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Watauga Point Recreation Area

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

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As of October 2026, Watauga Point Recreation Area is a campground in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee with 2 campsites. Watauga Point Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Watauga Point Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Watauga Point Recreation Area is located at 36.3208° N, 82.0856° W.

Watauga Point Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 4 (2 sites)Oct 5 (2 sites)Oct 6 (2 sites)

2 sites open on Oct 4 at Watauga Point Recreation Area. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 12:13 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 13 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Watauga Point Recreation Area, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Watauga Point Recreation Area

Group 2
Accessible 1

Amenities

restrooms
potable water
boat ramp

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Gravel road.

Things to do: boating, hiking, photography.

All sites at Watauga Point Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA loop.

Site	Type	Access
Watauga Point Recreation Area - Pavilion	Group	Accessible
Watauga Point Recreation Area - Shady area	Group	-

About Watauga Point Recreation Area

Overview

Watauga Point Recreation Area is open for the 2026 season. 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.

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.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500.

Rules and notices at Watauga Point Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Watauga Point Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Watauga Point is open for the 2026 season.

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.

You are in Bear Country. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. All food (unless actively being prepared and/or eaten), trash, and other scented items (hygiene products, pet food, etc) must be stored in a bear-resistant container (closed hard top vehicle or travel trailer) or suspended at least 12 ft. off the ground and 6 ft. from limbs. Please read the entire Food Storage Order located under the Facility Information tab and Additional Information section or by reading the Food Storage Order posted at the day-use area. Anyone not in compliance will receive a ticket.

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.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Watauga Point Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Watauga Point Recreation Area?

Watauga Point Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Watauga Point Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Watauga Point Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Watauga Point Recreation Area have?

Watauga Point Recreation Area has 2 campsites.