outdoor
South Holston Lake
15,000 acres of mountain water adventure
Bluff City, Tennessee
Photo: South Holston Lake via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
- City
- Bluff City
- Cell signal
- weak signal
- Admission
- Free admission
South Holston Lake stretches across the Tennessee-Virginia border with 15,000 acres of deep, clear water surrounded by forested mountains. Renowned for exceptional smallmouth bass and trout fishing (the South Holston River tailwater below the dam is world-class), the lake also draws boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and campers. The Sullivan County shoreline offers multiple access points, marinas, and campgrounds. In autumn, the lake becomes a mirror for the most spectacular foliage display in northeast Tennessee.
Visit Info
daily: Open 24 hours, boat ramps and campgrounds may have specific hours
Public access year-round. Marina and campground hours vary seasonally. TVA manages the reservoir.
South Holston Dam Road, Bluff City, TN 37618
Parking: Multiple public boat ramps and access points with free parking. Some marina lots may charge.
Visitor Tips
- ›The South Holston River tailwater below the dam is world-class trout fishing, hire a local guide
- ›Fall foliage reflected in the lake (mid-October) is a photographer's dream
- ›Water levels fluctuate with TVA generation schedule, check before launching
- ›Kayak the coves for the most peaceful experience
- ›Combine with Holston Heritage Museum in Bluff City for a culture-and-nature day
Stay near this stop
Turn this into an overnight trip.
These places to stay are closest to South Holston Lake. Use them as your base, then add nearby food, trails, and events.
Featured in Routes
What to know before you go
- Access
- Accessibility varies by access point. Major boat ramps have paved surfaces. Some campgrounds have accessible sites. Contact TVA for specific facility details.
- Parking
- Multiple public boat ramps and access points with free parking. Some marina lots may charge.
- Cell signal
- Weak / patchy cell signal — download offline maps before you go
- Tips
- The South Holston River tailwater below the dam is world-class trout fishing, hire a local guide
- Fall foliage reflected in the lake (mid-October) is a photographer's dream
- Water levels fluctuate with TVA generation schedule, check before launching
- Kayak the coves for the most peaceful experience
- Combine with Holston Heritage Museum in Bluff City for a culture-and-nature day
Pair this with
Pair South Holston Lake with South Holston Dam, Cherokee National Forest (Watauga Ranger District), and Observation Knob Park.
Within 6 miles, you can chain these into a half-day without driving back.
Verified by us
Verified 2026-05-21 · next review 2026-08-19