Nashville has more water fun than most people realize. Sure, everyone knows about Percy Priest Lake. But there are other top Tennessee lakes nearby that are just waiting to be discovered.

Let’s explore insider tips, real costs, and honest comparisons to help you pick the perfect Nashville area lake for your next adventure.

Whether you want to teach your kids to fish, find the best wakeboarding spots, or just chill on a quiet beach, Nashville's lakes have what you're looking for. Let's dive in!

9 Lakes Near Nashville to Visit

• Old Hickory Lake
• Percy Priest Lake
• Center Hill Lake
• Radnor Lake
• Marrowbone Lake
• Tims Ford Lake
• Normandy Lake
• Cordell Hull Lake
• Cheatham Lake

Old Hickory Lake: The Family Favorite

About 25 miles northeast of Nashville, Old Hickory Lake offers 22,500 acres of water with a more laid-back vibe.

What Makes It Different

Old Hickory feels less crowded than Percy Priest, even on weekends. The lake is longer and narrower, so you can find quiet spots more easily.

Plus, it has Old Hickory Beach—a real sandy beach that feels like you're at the ocean (minus the salt water). And just south of Old Hickory Beach is the small Old Hickory community, a popular spot for lakefront homes.

The Beach Experience

Old Hickory Beach is unique in Middle Tennessee. You'll find actual sand between your toes, not just rocky shoreline.

What You'll Find:

• Sandy swimming area
• Picnic shelters
• Playground
• Volleyball court

The Drive: You'll pass some industrial areas getting there. Don't worry—it's worth pushing through the less scenic parts.

Cost: $5 parking fee

Boating Options

Old Hickory has several marinas, many located in Hendersonville, which is surrounded by the lake. However, the marinas are spread out along the lake's 97 miles of shoreline, which means more space for everyone.

The lake is great for pontoon boats and fishing boats. Water skiing works well here, too, especially in the wider sections.

Fishing Opportunities

Old Hickory holds state records for several fish species! The lake is known for:

• Largemouth bass (some HUGE ones)
• White bass (great in spring)
• Crappie (fish around structures)
• Catfish (try night fishing)

Local Secret: The area around the old town sites (flooded when the dam was built) often holds the biggest fish—it’s the go-to spot for anglers living in Old Hickory.

Percy Priest Lake: The Water Sports Capital

Just 10 miles east of downtown Nashville (and 8 miles west of the neighboring Mount Juliet community), Percy Priest Lake is where most locals go for serious water fun.

Why Everyone Loves It Here

This lake covers 14,200 acres with 213 miles of shoreline. That's a lot of space to find your perfect spot. The jagged shoreline leads to smaller creeks, with the entire body of water running from Nashville’s eastern border all the way to Smyrna.

The lake sits right off of I-40, so you can be on the water faster than you can drive to most Nashville restaurants. No wonder it's packed on weekends!

Where to Swim

Hamilton Creek Recreation Area is your best bet for swimming. There's a designated beach area that keeps boats away from swimmers. The water's usually clean, and there are picnic tables nearby.

Seven Points Campground isn’t simply another top option: it’s home to one of the best beaches in Tennessee! Whether heading out for a convenient camping trip or an afternoon swim, this spot in Mount Juliet is only 15 miles from downtown Nashville.

The beach isn't huge, so get there early during summer weekends. The restrooms are clean, and there's a playground for kids.

Boating and Water Sports

Percy Priest has several marinas for boat rentals, but it also has more crowds.

Top Marinas:

• Elm Hill Marina: Closest to downtown, pontoon rentals from $220/half day
• Fate Sanders Marina: Full-service with restaurant
• Hurricane Marina: Good for kayak and paddleboard rentals

Jet skiing is big here. The lake's large enough that you won't run out of room, even on busy days.

Fishing at Percy Priest

This lake is famous for largemouth bass. You'll also catch crappie, catfish, and bluegill.

Best Fishing Spots:

• Near the dam for striped bass
• Shallow coves for largemouth bass
• Rocky points for crappie

Spring and fall are prime fishing seasons. Summer gets hot, so fish early morning or evening.

Insider Tips

If you want to avoid the crowds, launch from Smith Springs Park on the southeast side. It's quieter than the main areas, and you can explore some peaceful coves.

The lake gets choppy when it's windy. If you're new to boating, stick to protected areas on breezy days.

If you fall in love with the water here, there are plenty of homes on Percy Priest Lake—excellent for vacation homes or year-round residences!

Center Hill Lake: The Weekend Getaway

About 70 miles from Nashville, Center Hill Lake is a top destination in Middle Tennessee and a great spot for a real escape.

Why Make the Drive?

This lake has the clearest water near Nashville. We're talking mountain-lake clarity, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.

At 18,000 acres, it's big enough for serious water sports but not as crowded as closer lakes.

What's Special Here

The scenery is unreal. Limestone cliffs rise straight out of the water. After heavy rains, waterfalls appear along the shoreline.

Best Activities:

• Wakeboarding (some of the best water in Tennessee)
• Scenic boating tours
• Cliff jumping (know your depths first!)
• Photography

Where to Stay

This is weekend trip territory. You'll find cabin rentals, campgrounds, and a few lakeside resorts.

On the other hand, Murfreesboro and Lebanon are both around 45 miles from the lake. Residents of these popular Nashville suburbs can enjoy quick day trips to Center Hill Lake.

Hurricane Marina offers boat rentals and has a restaurant with lake views. It’s perfect for a full day on the water.

Radnor Lake: Nature's Quiet Zone

Radnor Lake is different from the other lakes near Nashville. No swimming, no boating, no fishing—just pure nature.

Why Visit if You Can't Swim?

This 85-acre lake sits inside a 1,368-acre state park just 8 miles from downtown. It's perfect for hiking, bird watching, and getting away from city noise.

You can’t beat Radnor Lake’s vibe: the state park is idyllic, and it’s surrounded by some of the richest towns in Tennessee, including Forest Hills and Brentwood.

The trails here are gorgeous. You'll see deer, owls, and tons of bird species. It's like having Yellowstone 15 minutes from Nashville.

What You Can Do

• Hiking: 7.75 miles of trails around the lake
• Wildlife Watching: Bring binoculars—the bird watching is incredible
• Photography: Some of the best nature shots near Nashville
• Special Programs: Rangers lead canoe trips during summer (these fill up fast!)
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 20 minutes after sunset
• Cost: Free!

Marrowbone Lake: The Fishing Secret

Here's a lake most visitors never hear about. Marrowbone Lake is just 60 acres, but it's a fishing paradise.

What Makes It Special

Boats with big motors aren't allowed—just fishing. That means peaceful water and fish that aren't constantly spooked by jet skis.

The lake is stocked with bass, trout, catfish, and bluegill. There's also an on-site bait shop, boat rental, and fishing piers.

• Location: About 45 minutes north of Nashville
• Cost: $6 daily permit (plus regular fishing license)
• Best For: Serious fishing or teaching kids to fish

Why Locals Love It

Marrowbone Lake is located just over 10 miles from Ashland City and less than 20 miles from Nashville, so its combination of proximity and solitude is tough to beat.

No crowds, near-guaranteed fish, and you can actually hear yourself think. It's the opposite of Percy Priest on a busy weekend.

Tims Ford Lake: Where Fishing Meets Fairways

About 80 miles south of Nashville near Lynchburg (yes, home of Jack Daniel's), Tims Ford Lake offers a totally different vibe from the city’s busier lakes. Built by the Tennessee Valley Authority on the Elk River, it stretches across nearly 265 miles of shoreline—plenty of space to spread out and find your own cove.

Why Anglers Love It

This lake is known for variety and access. You’ll find bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill, and you don’t need a boat to get bites—shore fishing is solid along many stretches of bank.

Boating & Rentals

Lake View Marina is the main hub for getting on the water. Expect:

• Boat, canoe, and kayak rentals
• Launch ramps and a courtesy dock
• Snack & bait shop plus a fish-cleaning station

Trails & Extras Nearby

The lake is surrounded by Tims Ford State Park, one of the best state parks near Nashville, with ~7 miles of paved trails and ~22 miles of natural routes. There’s also an 18-hole course on the Tennessee Golf Trail.

Most Tennessee state parks are free to enter; certain activities or rentals may have fees.

Local Secrets

For the calmest water and easiest parking, arrive early on summer weekends—or aim for weekday mornings. If you’re into camping, this park is one of the best-kept weekend getaways in Middle Tennessee. Quiet nights, starry skies, and water access right from your campsite.

Hidden Discoveries Worth the Drive

Normandy Lake

Small, peaceful lake about an hour south of Nashville. Great for kayaking and quiet fishing.

It’s located a few miles from Lynchburg, one of the best small towns in Tennessee, so it makes for an excellent day trip from Nashville.

Cordell Hull Lake

40 miles east of Nashville, just outside of the growing Hartsville community. Excellent fishing and beautiful camping. Way less crowded than the famous lakes.

Cheatham Lake

The Cumberland River, which flows right through Nashville, opens up to Cheatham Lake just past Ashland City. The lake, located roughly midway between Nashville and Clarksville, is great for kayaking and bank fishing.

Planning Your Nashville-Area Lake Day

Best Times to Visit

• Swimming: Late May through early September
• Fishing: Early morning or evening year-round
• Boating: April through October for best weather
• Avoid: Holiday weekends if you want peace and quiet

What It Costs

Entry Fees:

• Most state parks: Free
• Private marinas: $0-$8 parking

Equipment Rentals (Daily):

• Kayak: $25-$40
• Pontoon boat: $200-$300
• Jet ski: $60-$100 per hour
• Fishing boat: $150-$250

Getting There

From Downtown Nashville:

• Percy Priest Lake: 15 minutes via I-40 East
• Old Hickory Lake: 30 minutes via I-65 North
• Radnor Lake State Park: 15 minutes via Hillsboro Pike

Traffic Tips:

• Leave downtown before 8 a.m. on weekends
• Come back after 6 p.m. to avoid return traffic
• Use Waze—construction changes routes frequently

What to Bring

• Tennessee fishing license (if fishing)
• Sunscreen (30+ SPF minimum)
• Plenty of water
• Cash for parking
• Cooler with ice
• Life jackets (required for kids under 13)

Before You Head Out

• Visit weekday mornings for the smallest crowds and best parking
• Bring cash for parking fees ($5-$8 at most non-state-park lakes)
• Download offline maps—cell service can be spotty at some lakes
• Pack sunscreen and plenty of water—Tennessee sun is no joke
• Get your Tennessee fishing license online ($34 for residents, $51 for visitors)—required for anyone 13 and older
• Check lake levels online before long drives (drought affects some lakes)

Money-Saving Hacks

• Rent equipment near the lake instead of downtown Nashville (usually cheaper)
• Bring your own food—concession prices can be steep

Choose Your Perfect Nashville Lake Adventure

Nashville's lakes have everything, from adrenaline-packed water sports to peaceful nature walks. The key is matching the lake to your mood and your group.

Ready to explore? Pick a lake, check the weather, and head out for your next Nashville water adventure. Music City area lakes await!

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.