WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

Overview Watauga Point Recreation Area will open for the 2026 season on 4/6/26. PLEASE NOTE: The bathrooms are CLOSED and WINTERIZED for the season, and will open up on 4/6/26 weather depending. Watauga Point Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County.

Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas provide a park setting for picnicking and sunbathing. In addition to picnic facilities, there is a lake and a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest. Recreation Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point.

There is a wooded trail on site as well. Facilities Watauga Point Recreation Area has one pavilion with electricity, a shady area, accessible flush toilets, and several other picnic tables and pedestal grills spread throughout. There are six picnic tables and two large grills at the pavilion.

The shady area has five picnic tables and two grills. The pavilion and shady area are both reservable. Please make sure you are reserving the right thing (either the pavilion or the shady area) when making your reservation.

Natural Features At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management, power generation, aquatic ecology and recreation. Watauga Point overlooks the reservoir and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore.

Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500. Nearby Attractions Both water-based and land-based recreation activities abound near Watauga Point Recreation Area.

Forest Service facilities within three miles include Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting Range.