Overview

Watauga Point Recreation Area bathrooms are CLOSED and WINTERIZED for the season. Watauga Point Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County. Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas provide a park setting for picnicking and sunbathing. In addition to picnic facilities, there is a lake and a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest.  

Facilities

Watauga Point Recreation Area has one pavilion with electricity, a shady area, accessible flush toilets, and several other picnic tables and pedestal grills spread throughout. There are six picnic tables and two large grills at the pavilion. The shady area has five picnic tables and two grills. The pavilion and shady area are both reservable. Please make sure you are reserving the right thing (either the pavilion or the shady area) when making your reservation.  

Natural Features

At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management, power generation, aquatic ecology and recreation. Watauga Point overlooks the reservoir and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore. 

Recreation

Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site as well.

Nearby Attractions

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Watauga Point bathrooms are CLOSED and WINTERIZED for the season.  

• Pavilions are cleaned by 10:00 a.m. the day of a reservation. Please make your own arrangements if you plan to use the site before 10:00 a.m. 

• If your group size will be 75 people or more, please call the Watauga Ranger District at 423-735-1500 to apply for a special use permit. 

• You are in Bear Country. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. All food (unless actively being prepared and/or eaten), trash, and other scented items (hygiene products, pet food, etc) must be stored in a bear-resistant container (closed hard top vehicle or travel trailer) or suspended at least 12 ft. off the ground and 6 ft. from limbs. Please read the entire Food Storage Order located under the Facility Information tab and Additional Information section or by reading the Food Storage Order posted at the campground. Any campsites not in compliance will receive a ticket.

• All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.  

• It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all day-use area specific rules and regulations which are posted at the day-use area.  

Available Activities

• Boating - Boating
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing
• Water Access - Water Access

Directions

<p>From Elizabethton, take US 19E/321 south for five miles to Hampton. Turn left on US 321/TN 67 south for six miles, then turn left into Watauga Point. </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 423-735-1500

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip