Enjoying the outdoors is easy in Tennessee, given its moderate climate and many scenic lakes. Fishing is a particularly popular sport throughout the state, as its bodies of water both large and small provide outstanding opportunities for anglers to catch bass, walleye, sunfish, crappie and trout. Lakeside campgrounds are packed with families in the summer months when temperatures soar and school is out for the season, but spring and fall are also popular months for sleeping under the stars. With state parks offering RV campsites and cabin rentals through the colder months, even a winter adventure at the lakes isn’t out of the question.

No matter when you visit Tennessee, you can find a lake to suit your vacation desires – whether they involve sunbathing on a sandy beach, renting a pontoon boat or hiking forested lakefront trails. Here’s a look at some of the top lakes in Tennessee.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

A 55-mile drive north of Knoxville, Norris Lake – also called Norris Reservoir – is a popular warm-weather vacation destination. Water sports enthusiasts appreciate its 34,000 acres for boating, water skiing, paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking on crystal-clear water in one of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s cleanest lakes. Surrounded by mountains and pristine wilderness, this scenic spot boasts a great variety of fish, including several types of bass. The 800 miles of shoreline and 22 marinas provide plenty of ways…