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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.
**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.**
Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site, as well.
Watauga Point Recreation Area has one pavilion with accessible flush toilets. There are six picnic tables and two large grills at the pavilion. The shady area has five picnic tables and two grills. There is electricity at the pavilion.
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.
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.
My husband and drove to Watauga Lake area to visit family recently. Storm clouds were in sky but area is beautiful for a scenic drive. Watauga Point was busy with people having a picnic, swimming in the lake, and just relaxing around. Dogs were having fun in lake too. There were restrooms at this location.
Had a great restful weekend here. The picnic area is well maintained and has a lot to enjoy with family and friends.
My happy place! I love this spot! Been here several times, even on Holidays and it's never packed. We always find a parking spot and it's a perfect spot to start off with kayaks or paddleboards. Several benches with grills, restrooms nearby, large grassy areas. Water is great, only lake is Tricities that I get in, very clean.
Gorgeous viewing area of the mountains and the lake. Nice clean bathrooms with picnic area. Such a pristine moment as when we pulled up, there was a sail boat festival of some sort.
Big fan of just how much open space there is while also having plenty of shade from the big, beautiful trees all around.
The shorelines are quite nice, but you do have to be a little careful in spots because the rocks get a bit slippery. (But some of the rocks look kind of cool, so they make for neat collections if you're into that)
The view of the mountains are just as lovely every time I go whether it be during the Summer or late into Winter.
