3. Douglas Headwater Public Swimming Beach
Douglas Headwater Public Swimming Beach is the place to cool off after your hot and dusty day of touring attractions in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s the designated swimming area on Douglas Lake that comes with a small beach and boat ramp. Whether you’re a day tripper or a camper, enjoy views of the beach and 28,000-acre Douglas Lake across to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
The beach is the perfect place to chill, play, or take to the water on your choice of pleasure craft. Launch a stand up paddleboard on the serene mountain-fed waters, glide along the surface in a kayak, or carve sharp turns on water skis.
This beach provides all the amenities and ample shade needed for a day in the sun. If you are camping, sites for your RV or tent come with picnic tables. After a swim or beach time, amble back to your campsite to munch lunch.
There’s a boat ramp close to the beach to reposition your boat onto the lake. You can also rent a motorized pontoon boat from nearby Mountain Cove Marina for a couple hours of fun on the open water. The great thing is that you won’t need to drive all day for time on this beach. It is 30 miles equidistant to Gatlinburg and Knoxville.
Address: 1680 Boat Launch Road, Sevierville, Tennessee
4. Anderson Beach on Percy Priest Lake
Anderson Beach on Percy Priest Lake is close to Nashville—within 16 miles—and beach time is a popular getaway from the city during hot summer days. This beach in the Anderson Road Recreation Area is the best strand on the 14,000-acre lake and conveniently located along the west side when coming from downtown.
Anderson Beach offers plenty of sandy access to the water for kid-safe swimming. You will also find picnic tables, cooking grills, and plenty of natural shade. Nearby is Anderson Road Campground featuring all the modern conveniences for a lakeside camping experience following a day on the beach. This is also the location where you can launch your boat to make an even bigger splash for the whole family.
Address: 4010 Anderson Road, Nashville, Tennessee
