Kingsport Lakes

Lakes Close to Kingsport

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Kingsport. Fortunately, when you visit Kingsport there are lots of options for getting on, or in the water.

There are many great reasons to visit a lake in Kingsport this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with sunscreen and snacks then hit the road your next day off and discover a brand new number one spot on the water!

Lakes Near Kingsport

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip offers a nearly endless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Kingsport offer tons of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!

Lake Checklist

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of popular lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Sneakers
  • Towels
  • Garbage bags
  • Snacks
  • Sunblock
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Portable stereo
  • Bug spray

More lake stuff

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Books
  • Bait
  • Goggles or masks
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Games for the beach
  • Corkscrew
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety Checklist

While your getaway on the lake should be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around Kingsport, there are a few things that will make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. Case in point, each lake is going to have unique environment which makes it important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!