The days are longer, the sun is hotter, and the lake is calling. Located 12 miles east of downtown is Percy Priest Lake, a 14,000-acre lake with 38 islands and 213 miles of shoreline.
You asked for it, so we’ve rounded up family-friendly activities to help plan your summer escape to the lake — from boating and canoeing to camping, fishing, and hiking. Let’s dive in, shall we.
🌊 Ways to get on the water
- Percy Priest features 10+ public boat access sites (available for use with no fees) and five marinas with amenities like boat rentals, launch ramps, fuel docks, tackle shops, and restaurants.
- Rent paddle boards with Nashville Paddle Company + reserve jet skis, flyboards + more from Cap’n Dave’s Water Sports.
- Take sailing lessons from Sail Nashville. Pro tip: The three-day introductory course gives you the skills to skipper a 20-27-ft. sailboat.
- If floatin’ is all you wanna do, High Tide Rides offers full-service private pontoon rides.
🎣 Notable features along the lakefront
- Plan a fishing day at one of the 20+ “fish attractor” locations maintained by the TWRA. Expect to catch species like striped bass, bluegill, and largemouth bass.
- Spend time with the family at Nashville Shores. The waterpark features 20+ attractions and is now open on weekends (daily operations begin Thurs., May 26).
- Swim up an appetite? Grab a bite to eat from Shipwreck Cove or Papa Turney’s.
⛺ Camping and hiking on the islands
- Percy Priest Lake camping opportunities range from primitive tent campsites to full water and electrical hookup campsites. For the more adventurous camper, pitch your tent on one of the islands. Pro tip: Look out for white posts bearing a tent symbol.
- Camping fees range from $14-$24 with a daily visitor fee of $3 per person, per day.
- Ride horseback on the Twin Forks Horse Trail, an 18-mile equestrian and hiking trail with an access point at East Fork Recreation Area.
- Other trails (at the link above) are perfect for hiking, mountain biking + nature watching.
