Tennessee proves that you don't have to live near the ocean to enjoy a perfect day at the beach. All you need is sand, water, and the necessary facilities to make your beach day enjoyable. Tennessee’s best beaches offer swimming areas, boat rentals, and amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. Typically located on Tennessee’s best lakes and rivers, they also offer beautiful sunset views, spacious campgrounds, and horseback riding opportunities. So, whether it’s sunbathing, swimming, or playing beach volleyball, this landlocked state has it all!

Quick Dip into TN Beaches

• Cherokee Lake Beach offers kayaking and beach volleyball in a serene setting.
• Douglas Headwater Beach is family-friendly, with swimming and sunbathing amenities.
• Rock Island State Park Beach boasts sandy shores and activities like beach volleyball.
• Cedar Creek Beach provides crystal-clear waters and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Chickasaw State Park Beach offers a tranquil retreat for swimming and picnicking amid lush forests.

Cherokee Lake Beach

Cherokee Lake Beach, located on the shores of a vast 29,000-acre reservoir in Tennessee, is an ideal destination for families seeking a fun-filled day in the sun. This popular swimming hole is 30 miles from Knoxville—one of the best cities in Tennessee—and offers a range of recreational facilities, including campgrounds, marinas, and hiking trails. It also has a large creek embayment, perfect for crappie fishing.

The beach’s serene atmosphere inspires visitors to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty. With 463 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room for picnicking and sunbathing. Visitors can swim, kayak, and birdwatch, adding adventure to their beach day. Additionally, shallow swimming areas make it safe and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

Rock Island State Park Beach

Rock Island State Park Beach is a beautiful sandy shoreline near the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers. The sandbar and pavilion are excellent spots for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a picnic. The state park, located less than 50 miles east of the Murfreesboro area, offers deep blue pools, waterfalls, and scenic trails. Thanks to its natural features and recreational facilities, the beach is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Swim Beach Features

The beach at Rock Island State Park is perfect for a revitalizing day by the water. The swimmable beach is on a naturally sandy shoreline of the Caney Fork River, with a boat ramp and restrooms on-site. Visitors looking for a refreshing swim or relaxing kayak ride can head here after exploring nearby Chatanooga’s world-class attractions or spending some time in Nashville.

Park Activities

Visitors can participate in a variety of recreational activities at Rock Island State Park Beach, including swimming, sunbathing, and boating. The beach also offers fishing and birdwatching opportunities and hiking in the surrounding area, adding to the fun and adventure.

Anderson Beach on Percy Priest Lake

Just a 17-mile drive from Nashville, Anderson Beach offers a revitalizing escape from the city hustle. It welcomes visitors with its combination of sandy and pebbled shores, grassy embankments, and breathtaking sunsets. Situated on Percy Priest Lake, visitors enjoy clean facilities, including restrooms, picnic tables, grills, campgrounds, and a boat launch.

Scenic Views and Water Sports

Anderson Beach is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts, with kayaking, canoeing, and other boating opportunities. Several marinas along the lake provide boat rentals and eateries for even more entertainment. Visitors take advantage of the tranquil waters, with designated swim areas and a sandy shoreline for sunbathing. The best access to the lake, though, may just be from the homes on Percy Priest Lake!

Family-Friendly Amenities

Families visiting Anderson Beach enjoy various amenities tailored for a fun-filled day by the water. They’re often spotted grilling on the lawn, dozing off in a hammock, or playing on the playground. Kids can also access a safe, shallow area in the water, and parents get a lot of bang for the buck at just $5 per vehicle per day.

Douglas Headwater Public Swimming Beach

Douglas Headwater Public Swimming Beach, also known as Douglas Dam Swimming Hole, is ideal for families looking to escape the summer heat. Located in Sevierville near the Smoky Mountains, the beach is popular after spending a day at Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge. Its cool, inviting waters and recreational activities make it a popular spot for those looking for things to do with kids in Tennessee.

At Douglas Headwater, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and kayaking on the lake's calm waters. Pets are welcome on a leash, and amenities include restrooms, a boat launch, and nearby food concessions.

When visiting Tennessee’s best beaches, practicing water safety basics like wearing a life vest, staying hydrated, and regularly applying sunscreen is essential. Visitors should watch for strong currents and keep a close eye on children.

Cheatham Lake Beach

Cheatham Lake Beach is an excellent spot for water activities and sand sports. Located in Ashland City, approximately 30 miles from Nashville, it features a generous expanse of gold sand and a shallow, roped-off swim area. Adequate shade, benches, and covered picnic areas provide extra comfort on hot days. Activities include swimming, fishing, and boating. Restrooms are a short walk from the swim zone, and visitors can also use the volleyball net for games. There is also plenty of parking at just $5 per day.

Seven Points Campground Beach

Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, Seven Points Campground Beach is a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy the soft sand or take a refreshing dip in the lake's crystal-clear waters. The campground features 59 generously sized campsites, all shaded to provide a cool and comfortable environment. To ensure a comfortable camping experience, the campground is equipped with drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. For entertainment, guests can enjoy the playground and take advantage of the boat ramp for a fun day on the water.

Moreover, the campground’s calm ambiance is perfect for relaxation by the water's edge. Large group picnic shelters encourage guests to gather and enjoy meals together while enjoying the sunset. As part of the larger Seven Points Campground on the Hermitage community side of the lake, the beach also caters to camping enthusiasts looking to extend their stay overnight and immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty.

Dry Creek Beach

Nestled on the shores of Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, TN, Dry Creek Beach is a secluded and tranquil escape about 90 miles south of Downtown Nashville. The beach is situated next to Dry Creek and Twin Creek's residential areas. 

As one of Tennessee’s best beaches, this hidden gem provides a quiet and relaxing environment for visitors to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s an ideal spot for picnicking, sunbathing, and swimming, with restrooms, parking spaces, and other services provided by Franklin County’s recreational department.

Dry Creek Beach's untouched beauty makes it a perfect destination for those who want to connect with the outdoors. The beach's secluded location adds to its charm, offering a peaceful retreat for individuals and families alike.

Chickasaw State Park Beach

Located in western Tennessee—125 miles west of Spring Hill and 80 miles east of Memphis—Chickasaw State Park Beach is a peaceful spot where visitors can relax amid lush forests. It boasts 4 out of 5 bubbles on Tripadvisor, making it a top attraction in Henderson. The beach has a sanded area for those who want to build sandcastles or sunbathe. Visitors can also picnic, hike, and fish while exploring the area. The park is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

For those seeking a unique experience, guided horseback tours are also available at Chickasaw State Park. The beach offers a picturesque view of Lake Placid, with a pedestrian bridge leading to hiking trails. Fishing, biking, and boat rentals are also available.

Cedar Creek Beach

Cedar Creek Beach, also called Cedar Creek Recreation Area, is a picturesque destination in beautiful Mount Juliet that invites visitors to take a break from their busy lives. Nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do, with activities like swimming, boating, camping, and fishing. The beach’s scenic beauty and serenity enrich the overall experience, while family-friendly activities make it an ideal spot for a fun day out.

Scenic Beauty and Serenity

Nestled on the southern banks of Old Hickory Lake, Cedar Creek Beach is a breathtaking destination known for its scenic beauty. It boasts crystal-clear waters and a sandy shoreline, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and unwinding. Visitors are treated to beautiful sunsets, cozy fire pits, and more, making Cedar Creek one of the best beaches in Tennessee.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Cedar Creek Beach is a popular destination for households with children. It offers designated swimming areas with shallow waters, providing kids with a safe and enjoyable experience. There are plenty of grassy areas with ample shade, a covered pavilion for larger groups, and several smaller picnic areas scattered throughout. Additional facilities include a boat ramp and a campground.

While the lake’s facilities are impressive, Cedar Creek Beach’s sandy shoreline is the star of the show. Here, visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the soft sand, building sandcastles, and playing games. Parents can relax while their kids swim and play in the beach’s calm waters. The playgrounds and designated picnic areas increase the excitement, helping families create lasting memories.

Obey River Campground Beach

Located on the picturesque shores of Dale Hollow Lake in northern Tennessee, Obey River Campground Beach is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The campground boasts 130 sites for tents, trailers, and other recreational vessels. Day fees are $5 per vehicle. In addition, visitors can access picnic areas, tennis courts, and a playground. Boat rentals are also available.

Obey River Beach has a sandy swimming area perfect for summer relaxation and various water activities. Visitors enjoy kayaking, fishing, and strolling the semi-pebbled shore. Orange sherbet sunsets are common sights in the summer, and camping facilities make overnight stays convenient.

The Perfect Beach Day in Tennessee

From Cherokee Lake to Obey River, the best beaches in Tennessee provide a perfect escape from the heat. Visitors can relax on the sand, swim in the water, and enjoy the beautiful scenery at some of Tennessee’s top hiking spots. Diverse activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and camping are also available at some locations, making them ideal for a weekend getaway or a family vacation. So, why not plan a trip to one of Tennessee’s best beaches today and experience the beauty of nature firsthand?