Summertime. It’s the best time of year, full of cheeseburgers, best friends, and a couple of cold ones. Out here in Tennessee, well, to be more direct, Nashville, we know how to do summer right. At the lake. Here are a couple of the best lakes near Nashville you can look into this summer, whether you’re looking for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle or a bit of time on the water. Although not all lakes are in Nashville proper, they’re all close enough for a day trip!

5. Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake, Tennessee, USA
Brent Moore / Flickr
You're going to have to drives sixty miles east, but Center Hill Lake is most definitely worth the drive. With three gorgeous waterfalls and 415 miles of shoreline, you're going to just keep coming back all summer long because this is one of the best vacation lakes near Nashville.
4. Cheatham Lake
Cheatham Lake, Tennessee, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
Just LOOK at the state of that water - gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. Cheatham Lake is located in Ashland City, and is about twenty miles outside of Nashville proper. This is one of Nashville lakes you won't want to miss.

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3. Old Hickory Lake
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee, USA
Sean Therlot / Flickr
Hiking, fishing, boating or skiing - you ask, they've got it. Hit up Old HIckory for all your favorite water sports this summer it's one of the best lakes near Nashville!
2. J. Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
If you're looking for fun in the sun, at one of the greatest lakes near Nashville, Tennessee, this is the place to go. Perfect for grilling out, camping, or cliff jumping (you didn't hear it from us), Percy Priest is where all the cool kids hang during the summa' time.
1. Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
This is one of the Nashville lakes where you can't boat, but it's a stunning oasis located in the Nashville suburb of Brentwood. This is where you take your thoughts and entertain them for awhile - preferably overlooking the gorgeous lake.

How many of the best lakes near Nashville will YOU visit this summer?

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Best Lakes Near Nashville

Libby Monson | May 09, 2022

Are there any short-and-sweet hikes near a lake in Nashville?

Sometimes you need a nice stroll that is relaxing and it's even better if there is water nearby. Lake Watauga is one of the perfect Nashville lakes that you can easily hike around. The Centennial Park Lake Trail is a short-and-sweet trail that winds around the lake. You'll get to see the ducks and geese that call Lake Watauga home and enjoy the beautifully landscaped scenery of Centennial Park. Take a picnic and enjoy the view of the Parthenon (a replica of the one in Greece).

What is the best fishing lake close to Nashville?

If you love to cast a line and relax as you watch your bobber drifting on the water, head to Marrowbone Lake for an unforgettable fishing retreat. Marrowbone is absolutely one of the best lakes near Nashville to spend the day trying to catch your dinner. You'll enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the lake as the rhythm of the cast starts to melt away your stress. You can rent a boat and stock up on tackle at the lake. You'll come back with a great story about this special place even if the fish aren't biting.

Are there any lakes I can camp at near Nashville?

Is there anything better than camping near a lake? Waking up to the cold crisp air and sipping your coffee while you watch the ripples on the water is the best! Dale Hollow Lake is one of the best vacation lakes near Nashville. This crystal clear lake has both primitive and developed campsites, so you can choose how much you want to rough it. You'll have a great time swimming, boating, and fishing at this spectacular Nashville lake!

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