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.
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…
Camping not permitted within 300 feet of the Cherohala Skyway
Camping restricted along Skyway to beyond 300 yards.
motorboats restricted on Forest Service Lakes
Possession or operating a vessel powered by an internal combustion engine of any size or propelled by any other machinery rated greater than 5 horsepower is prohibited on McKamy Lake, Indian Boundary Lake, and Allen Branch Pond.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. This Emergency Repair is in response to flood damage that…
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
The Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is temporary unavailable to the public for visitor health and safety during Hurricane Helene salvage logging operations.
Closure order prohibiting protected areas pertaining to Paint Rock
Going into or being upon or in the area of closure (this includes all forms ofpresence, including as a pedestrian or by any and all other means)
Wilderness Closure Orders
This Forest Order is associated with Wilderness Areas limitations concerning stay duration, group size limits, mechanized equipment, camping and camping equipment.
Donley Cabin Camping Limitations
Limits to Donley Cabin exist to preserve small group opportunities in a remote setting. No overnight occupancy by more than 6 persons. No stays in the area except for 6 person limit authorized between sundown and sunrise. No discharge of firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within 500 feet of Donley…
Equestrian animals prohibited around Citico Creek
Equestrian animals are prohibited from going into or being upon the critical habitat portion of Citico Creek for the protection of threatened and endanger species.
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
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