late 1930s to early 1940s by the…
Nolichucky River
Class II-V rapids through remote backcountry in the Pisgah and Cherokee national forests and Class I-II rapids between Erwin, Tennessee, and Davy Crockett Lake near Greeneville, Tenn. Commercial…
Ocoee River
A thrill a minute Class III-IV rapids make the Ocoee one of the best whitewater rivers in the south. With two distinct sections available for rafting/canoe/kayaking, you can spend anywhere from 3…