How much does camping cost at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA?

Camping fees at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA first-come first-served or reservation?

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA before I book?

Yes! WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA?

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA?

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA?

Pets are not allowed at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA?

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA?

Popular activities at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

4.44

18 reviews

Top 20% in TNFall

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,952 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Watauga Point Recrea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,952 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Watauga Point Recrea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Official Website

Get Directions

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(423) 735-1500

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

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Campground Map

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

36.3208, -82.0856

Nearby places

Hampton (5 miles along US 19E/321 from Elizabethton), then 6 miles on US 321/TN 67 to Watauga Point (distances given in driving directions).

Weather at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

Current alerts(6)

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.
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.
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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, calm water for paddling, and dramatic leaf color along the ridges opposite the lake. Expect crisp daytime temperatures around 50–70°F with cool nights in the 35–50°F range at this 1,950 ft elevation; visibility is excellent for views across Watauga Lake and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness. Fishing and boating remain excellent as the crowds thin from summer, and hiking the shaded gravel trail is especially pleasant — weekends are busier, & Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in TN

Described as the best season: peak leaf color, ideal temps and excellent photography conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Watauga Point Recreation Area will open for the 2026 season on 4/6/26. PLEASE NOTE: The bathrooms are CLOSED and WINTERIZED for the season, and will open up on 4/6/26 weather depending.

About WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA

Watauga Point Recreation Area sits at 1,952 feet on the southern shore of Watauga Lake, offering a day-use destination for picnics, paddling, and group gatherings. Visitors find expansive grassy areas, a reservable pavilion with electricity, and direct water access for swimming, fishing, and launching kayaks. The site looks across the lake toward the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness ridges.

Watauga Point Recreation Area is presented as a day-use picnic/recreation area with reservable picnic facilities; the source does not describe campsites, RV sites, cabins, or glamping accommodations. Nearby campgrounds and other Forest Service facilities are located within three miles.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, calm water for paddling, and dramatic leaf color along the ridges opposite the lake. Expect crisp daytime temperatures around 50–70°F with cool nights in the 35–50°F range at this 1,950 ft elevation; visibility is excellent for views across Watauga Lake and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness. Fishing and boating remain excellent as the crowds thin from summer, and hiking the shaded gravel trail is especially pleasant — weekends are busier, & Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation1952 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryWatauga Lake spreads out in front of the recreation area, its 6,400 acres reflecting mountain ridges and sky. The Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area rises across the water, creating dramatic views that shift with the seasons. Fall color along the ridgelines, spring sailboats cutting across blue water. Large shade trees cover sections of the mowed lawn, and a gravel trail leads into surrounding forest. The elevation keeps temperatures cooler than lower-lying Tennessee sites.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

The facility includes a reservable pavilion (six picnic tables, two large grills) and a reservable shady area (five picnic tables, two grills) suitable for group gatherings.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets.

Recommended SitesConfirm which facility (pavilion or shady area) you are reserving before booking. Note that the location is unstaffed and bathrooms are currently winterized/closed.

Need help booking WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Watauga Point Recreation Area is described primarily as a picnic and day-use area with a pavilion that has electricity, a separate shady area, accessible flush toilets, multiple picnic tables, and pedestal/large grills. The pavilion (six picnic tables, two large grills) and the shady area (five picnic tables, two grills) are both reservable; the site is unstaffed and the main office phone is provided.

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Watauga Point supports water-based recreation on Watauga Lake and day-use land recreation. The site offers boating and fishing opportunities from the lakeshore, picnic and sunbathing areas under large shade trees, and a gravel/wooded trail that loops through nearby forest. Forest Service facilities within three miles provide additional recreation (Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, Pond Mountain Shooting Range).

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

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Policies & Safety

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

18 reviews

Recommended

WATAUGA POINT RECREATION AREA is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly love Watauga Point Recreation Area, describing it as exceptionally beautiful, peaceful, and well-suited for picnics, family gatherings, and water activities. Many mention that it’s clean, roomy, and never feels overcrowded, with great lake and mountain views. A few lower-rated reviews focus on occasional issues with restroom and pavilion cleanliness and parking near reserved areas, but overall satisfaction is very high.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenery is the standout highlight: guests praise the “iconic” Watauga Lake and mountain views, calling the area stunning, pristine, and relaxing in all seasons, including fall color and spring/summer...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

The main recurring issue is restroom and pavilion cleanliness and upkeep for reserved events. Several Rec.gov reviewers note bathrooms that “could have been kept cleaner,” lacking toilet paper, and...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many Rec.gov reviews specifically reference the “Watauga Point Recreation Area - Pavilion” or “Shady area,” praising them as perfect spots for picnics, family reunions, weddings, church vespers, and...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest using Watauga Point for picnics, BBQs, family reunions, church gatherings, weddings, and other group events, especially under the pavilion and shaded areas by the lake. It’s...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews mention that the area is enjoyable across seasons: fall is highlighted as especially good for vibrant foliage and photography, spring brings cool breezes and sailboats, and summer is popular...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

“In my humble opinion, Watauga Lake is one of the few iconic landmarks of East Tennessee. If you want to get the best view and experience of Watauga Lake, please PLEASE give Watauga Point some...

Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

One Rec.gov reviewer notes that the pavilion site is wheelchair accessible and appreciates its location next to the restrooms, suggesting that at least that area is suitable for visitors with...

Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several reviewers mention that the area is pet-friendly and a good place for dogs. One explicitly says, “Beautiful location! Pet friendly also!” and others note dogs enjoying the lake and grassy...

Based on 18 reviews

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