Chattanooga Lakes

Lakes Close to Chattanooga

Every once in a while you should spend some time on the water. As it turns out, when you visit Chattanooga there are lots of options for spending time on the lake.

There are numerous great arguments to visit a lake in Chattanooga during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Chattanooga have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then make the trip on your next vacation to find a brand new number one spot on the water!

Lakes Near Chattanooga

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Chattanooga there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Chattanooga:

Picnic time. The lakes near Chattanooga offer all sorts of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Chattanooga provide you with all kinds of options.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve built out a short list of our favorite go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring along several of these things to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Sunscreen
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Swimsuits
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Insect repellant
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Sneakers
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A cooler with water

Additional lake gear

Consider the itinerary at the lake and what your party looks like, the following items will likely be helpful and worth packing before you get on the road.

  • Rafts and floaties
  • Fishing poles
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Life jackets
  • Your tackle box
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Bait

Lake Safety

Of course a day to your favorite body of water can provide lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Chattanooga Lake Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Chattanooga and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, each lake near Chattanooga is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into when making plans which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. To find more space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.