Douglas Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Tennessee, and for good reason. Thousands of people visit Douglas Lake each year to enjoy the pristine water, panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, lively marinas, lake activities, top-notch fishing, and fantastic lakeside accommodations. This guide will provide you with key information you need to know before you visit Douglas Lake, and everything you need to plan a great trip to the Lakeside of the Smokies.

Douglas Dam in Dandridge TN on Douglas Lake

History of Douglas Dam & Douglas Lake

Construction of the Douglas Dam was completed on February 19, 1943, forming the beautiful Douglas Lake. Douglas Dam is one of 12 hydroelectric dams that were built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) during 1942 and 1943 to meet the soaring demand for energy to produce goods (mainly aluminum for military airplanes) for World War II and to fuel the Manhattan Project.

douglas dam under construction

Douglas Dam as it was under construction.

Historic Dandridge—The Best Small Town on the Water

The history around Douglas Lake is rich, especially in the lakeside town of Dandridge, TN. Historic sites including many old buildings, an inn that once hosted 3 US presidents—The Shepherd Inn, a Revolutionary War graveyard (located just down the street from the Jefferson County Courthouse), a house turned Civil War hospital—the Hynds House, and the site of The Battle of Dandridge, make Dandridge a hotspot of American history in Tennessee. Another key piece of history, and the reason Dandridge still exists today, is the Dandridge Dike. Also known as “The Dike that Saved Dandridge”, this-thousand-foot long, 50-foot-high, man-made embankment was constructed to prevent Douglas Lake from flooding Dandridge.

View of Downtown Dandrige towards the dike and Douglas Lake.

Thanks to the dike, Dandridge grew into a charming town and would eventually be voted the best small town on the water. Dandridge is home to many of the lovely Douglas Lake marinas we will discuss later in this article as well as Dandridge Dock, a Douglas Lake public access point. Plus, if there’s bad weather, you need a break from the sun, or you just want to add some variety to your vacation in the Lakeside of the Smokies, there are tons of things to do in Dandridge. Historic Downtown Dandridge is a charming and walkable area with great restaurants and shopping.

Douglas Lake in Dandridge TN in East TN near the Great Smoky Mountains

Summer’s day on Douglas Lake with a view of the Great Smoky Mountains in the horizon.

Douglas Lake Size & Geography

Douglas Lake is in the Lakeside of the Smokies, a scenic region of Jefferson County, TN, named for its two beautiful lakes (Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake) and location in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Douglas Lake’s location makes for incredible views of the Smoky Mountains and an easy trip for anyone visiting The Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg.

Douglas Lake has 555-miles of shoreline, most of which is undeveloped, and a surface area of over 30,000 acres. Douglas Lake water levels can rise or fall as much as 20 feet in a day and vary seasonally based on rain fall and dam control, but the maximum depth of Douglas Lake is around 140 feet.

Douglas Lake Pontoon Rentals

Things to Do on Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake is a great destination for a family vacation, romantic trip, or weekend getaway. There’s so much fun to be had out on the water and along the shore.

Boating on Douglas Lake

Ahoy Captain Obvious. Of course, boating is the most popular activity on Douglas Lake. With the sparkling blue water and gorgeous Smoky Mountain views, it truly is paradise. Here is some useful information about boat ramps and where to rent a boat on Douglas Lake.

BYOB (Bring your own Boat)—Douglas Lake Boat Ramps

Where can you put your boat in the water on Douglas Lake? There are plenty of boat ramps spread across the shore, so it’s easy to find a place to start your day on the water. Here is the full list of Douglas Lake boat ramps and information about locations, pricing, parking etc.

Douglas Lake Boat Rentals

No boat? No problem. Rent a boat on Douglas Lake to explore the beautiful area, hop from marina to marina, and be the captain of your own vacation destiny. Wondering where to rent a boat on Douglas Lake? Here’s a list of marinas that offer hourly or daily boat rentals as well as the type of watercrafts they have available.

    Douglas Lake Jet Ski Rentals

    Watersports on Douglas Lake

    Take a break from cruising, swimming, and floating to try something a little more adventurous during your time at Douglas Lake. Many of the marinas that offer boat rentals also offer watersport equipment rentals! Tow-watersports such as tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, and surfing are fun for participants and spectators alike. You might even get an epic wipeout on camera if you’re lucky. Boats aren’t the only way to get around Douglas Lake, paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats are great for exploring and getting a little exercise. If you have the need for speed, you’re in luck—there are jet ski rentals on Douglas Lake too!

    Douglas Lake Watersports Rentals:

    Douglas Lake Fishing

    Instagram’s @MidWestFisherGal taking advantage of Douglas Lake fishing!

    Go Fishing on Douglas Lake

    Douglas Lake fishing attracts anglers from across the country to the Lakeside of the Smokies. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner fisherman, it would be a shame to visit Douglas Lake without taking a shot at reeling in a big one. What kind of fish are in Douglas Lake? Douglas Lake is widely regarded as one of the best Bass fishing destinations in the country, but you can also catch Crappie, Walleye, Sauger, and Bluegill! If you’re new to fishing, or at least new to fishing on Douglas Lake, a fishing guide can help you make the most of your fishing trip by offering pointers and showing you the best places to fish on Douglas Lake.

    Marinas on Douglas Lake

    Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort on Douglas Lake

    Marinas on Douglas Lake in East Tennessee

    Douglas Lake marinas are your gateway to a great time in the Lakeside of the Smokies! Great food, boat rentals, fun activities, lakeside accommodations–you’ll find it all along the shore. Here are some of the best marinas on Douglas Lake.

    Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort & Marina

    Relatively new to the area is Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort and Marina! The marina is home to a bar and grill and offers annual boat slip rentals. You can enjoy a great meal with a great view of Douglas Lake and the Smoky Mountains at Cowboy’s Bar & Grill. When your day on the lake is over, the fun doesn’t have to stop—Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort has live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Night during the summer!

    Swann’s Marina

    Founded in 1943, Swann’s Marina is one of the oldest marinas on Douglas Lake. Conveniently located just a mile off I-40 Exit 424 in Dandridge, this charming marina is home to The Millstone Restaurant, a campground, rental campers and cabins, a shop, and full-service marina. Jon boat rentals, live bait, a fish cleaning station, and the ability to get a TWRA fishing license (you need one of these to fish in TN!) on site make it a great place for fisherman to visit. Patrons can also rent a pontoon boat or kayak to explore the lake or a golf cart to get around the property.

    Indian Creek Dock

    Indian Creek Dock is under new ownership and geared up to provide everything you need for a fun visit to Douglas Lake! Utilize the marina essentials—fuel dock, store, boat slips, etc. Stay on site in a lakefront rental cabin or set up camp in your RV. Maximize your fun on the Douglas Lake by exploring the water in a variety of vessels, Indian Creek Dock offers pontoon, kayak, pedal boat, paddle board, and canoe rentals.

    The Point Resort & Marina

    Located just across the bridge from downtown Dandridge, The Point Resort is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the lake and explore the shops, restaurants, and historic sites of Tennessee’s second oldest town. The property includes a full-service marina with a fuel dock, boat ramp, and wet slips, as well as two on-site dining options (The Point Restaurant and Lakeside Café). As you might have guessed from the name, The Point Resort offers overnight accommodations—RV campsites, cabins, and suites.

    Anchor Down - Douglas Lake RV Camping

    Anchor Down RV Resort in Dandridge, TN, on Douglas Lake

    Lakeside Lodging—Places to Stay on Douglas Lake

    Campers, glampers, luxury lake-goers, party people, and families all have a place to stay on Douglas Lake! We touched on a few lakeside lodging options located at Douglas Lake marinas but let’s dive a little deeper into the campgrounds, cabins, resorts, and rental houses on Douglas Lake to help you find the perfect place to stay.

    Lake Haven Cabin Resort

    These newly built modern rental cabins on Douglas Lake bring luxury to the lakeside. Every cabin in the community has a view of the water, with many having direct access to the lake.

    Waterscape Glamping Resort

    Experience the best of both worlds with Waterscape Glamping on Douglas Lake! Enjoy the peace and serenity of immersing yourself in nature while enjoying modern luxuries. Waterscape Glamping offers furnished tents with electricity and private bathrooms in a secluded environment.

    Anchor Down RV Resort

    Anchor Down RV Resort is a highly-rated lakeside RV resort with 170 spacious campsites with full hookups, private bathrooms, and on-site activities including a pool, pet park, and volleyball court.

    Mountain Harbor Inn

    This lakeside resort is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with cozy suites, beautiful views of Douglas Lake, romantic sunset cruises, and so much more!

    Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort & Marina

    Déjà vu, anyone? In addition to their full-service marina, the Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort & Marina is known for its luxury lakeside lodging. Their property includes various accommodation options including villas and cabins for smaller groups as well as some of the most popular lake house rentals on Douglas Lake that are great for bigger groups and families!

    Douglas Lake View

    Fall in Love with the Lakeside of the Smokies

    Make memories, reel in a big fish, enjoy the scenery, take a break from life, and have a blast on Douglas Lake. Between the delicious food, breathtaking views, and welcoming spirit of the Lakeside of the Smokies, we know you’ll fall in love. We’ll just go ahead and plan on seeing you every Summer! Learn more about the Lakeside of the Smokies and start planning your trip to Douglas Lake–adventure awaits!