When the summer heat rolls into Nashville, locals and visitors head straight for the water. With several beautiful lakes just a short drive from the city, it's easy to see why boating, kayaking, and wakeboarding are part of everyday life. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline rush or looking to relax on a pontoon with your favorite playlist, Nashville’s nearby lakes offer something for everyone who loves life on the water.
These destinations give you the freedom to explore wide-open spaces, enjoy scenic views, and find your rhythm on the water. Many lakes near Nashville are also known for their clean waters, full-service marinas, and vibrant local communities that bring energy and fun to every weekend.
Top Spots to Explore
Old Hickory Lake: A Watersports Playground
Old Hickory Lake is one of the most popular destinations in Middle Tennessee. Just 30 miles northeast of downtown Nashville, this lake stretches over 22,000 acres and has nearly 450 miles of shoreline. That means plenty of room to find your perfect launch spot or hidden cove.
This lake is a favorite for wakeboarders, water skiers, and tubers. Several boat ramps and marinas like Cedar Creek and Sun Life’s Blue Turtle Bay make launching easy, and you'll find pontoon rentals, jet skis, and wake boats readily available. The long, winding nature of the lake also means you can explore new, amazing scenery every time you head out.
Don’t forget about the fishing — largemouth bass and catfish are abundant. Old Hickory also has party coves where boaters tie up, turn up the music, and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
This lake is a favorite for wakeboarders, water skiers, and tubers. Several boat ramps and marinas like Cedar Creek and Sun Life’s Blue Turtle Bay make launching easy, and you'll find pontoon rentals, jet skis, and wake boats readily available. The long, winding nature of the lake also means you can explore new, amazing scenery every time you head out.
Don’t forget about the fishing — largemouth bass and catfish are abundant. Old Hickory also has party coves where boaters tie up, turn up the music, and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
Percy Priest Lake: The Local Favorite
Percy Priest Lake, just 15 miles from downtown Nashville, is one of the most accessible and beloved spots for water sports. Spanning approximately 14,000 acres, it attracts wakeboarders, kayakers, and jet skiers all season long. Thanks to its proximity to the city, it’s ideal for spontaneous lake days or evening sunset paddles after work.
The Hamilton Creek Recreation Area is a hotspot for sailing and paddling on the lake, with calm waters and easy launches. The Hamilton Creek Marina offers storage space for sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. For thrill-seekers, Sun Life’s Elm Hill Marina and Fate Sanders Marina offer powerboat rentals for everything from tubing to wake surfing. You can also bring your own boat and launch from one of the lake's many public ramps.
Percy Priest isn’t just for high-speed fun. Quiet coves, picnic areas, and beaches like Anderson Road make it a well-rounded lake for relaxing days with friends. If you love camping, nearby sites allow you to spend a full weekend on the water — no hotel needed.
The Hamilton Creek Recreation Area is a hotspot for sailing and paddling on the lake, with calm waters and easy launches. The Hamilton Creek Marina offers storage space for sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. For thrill-seekers, Sun Life’s Elm Hill Marina and Fate Sanders Marina offer powerboat rentals for everything from tubing to wake surfing. You can also bring your own boat and launch from one of the lake's many public ramps.
Percy Priest isn’t just for high-speed fun. Quiet coves, picnic areas, and beaches like Anderson Road make it a well-rounded lake for relaxing days with friends. If you love camping, nearby sites allow you to spend a full weekend on the water — no hotel needed.
Center Hill Lake: The Scenic Escape
If you're looking for a wondrous lake experience with dramatic views and a more serene vibe, Center Hill Lake is the perfect place. About an hour and a half east of Nashville, this destination feels like a true getaway, with deep blue waters, towering bluffs, and peaceful wooded shorelines.
At just over 18,000 acres, it’s spacious enough for all kinds of water sports. Paddleboarding and kayaking are especially popular here thanks to the calm inlets. Center Hill Lake is also a great spot for wakeboarding, water skiing, fishing, or cruising on a deck boat while taking in the stunning scenery. You’ll find full-service marinas like Hurricane Marina offering boat rentals, fuel, and lakeside dining to make your trip even more enjoyable.
This lake is ideal for long weekends or quick day trips if you're craving a quieter kind of lake life. You’ll find less boat traffic and more natural beauty, making it perfect for those who want a balance between action and tranquility.
At just over 18,000 acres, it’s spacious enough for all kinds of water sports. Paddleboarding and kayaking are especially popular here thanks to the calm inlets. Center Hill Lake is also a great spot for wakeboarding, water skiing, fishing, or cruising on a deck boat while taking in the stunning scenery. You’ll find full-service marinas like Hurricane Marina offering boat rentals, fuel, and lakeside dining to make your trip even more enjoyable.
This lake is ideal for long weekends or quick day trips if you're craving a quieter kind of lake life. You’ll find less boat traffic and more natural beauty, making it perfect for those who want a balance between action and tranquility.
Dale Hollow Lake: Clear, Deep, and Ideal for Adventure
If you're ready for a full-on lake adventure, make the trip to Dale Hollow Lake. It’s about two hours from Nashville, but the adventure is well worth every mile. This lake is one of the clearest in the country and boasts more than 27,000 acres of water, making it ideal for water skiing, houseboating, and long-distance paddling.
Dale Hollow Marina is famous for its houseboats, which you can rent for a weekend on the water without ever stepping onto land. These unique homes make it easy to swim, fish, or kayak straight from your back deck. You’ll also find expansive resorts and marinas, such as Sunset or Star Point, which offer everything from jet ski rentals and cabin rentals to guided fishing charters. Dale Hollow offers the perfect mix of excitement and seclusion. It’s a dream spot for anyone who wants space to roam and explore clean water that’s practically glass-clear.
Dale Hollow Marina is famous for its houseboats, which you can rent for a weekend on the water without ever stepping onto land. These unique homes make it easy to swim, fish, or kayak straight from your back deck. You’ll also find expansive resorts and marinas, such as Sunset or Star Point, which offer everything from jet ski rentals and cabin rentals to guided fishing charters. Dale Hollow offers the perfect mix of excitement and seclusion. It’s a dream spot for anyone who wants space to roam and explore clean water that’s practically glass-clear.
Dive Into the Lake Life This Season
Whether you’re craving fast-paced tubing, a peaceful kayak paddle, or simply soaking up the sun from a pontoon deck, Nashville's nearby lakes are waiting. Each destination offers something unique — and all of them promise unforgettable memories on the water. You don’t need to go far to feel like you’ve escaped. Just pick your favorite lake, pack up your gear, and let the lake life carry you away.
If you’re ready to begin your real estate journey in Nashville and start your next adventure, let the experts at Onward Real Estate guide you with trusted insight.
If you’re ready to begin your real estate journey in Nashville and start your next adventure, let the experts at Onward Real Estate guide you with trusted insight.
