Watauga Point Recreation Area
This is a day-use picnic area only with no overnight camping. The 2026 season runs April 6 through October 13, sunrise to sunset. The pavilion and shady area are reservable for $30/day; general picnicking is free and first-come, first-served.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 2:01PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 at times over all but the higher elevations, and some valley locations may see heat index values exceed 105. * WHERE...Portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Campsite limitations
Specific Camping prohibitions1. Camping for more than 14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping in anylocation is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper andparty must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning foranother stay. If…
Warden Field (Citico Campsite #14) Limited to day use
Warden Field on the Tellico Ranger District is now limited to day use only. It is unlawful to enter or remain at Citico Campsite #14 (Warden Field) during the night period from 10p.m. to 6a.m. of every day during the time period of the 12th of May, 2026 through the 8th of September, 2026.
About
Watauga Point Recreation Area sits on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County, Tennessee, within the Cherokee National Forest. At more than 1,900 feet elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in the state. The recreation area offers sweeping views of the lake and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness on the opposite shore. This is strictly a day-use facility with no overnight camping permitted. Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas create a park-like setting for picnicking, sunbathing, and relaxing by the water. The site includes a covered pavilion with electricity, six picnic tables, and two large grills, as well as a separate shady area with five tables and two grills. A gravel trail loops through the nearby forest for a short woodland walk. Boaters and anglers use Watauga Point as a lakeside base for fishing trips on the 6,400-acre reservoir. For overnight stays, nearby Cardens Bluff Campground offers lakeshore camping approximately three miles away.
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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS - Watauga Point Picnic Area |
Availability
Photos
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