Watauga Point Recreation Area
WATAUGA POINT PICNIC AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. 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. Flush toilets and sinks are open for the season.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
This location is closed until further notice due to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please continue to monitor this location’s facility page on Recreation.gov for status updates or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee for details. Keep in mind, local personnel may be attending to this urgent situation and not available to provide updates immediately.
Need to Know
WATAUGA POINT PICNIC AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.
Pavilions are cleaned by 10:00 a.m. the day of a reservation. Please make your own arrangements if you plan to use the site before 10:00 a.m.
If your group size will be 75 people or more, please call the Watauga Ranger District at 423-735-1500 to apply for a special use permit.
Be BearWise: Never leave food out on tables or in the open. Store unattended food in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle in solid non-pliable material, or suspend food at least 12 feet off the ground. Remember to use the bear resistant trash receptacles provided at this facility. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements 36 CFR 261.58 (cc) . Visit the Cherokee National Forest website or Watauga Point webpage of the Cherokee National Forest website for more information.
All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.
It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all day-use area specific rules and regulations which are posted at the day-use area.
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.
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.
Recreation
Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site as well.
Contact Information
Mailing
4400 Unicoi Drive Unicoi Tennessee 37692
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 423-735-1500
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site Watauga Point Recreation Area - Pavilion, Loop WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site Watauga Point Recreation Area - Shady area, Loop WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA, Type Group Picnic Area
