Facility · Tennessee ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Water recreation is abundant in this area, featuring Watauga Lake; the Doe, Elk and Watauga rivers; several streams and seven waterfalls.
Highly developed recreation areas along Watauga Lake provide facilities for fishing, picnicking, swimming and boat launching. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through the area's backcountry. Camp on the lakeshore at Cardens Bluff or in the backcountry along Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove.
36.32096, -81.97887 · 36°19'15.4"N 81°58'43.9"W
Typically 79°F in Jul, down to 42°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 44 | 52 | 62 | 70 | 75 | 79 | 78 | 73 | 64 | 53 | 46 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 33 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 61 | 60 | 54 | 44 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip in | 4.4 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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