Watauga Point Recreation Area
Open — Open daily from sunrise to sunset for day-use only. Bathrooms are closed and winterized for the winter season. Pavilion and shady area reservations are available for the 2026 season starting April 7 through October 14.
Scioto Shooting Range Safety Closure December 30
Forest Service staff plan to conduct hazard tree mitigation at the Scioto Shooting Range on December 30. The range will be closed on December 30 while crews address hazardous trees at the site. Shooting will not be allowed at Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.
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.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Watauga Point Recreation Area sits on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County, within the Cherokee National Forest. The facility offers a peaceful park setting with large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas, ideal for picnicking and lakeside relaxation. A gravel trail loops through the nearby forest for casual walking and nature observation. At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga Lake is the highest reservoir in Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management, power generation, aquatic ecology, and recreation. From Watauga Point, visitors can enjoy views of the lake and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore. Swimming is allowed but there is no designated swim area, so visitors swim at their own risk. The recreation area features two reservable sites for group gatherings: a covered pavilion and a large shady area with tables, each available for $30 per day. Unreserved picnic tables are available first-come, first-served. Flush toilets are available seasonally. This is strictly a day-use area open from sunrise to sunset with no overnight camping permitted. Nearby Forest Service facilities within three miles include Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting Range.
Directions
From Elizabethton, take US 19E/321 south for five miles to Hampton. Turn left on US 321/TN 67 south for five miles, then turn left into Watauga Point.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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) 735-1547 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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