Cherokee National Forest includes Watauga Point Recreation Area, a US Forest Service campground that provides direct lake access for fishing and kayaking. The site features multiple picnic benches positioned under shade trees, making it suitable for day-use activities alongside overnight camping. Pets are welcome throughout the facility.
The campground's lakefront location appeals to anglers and paddlers, while the shaded picnic areas offer respite during warmer months. For additional overnight options, campers can explore camping near Butler or consider campgrounds near Cherokee National Forest for different settings within the broader forest system.
Description
Overview
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. Flush toilets and sinks are CLOSED and WINTERIZED for the season. __
Recreation
Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site as well.
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.__
Nearby Attractions
Both water-based and land-based recreation activities abound near Watauga Point Recreation Area. Forest Service facilities within three miles include Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting Range.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWatauga Point Recreation Area is located in Tennessee
Directions
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.__
Coordinates
36.3208333 N
82.0855556 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Pets
Drive Time
- 31 min from Johnson City, TN
- 47 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 22 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 23 min from Morristown, TN




